The Recently Read posts are not typical book reviews. As a writer, I do not believe I should be reviewing the hard work of other writers. These posts are simply books I have recently read and enjoyed and will share with you. They will not always be crime books as I am trying to widen my reading selection. I hope you enjoy some of these with me.
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness.
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.
My Thoughts;
This was my review on Goodreads – “I absolutely loved this book. It had me in floods of tears by the end. It was brilliantly simple in the telling. Poignant and beautiful. Loved.”
Now I will try to give it more depth, but I’m not sure more words will do this book any more justice.
At a specific time every day, the monster visits Conor. A large tree that sits outside his house. The tree knows his secret and his dreams. The tree knows his life. Conor is still trying to live his life while all the time, having his dreams, keeping his secret and being visited by the monster who just won’t stop.
The dream, secret and honesty will just tear through you as the book climaxes for Conor. The truth is painful and you can’t not feel it with him.
Ness writes with a simple clarity. You are not drawn along with the story, so much as having experienced the story.
This is a YA book, but I’m finding the themes and truths in these books hit the mark so closely they are spellbinding and this is one of those books. I will definitely pick up another book by Ness and if you have a couple of hours to sit and read an honest, yet heartbreaking story, then do think of this one.
Just wonderful.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
I’d seen that book elsewhere and everyone seems to rave about it.
Rebecca Bradley says
It is a really great read.
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – It’s so interesting the number of books identified as YA that are highly regarded by other readers too. Some of those YA books really are superb, and it sounds as though this is one of them.
Rebecca Bradley says
It really is Margot. YA seems to cover some tough subjects as well and they do it so well.
Jacqui Murray says
Thank goodness you did this review. I normally wouldn’t give a book about a monster a second glance but you’ve made it sound fascinating. I’ll go see if Kindle has it.
Rebecca Bradley says
I think the only reason I picked this up was because it was one of the book club choices one month ( A real life book club I attend – when I can) and it got rave reviews. But like yourself, I probably wouldn’t have otherwise.
Mieke Zamora-Mackay says
I’ve had this book on my “To Read” list for a while now. Thanks for the review. Now, I can’t wait to order it.
Rebecca Bradley says
You’ll have to let me know what you think now! 🙂
Joanna (Lazuli Portals Trilogy) says
I’ll have to download a sample now! Thanks for sharing.
Rebecca Bradley says
I hope you enjoy it 🙂