A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, Reviewed by Samson, 12

My fingers rub against the bottom corner of the book, waiting to turn the page. I reach the last word and turn it frantically. “What’s going to happen?” I cry out. “Is Connor okay?” After the page has been turned my eyes land back on the words without a moment’s hesitation. I am so wrapped up in the book that when Mom comes into my room I jump. “What the-” She puts her hand on my shoulder gently. “Time for bed, sweetie.” I groan but get ready for bed.

Lying in bed, I wonder what could happen to Connor. I glance up at the clock. 11:00. “If I were to turn on the light...” I mutter quietly. “And read A Monster Calls, would I get in trouble?” Shrugging, I turn on the light and grab my book. “Worth the risk.” The story of Connor wraps me into it immediately. It twists and turns without ever feeling like the author just wanted to mix it up a bit. You could never know what was going to happen next in the intricate web of the story. It was amazing.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! I look up, surprised, my alarm is going off like crazy. I rub my eyes. I had been up from 11:00 to 1:00 a.m. just reading A Monster Calls. I let out a quiet laugh and get ready for school.

Sitting in front of the door, I take out my book yet again. I’m ready for school, but there’s still at least half an hour until everyone else is ready. The second I open the book, I am in Connor’s world. I can see the monster standing in front of me, and I feel Connor’s fear. Or the lack of it. I feel the hard cement under my body as Harry pushes Connor down the steps. I can taste the blood in my mouth that Patrick Ness describes. I can feel what it feels like without it getting too gory, and I am glad we don’t have bullies at my school. Instead of thinking poor Connor, I think OW! This hurts. Oh no! Grandma! It is as if Connor is me and I am Connor.

I finish the last page and let out a cry. “NOOOO!” I scream, devastated. “NOOO! It can’t be over!” But it is. I shake my head and reach for another book, but I don’t know yet that I will turn to this book many times.

As of now, I have read it at least three times, and I listen to the audiobook every time I have nothing to do. Folding laundry - put on A Monster Calls. Waiting for inspiration to strike? Put on A Monster Calls. Have nothing to do and are just staring at the walls in your room? Put on A Monster Calls. It is the best book I have ever read and I love it so much. It covers some heavy concepts such as when Connor’s mom is really sick, but I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.