Review of A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Summary

Conor has the same nightmare every night. It’s the same nightmare he’s had since his mother was first diagnosed with cancer and started her treatments. But one night, his dream is more than just something he can wake from. There’s a visitor at his window, determined to extract the truth from Conor. An ancient force of nature. A monster, who tells Conor three stories. Each one brings Conor closer to recognizing the truth he’s hidden and freeing it. Despite his worst fears.

Review

If you’re looking for a quick recommendation, yes, I would definitely recommend this book!

This is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read. I had no idea the impact this book could have, but it will leave you with the biggest book hangover. But that’s a good thing! Of course, it isn’t exactly bright and cheery, but it’s still hopeful and healing. Like Conor, I was both terrified and intrigued by the monster. It’s described as a moving yew tree, much like the ones you see in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

Traditionally, yew trees are used for healing purposes. And in this book, the giant yew tree is what drives Conor’s healing. I think it closely resembles the truth that Conor has to admit at the end of the book. His truth is frightening to stare in the face, and its appearance makes it seems larger than life. But once he admits the truth, it’s a great relief, and his healing process can begin.

If you decide to purchase this book, be sure to get the illustrated version. The pictures add to the reading experience, as I strongly believe the illustrator took the story to heart and really poured themselves into the project. I saw the movie adaptation of this book when it was first released. I believe they did a wonderful job turning the book into a movie. My husband and I saw it in theaters and he likes to joke that we paid $20 to sit there and cry for two hours straight. Which is actually pretty accurate.

It’s easy to tell from the summary that it’ll be a sad story, but it has more depth to it than just despair. Because at the bottom of Conor’s despair, there’s healing in the form of a walking, talking monster that appears to him in the form of a yew tree outside his bedroom window at night. It’s also a short book at around 237 pages in the un-illustrated version. (But trust me, you’ll want to get the illustrated version!)

Overall, I would recommend this to a busy mom. Just not a busy mom who might be going through a tough time. I don’t think we need sad books to read when we’re already feeling sad. But if that’s your thing, go for it! You won’t be disappointed by the book or the movie! Have you read this book before? Are you interested in reading this book? Leave your thoughts in a comment below!

Rating

Five out of five stars

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If you enjoyed my review of A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, you might also like The Knife of Never Letting Go, also by Patrick Ness. Check out my review!

If you’re interested in purchasing A Monster Calls, here are some quick links to buy the book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. And, if you’re interested to see what others think, here’s the link to the book on Goodreads.