A Monster Calls is a book which is truly beautiful. It deals with pain, anger, loss, and how hard it can be to learn to let go. Ness does a fantastic job taking what awesomness Dowd had created and making it a fantastic book for all ages. Well, not all ages. Dont let the beautiful and stunning pictures scattered throughout this book fool you; this is not a picture book for kids. It takes a certain amount of depth for someone to really grasp what meaning this book holds, and to appreciate it. Conor is a young teenager who is haunted by a dream - a nightmare - that scares him every night when he goes to sleep. One day, at 12:07 in the morning, he is waken from his nightmare only to find a monster - but Conor isnt scared, because its not the one from his horrible, terrible nightmare he keeps having. Only what Conor doesnt realize is that this monster is far more scary, for it comes to Conor for one thing, and one thing only. The truth. He must come face to face with his bullies that torment him and his mom's illness through 3 tales the monster shares with him. Only then can Conor learn to face his inner demons before moving on with his life and letting go. If you're looking for a deep, dark, stunning book, this is it. Conor goes through so many emotions and experences that scar him, and readers cant help but feel connected to him. The ending will leave you in tears but you'll be captivated and inspired and completely intregued. Ness hooks you right from the start and creates a marvelous adventure. Of course, credit has to be given to Dowd, who came up with the idea and concept but sadly past away before setting the ideas into motion. Thats where Ness comes in. Together, they make the ultimate book which is moving, heartbreaking, heartwarming, stunning, and remarkable. You're taken on an emotional rollar coaster, one that has you horrified yet so, so mesmerised. Its one that you will not want to stop. A Monster Calls is deep and real, and contains true meaning. There are some serious life-lessons within this book, and it can most definiely be life changing! No, its not fun, not at all, so i wouldnt exactly recommend it as a light, summer read, this is a dark book, one that will tear at your heart, but it is definitely worth it. It contains real beauty and is so, so true to life. Many people can learn from this book, and the stories that the monster tells Conor are so freaking awesome. They each have meaning, have truth, and dont just help Conor, but anyone. These two fantastic authors put a unique and creative twist on a fairly simple story. Though its not simple, is it? No, its not. Not at all. (just read the book. Thats all there is left to do.) Is it possible to fall in love with a book? If so, this is it! How can you not love a book so powerful and impacting!! What can I say? Its horrible and awful and depressing, yet its amazing and beautiful and uplifting. Is that even possible, you ask? Yes. Yes it is, you want proof, this is it. I dont know how an author can put so much emotion and depth into a book, but Ness and Dowd have done it! Together they have made a true masterpiece, one that will leave you thinging about it long after you turn the last page.

Who was the one who said she will never cry while reading a book but totally did while reading a Patrick Ness' book? That's right. This girl. Never have I read a more moving story than this one. This book is more than just a young adult book. It's a book that will teach everyone something about love and life. It will teach you how to deal with your inner monster and how to heal when seemingly the worst thing has just happened. This book is truly magical. I'm so proud to say that I am a MEGA Patrick Ness' fan. Every word he writes carries an extraordinary glow with it. I can't stress enough for everyone to pick this book up and spend an afternoon with it. You will not regret it.

Reason for Reading: I was simply drawn to the plot and the cover. A 13-year-old boy is dealing with the terminal illness of his single mother. He has nightmares almost every night, is a loner at school, is bullied by one boy in particular and one night begin the visitations of a monster at 12:07. The story deals with the normal emotions of a child dealing with the imminent death of a parent: grief, anger, etc. and the mystical world of the nightmares and the monster symbolize things the boy can't verbalize or rationalize himself otherwise. This is a dark story but with a redeeming ending. Don't let the fact that it is an illustrated book fool you into thinking the book is suitable for young children. It is definitely a YA title, dealing with some tough emotions, dark situations, frightening scenes and emotionally draining. I lost my mother to terminal illness at age 24 and the deathbed scene brought tears to my eyes. A powerful, haunting and gut-wrenching story. The book is profusely illustrated in a very dark manner. With what appears to be black ink throughout, some illustrations are mostly dark texturized blackness with no focal image while others are quite outstanding haunting images featuring the monster. On their own I'm not sure I would appreciate them but they are a perfect match for the story being told. This is a book I wouldn't be surprised to see on award lists.

Both creepifying and moving.