Book Review: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Title: A Monster Calls

Author: Patrick Ness

Publisher: Walker Books

Publication date: September 27, 2011

Genre: Fantasy, Children's Lit

Book Blurb: (via Goodreads)

The monster showed up after midnight. As they do.

But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting. He's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the one he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming...

This monster is something different, though. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor.

It wants the truth. 

“There is not always a good guy. Nor is there always a bad one. Most people are somewhere in between.” 

Review:

Connor is a thirteen-year-old boy.

His mother is fighting a losing battle to cancer.
And then there are monsters haunting him at nights.
There are days when you don't know if real life is terrifying or your nightmares. Connor's days were like these. I could feel everything he felt. How he didn't want to be pitied. His stored in anger. His helplessness. 

I could completely understand Connor's grandma's reaction. And his mother's.

The portrayal of emotions is so raw and real. And in such simple language. I was left amazed and in awe. Sometimes, you don't need fancy words. Sometimes heartfelt writing is all it takes to move readers.
Definitely, a must-read.

“Stories are wild creatures, the monster said. When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?” 

Review Musings:

Sometimes you know how the book is going to end.
Sometimes you know what's the point of it all.
But then when the end does come, even though you knew, even though you were prepared, you tear up.
Your heart hurts and life seems unfair and all the feels hit home.
Some stories are worth feeling for, crying for and this is one of those. 

Because some storytellers know how it's done.
Patrick Ness, I need more of you!

Book OTP: Tissues. This book's one true pair are tissues.

Pro-tip: If you're planning to buy this book, look for the illustrated edition. It's all sorts of gorgeous and has been illustrated by the celebrated "Jim Kay" (Yes, the guy who illustrated the Harry Potter book!)

“Your mind will believe comforting lies while also knowing the painful truths that make those lies necessary. And your mind will punish you for believing both.”