A review by aebaranello
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

emotional fast-paced

5.0

First of all, if you're going to read this book, get a copy with the illustrations. It's so much more moving with them. 

I don't normally enjoy sad books, but this is the only exception. Connor is a 7th grade boy with a mom who is dying. He's struggling with it all - his anger at the situation and at the world, the impending grief, acceptance, being honest with himself. A monster comes to guide him through the journey, but not in the ways Connor expects. This book is technically a middle grade novel, but the writing is not immature by any means. The content is handled delicately and with sensitivity, but also with a sort of firmness that forces the audience to acknowledge whats going on. There's not a single person out there who couldn't find a piece of themselves in this novel. Simply written but so effective.