Tuesday, April 24, 2012

A MONSTER CALLS

Author: Patrick Ness
Genre: YA Fiction, Standalone
Published:  2011
Personal Rating:  2/5 (not enjoyable) 
Format: Audiobook
Yearly Count:  38


While his mother goes through cancer treatments, Conor receives nightly visits from a monster.

Ummm.  The only positive comment I honestly can make about this book is that it was unique, and I was originally intrigued.  Ultimately though, the book was depressing and explored many topics with a dark filter, and I most certainly would not recommend it for children.  Knowing the actual plot line beforehand would have saved me, because I would not have picked it up had I known.  Also, I didn't connect the author with another book I didn't like until I sat down to write this.  Obviously he's just not for me, but others love and rave about his writing.  

8 comments:

  1. Sorry this didn't work for you. I liked it a lot. I wouldn't recommend it to young children but I would to teens.

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    1. Bermudaonion ~ You are definitely in the majority!

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  2. I've been really torn about this one. I didn't like TNoNLG and so haven't continued in the series but this one seems a bit different and I have heard such raves about it. Honestly I'm not sure I understand all of the hype for this author.

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    1. Trish ~ This one is nothing like the other book we both have read. There's no swearing or crazy action, but there is intrigue. You may feel differently about this one. It's very short, so it won't take up a lot of time. I just did not see the value in it at all. I don't care for a lot of the literary tools he used, but can understand how others would . . . I guess. I think I'm the only one in the world that didnt like it. Oh well.

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  3. I was one who liked this too and made note that it was def. a YA book, not for little kids. But as I read and reviewed it I figured it would be a book just not suited to a wide audience.

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    Replies
    1. Nicola ~ I'm glad you liked it and wish I did. I've gotta give it props for its creative side though. :)

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  4. this was a Junior Library Guild pick and part of my subscription with the company. I don't pick high school level books so I'm curious to read this one because you state not for kids, yet it's marketed for the middle school group!

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    1. Staci ~ Ohhh, I imagine you'll like it, just like everybody else. I don't appreciate what this author was trying to accomplish and would not put this in middle schooler's hands. I'm not saying they couldn't handle it, I'm saying I would not give it to them. It's unique and can be a good conversation starter, etc., but I believe there are other ways to address the topics.

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