Patrick Ness is one of my favourite YA authors and, with this illustrated edition of A Monster Calls, he’s the first author of young adult fiction to be read by my reading group. For the last year, the group’s been hesitant to read young adult fiction, but I had faith this book would sway some of them, but I never suspected it would be a hit with everyone! It’s the first book of 2014 we’ve all considered brilliant. The group finally agree the young adult genre can have a lot to offer – in terms of subject matter, writing style and compelling characters.
A Monster Calls is based on a premise left by author Siobhan Dowd before her untimely death. The main character, Conor, is remarkably calm when he faces down a monster that crashes through his bedroom walls a little after midnight and returns regularly. Conor tells the monster he’s seen worse, and every time the monster visits the stories it tells – and the emotions Conor feels -become darker. The monster’s visits parallel Conor’s real life as it begins to spiral out of control, blending nightmare and reality so close together it’s difficult to separate one from the other.
Jim Kay’s illustrations enhance the story with layered pen-and-ink artwork which wraps around the text to cradle the words in quieter moments; in more dramatic moments, the images nearly leap off the page in nightmarish intensity. A Monster Calls delves into the human condition and is ultimately an exploration of fear and loss (and love and acceptance).
Publisher: Walker Books Ltd
Published: 05 May 2011
Format: Paperback 216 pages
General ISBN 13: 9781406334906 ISBN 10: 1406334901
katjaweinert.com 
This has been on my TBR list for forever, but seeing how much you and your reading group enjoyed it, I’m going to have to bump it up. Thanks so much for reminding me about it, Katja! 🙂
You’re welcome, hope you enjoy it as much as we did Lee.
hi katja!! I came across this blog thru a wordpress suggestion. I am running the Book Blog awards this year and wanted to let you know nominations have been extended and are now open until october 12th. There are 13 awards up for grabs. You may nominate your own blog or ask your readers to nominate you. Readers vote on November 15th.
Please leave a comment on my blog or tweet me @emancipatedmimi to get the badge to add to your site. You may use it to encourage your readers to vote for your blog on Nov 15th. The awards are intended to be fun and exciting, and get your blog some exposure as well. Hope you will join =) I’m usually on twitter so tweet me anytime with questions or comments =)
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Wow! This one sounds like a blend of literary and horror, and that’s so hard to do. It sounds like Ness did it well. Thanks!