Book Discussion – A Monster Calls

Author: Patrick Ness

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 240

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Synopsis

Conor’s mother has cancer, his father left them to build a new family in America, and he’s bullied at school. What could possibly be worse? Oh, a monster starts visiting him at night.

Open up, the monster said, its voice as clear as if the window wasn’t between them. I want to talk to you.

‘Yeah, sure,’ Conor said, keeping his voice low. ‘Because that’s what monsters always want. To talk.’

–A Monster Calls, Patrick Ness

My Thoughts

This beautiful novel made me cry—and I love when a book makes me cry. It was such a touching story, and such a strong young main character. The first chapter hooked me completely. I couldn’t wait to know what the monster wanted from Conor, and the purpose of his visits really surprised me—in a good way. (To tell three stories, and make Conor tell him one.)

Stories are important, the monster said. They can be more important than anything. If they carry the truth.

–A Monster Calls, Patrick Ness

I think it was a brilliant way to structure the novel. That way we had a general idea of what to expect, but we were still curious about what those stories would be about—especially Conor’s.

The whole thing was such a beautiful way to approach very difficult subjects like cancer, and grief. And I loved the relationship between Conor and his grandmother.

Belief is half of all healing.

–A Monster Calls, Patrick Ness

Note: I didn’t even know until I finished the book, but this novel is based on the idea of Siobhan Dowd, who died from cancer. It’s a difficult challenge to undertake, but Patrick Ness did a wonderful work.

That’s it for me! What did you guys think?

Did you believe the monster would heal Conor’s mom? (I kinda hoped.)

Do you have a favourite scene? (Mine’s the fight at school.)

Would you give it 5 stars? (I sure do!)