The monster showed up just after midnight. As they do.
Ok. This is a YA book. You hear that it will make you cry. You start to read. You know what is going to happen from page one. You think, WOW! Brilliant illustrations but you get somewhat nervous that the story will be too juvenile; possibly contrived. You keep reading.
You get to know Connor. He is a boy with a recurring nightmare. You meet The Monster. He is not part of the nightmare– the nightmare is much worse. The Monster will tell three stories. Then Connor must tell his own story and it HAS to be the truth. Sounds odd.
Connor has a bully at school– a total sociopath. His only friend tries to help. He won’t have it. He isolates his friend. The teachers just look at him, with that look in their eyes. The Monster visits and tells the first story. Confusing.
He has to stay at Grandma’s house now. It is too neat in there. His dad comes to visit. He keeps calling him “sport” or “champ”. He sounds like an American movie. There is a lot of anger. The Monster visits again with the second story. Frustrating.
Connor turns invisible. There is a major altercation with the bully. So much damage. It must have been The Monster. There is no punishment. How could there be?
They are in the nightmare. The Monster’s last story is told. It is time for Connor’s truth. It is hard to hear but it has to come out. And when it does you find yourself WEEPING!
Brilliantly crafted! Heartbreakingly wonderful! Finished it in one sitting.
READ. THIS. BOOK!
I love the way you summarized this book. I’ve seen it, thought it beautiful. Will have to add it to my wish list now!
I really didn’t think it would affect me the way it did! Beautiful book! well worth the read!!
That was FAST lady!! But all I’ve heard is that this book will make you weep like you’ve never done before. I didn’t read too much of your review here Jackie, I need to read it myself! :-)
i tried to be vague so as not to ruin it– yes! you need to experience it for yourself! WEEP-ING!
ps– not for public reading– as Aaron said!! ;)
I’m thinking that someone should have photographed Aaron crying on the commuter train and posted it for all the world to see in that “Seen Reading/Hot Guys Read” or whatever that is! hahahaha.
[…] don’t have much more to add to Jackie’s review of A Monster Calls at all. Actually, I don’t even think I can see the computer screen. […]
you mean it’s not one to read in the arena like Sarah’s Key? I still remember your texts cursing me! lol. I will definitely have to read this – very intrigued now.
OMG T I totally forgot about that!!! yes– not a book to be read when you are anywhere public!! ;)