Book: A Monster Calls by Patrick NessGenre: YA
Rating:★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
For: Fun
From: library ebook
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, only that so many of you raved about it and that it was emotionally intense. I wasn't sure if the title should make me think it could be considered for a RIP read, but now I must say after reading it.. .no.. it's not THAT kind of book, or that kind of monster. And I'm still not quite sure how to categorize it.
That being said, I can tell you that it's about a young boy dealing with his mother's sickness. Basically, he is holding on to her and he needs to let her go. The imagery and the symbolism portrayed by the monster that he "calls" is terrifyingly real and for anyone who's been through such an experience, I'm sure it's heart wrenching and spot on.
And there's really not much more to say about it! It is, as I mentioned above, very emotionally intense. I wouldn't read it for awhile if you are feeling at all unstable!
Bottom line: Despite this intensity, I really enjoyed it. The writing is amazing. Oh, and I forgot! The pictures! Also amazing.
Other Reviews:
(I'm going to try the blurb thing! Let me know what you think.)
I have no doubt that by the time you finish reading A Monster Calls that you will find yourself in a puddle of tears and grateful for having read such a brilliant piece of literature. From There's a Book
It's a book that tells a story on multiple levels and is emotionally affecting and universally true. From My Friend Amy
It makes me gladder than I can say to know that a book like this is out there in the world, within reach of those who might need a monster just as much as Connor did. From Things Mean A Lot
Absolutely you must read this beautiful book. From Book Addiction
Excellent review of the hardest book review I've ever written! (Seriously, words just cannot describe this book - and then try to avoid spoilers? And it's nearly impossible!)
ReplyDeleteNow I need to find my copy (still packed from moving AGES ago) and re-read!!
-Jac @ For Love and Books
Jac: Yes, there's not a whole lot to say except.. read it!
Deletegoing to read this one soon, thanks for your wonderful commentary--I shall brace myself accordingly.
ReplyDeleteI like your adding blurbs to the links!
~L (omphaloskepsis)
L: My commentary is wonderful? It feels so lacking!
DeleteLove the blurbs. This is one I'll get to eventually but I don't think I'm stable enough to handle it right now. ;)
ReplyDeleteJenny: The blurbs weren't hard at all this go around, so I'll keep trying for now. Yes, read this book later then, it will be too much if you are feeling low.
DeleteWe just discussed this recently in my book club so if you are interested in reading others thoughts go here: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_folder/133909?group_id=3551
ReplyDeleteI want to mention that I see you read the ebook... so I thought I would point out to you that you might want to check out the actual book from the library. Turns out the ebook doesn't even have HALF as many pictures as the real book. Which is really a shame. :(
Angie
Angie: I will hopefully take time to read your book club thoughts soon! I will for sure have to take a look at the "real" book... I thought my pictures in the ebook were awesome so I'm surprised that they might not all be in there! Interesting indeed.
DeleteThe blurbs are cool --- if you have the time to search them out, otherwise don't worry about them.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...am I stable enough to read this book? Thinking that I am not right now,,,shall take a pass on this one....intense I do not really need at the moment. This is good to know about the book. ;)
Ibeeeg: I hope you can get to it sometime though... you would like it I think. Glad you enjoyed the blurbs... they were easy this time, we'll see how it goes. :)
DeleteI really want to get to this one of these days!
ReplyDelete