A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is such a book.
Though I don't usually post reviews, I wanted to share my enthusiasm for Monster, especially since I haven't seen many reviews of this book around the blogosphere. Trust me...this is a gem of a novel. One that I will buy in hardcover and be proud to add to my collection of favorites.
A Monster Calls is the extraordinary tale of Conor, a 13-year-old boy, dealing with a painful truth, as he tries to handle living with his mother who is undergoing cancer treatment. Now wait a minute. If you're thinking, "Yeah. This is not my kind of book. It will be too sad and depressing," may I suggest that you give this book a chance (and trust me, you'll only need the first chapter). Not only did I fall in love with Conor, but I was fascinated by the monster "that comes walking" to visit him.
Okay, that's all I'm going to give away about the story line. But let me share one more thought. Most of you have probably read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (and if you haven't, why not? this is one of the most amazing books ever written...ahem, but I digress. sorry for the opiniated aside) and most you remember how you felt when you finished that novel. When I first heard that The Book Thief was about a girl living in Nazi Germany who steals books, I put off reading it because I thought it would be too depressing and not really my kind of book (whatever "my kind of book" actually means). After many recommendations, I finally borrowed it from the library, became completely immersed in Liesel's story, smiled and cried as I read it, hugged it tightly to my chest when I finished, and declared it one of my all time favorite books.
A Monster Calls is a very different story, but it had the same effect on me. In my humble opinion, every word is perfect, every illustration is perfect. Words that come to mind are powerful, haunting, and yes, sad.
But every word, every tear is worth it. Read it. You won't be sorry.
I loved this novel. It didn't exactly go where I thought it would, but it was definitely a great read. I think I gave it five stars on Goodreads.
ReplyDeleteA book has to be exceptional for me to give it 5 stars, and I did. In fact, I rarely comment on my Goodreads star ratings, but this time...
Delete"If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would in an instant. There are very few books I've read that I consider perfect. This is one. Every word, every illustration."
I enjoyed this book review because you identified the EXACT reason I'm afraid to read it. I loved The Book Thief but held out on reading it for the same reason you listed. I thought it would be so depressing that I waited. But wow, when I finished? It changed my world. So I'm still on the fence about A Monster.
ReplyDeleteI'll get there. Eventually.
Can I (gently) pull you off the fence to my side, TL? Seriously though, I can understand why you'd hesitate because of the subject matter. I'll just say this, the novel doesn't focus totally on cancer, but it's near impossible to describe without giving too much away. In some ways it's a simple story, in other ways, profound. I hope you'll give it a try.
DeleteI've heard of this book but I haven't read it. I love it when a book compels you to write a review!
ReplyDeleteMe too, Talli!
DeleteHi Susie, Thanks for following my blog and for your comment on Matt's site!
ReplyDeleteI love the purple coneflower.
I love my echinaceas in the summer! Thanks for stopping by and following. I'm look forward to your critique on Matt's blog tomorrow.
DeleteReviews like this are what makes me pick up books outside my comfort zone. I'll look out for this one.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah. I think you'll really enjoy it.
DeleteI actually love sad books when I really fall for the characters. Ahhh. This one sounds great! Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, Amy. I loved Conor right from the beginning, and the monster...he is wonderfully wild and wise.
DeleteWow, that trailer is trippy. Seriously gave me the chills.
ReplyDeleteJust read it - it's shortlisted for the Carnegie Prize over here. Not only is the story true, but the illustrations add to it marvelously. Thanks for all your recommendations, Pleshette! Kneazly
ReplyDeleteKneazly! I meant to stop by our hangout to recommend this to you but haven't had a minute to spare lately. Wasn't it great? Hugs and happy thoughts to you!
DeleteIda B. was also about a child whose mom had cancer. I loved it. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteHow do you think cancer is portrayed in A Monster Calls, besides the details about the treatment and how his mother is sick.
ReplyDelete