A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

ISBN-13: 9781406311525

Publisher: Walker & Company
Published: May 2011

Format: Hardcover, 214pp

Source: Personal Library

I picked up Patrick Ness' A Monster Calls for Carl's R.I.P. VI Reading Challenge, thinking that the title and its cover are appropriate of the challenge's theme; and while they seemed to fit the theme, let me tell you that the story was mind-blowing and a tear-jerker as well.

Connor O'Malley, a thirteen-year-old boy, has always been the target of bullies in school. Back at home, things aren't as easy as he has to deal with the harsh fact that his mother has cancer but the worst of all is the recurring nightmare which has been tormenting him almost every night.

One night, he awoke hearing someone calling out his name and it turns out to be a human-like yew tree who walks and talks. This yew tree has been growing at the back of his house but Connor didn't take notice of it until now. The monster told him that he is ancient and has walked about the earth for some time. He also told Connor that he has three tales to share but he would want Connor to tell him the fourth tale after he has finished and that he wants the truth from his story.

At a glance, A Monster Calls may seem like an ordinary horror story but don't let that mislead you or stop you from reading it as I felt there is nothing horrible or scary about this story but more of an emotional journey of a boy who overcomes his guilt and loneliness, and learning about letting go.

(Image Credit)

When I first started this book, I was intrigued by the tone and Patrick Ness' amazing storytelling skill. However, the more I flipped through those pages that feeling of waiting for the story to unfold has slowly turned to a heartbreaking feeling for it reminds me the time when my mother was diagnosed with cancer and how we have to learn to cope and to accept the sad truth (she passed away in 2006).

That said, this story isn't about depression and feeling sorry for Connor. On the contrary, it is a spirit lifting story that is bound to make you think hard about life and all. What I liked about this story is it isn't told in a preaching tone and that there are also some great illustrations done by Jim Kay and they absolutely add life to this emotional-filled story.

I have a lot more good things to say about this book but as they always say, it is always best to experience that wonderful reading journey yourself so what can I say. . . Go read this book, now!

Teaser Tuesdays

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

• Grab your current read.
• Let the book fall open to a random page.
• Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page.
• You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
• Please avoid spoilers!

I do not often come walking, boy, the monster said, only for matters of life and death. I expect to be listened to.

(Pg 45, A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness)

R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril VI

Well my reading progress may be slow lately, but nothing could stop me from participating in R. I. P. VI Challenge - one of the most popular and most anticipated reading challenge around the blogosphere, hosted by the talented Carl.



This is my third year participating and I am very glad to say that this reading challenge not only allows me to expand my reading horizons but also gives me the opportunity to get to know fellow bookbloggers who are new to me, as well as to see what everyone is reading and to hear their opinions.



As much as I want to read as many books as I can for the challenge, I decided to go with Peril the Third (i.e. to read one book and you may choose from any of these themes: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Dark Fantasy, Gothic, Horror or Supernatural. ). I finally decided on reading A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness after picking out a few books and putting them back onto the shelves. It is so hard to choose just one isn't it. So, I have read lots of glowing reviews on this book so I thought this is it!



R.I.P. VI officially runs from September 1st through October 31st but Carl said we can break the rules and start reading our books now!



Are you participating? If not, what are you waiting for? And for those who are participating, I'd love to hear from you the books you are reading for this challenge.