A Monster Calls

by Patrick Ness

Find the book in our library:  A Monster Calls

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Conor awakens one night to find a monster outside his bedroom window, but not the one from the recurring nightmare that began when his mother became ill–an ancient, wild creature that wants him to face truth and loss.

The Discussion

BEST:  amazing illustrations, layers of darkness, folklore storytelling, and the uncertainty of sanity

WORST: One teen felt the language was too simplistic and therefore should have been marketed to middle schoolers

Rating:  4.5 STARS

 

Comments:

“A Monster Calls questions the various shades of pain and guilt, the real and the imagined.  A beautiful, magical, and wonderfully sad book.” –Jane

“I was intrigued by the illustrations and the folklore feeling of A Monster Calls.  The personification of the boy’s feelings and actions are very well done.  It’s a story to be shared.” –Kate

“Ness masterfully weaves a story which reminds us of our own demons and fears.  A heartbreaking tale.” –Alfonso

Giveaways

Copies of Patrick Ness’ The Knife of Never Letting Go and a hand painted A Monster Calls book box

Teen volunteer Mariah D. hand painted this incredible "A Monster Calls" book box, which was raffled out at our A Monster Calls discussion on June 26 at Central.
Teen volunteer Mariah D. hand painted this incredible “A Monster Calls” book box, which was raffled out at our A Monster Calls discussion on June 26 at Central.