A Monster Calls: Inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd

Patrick Ness · Siobhan Dowd

Aug 2013 · Candlewick Press

About this eBook

NOW A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! An unflinching, darkly funny, and deeply moving story of a boy, his seriously ill mother, and an unexpected monstrous visitor.

At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting-- he’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It’s ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth. From the final idea of award-winning author Siobhan Dowd-- whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself-- Patrick Ness has spun a haunting and darkly funny novel of mischief, loss, and monsters both real and imagined.

Ratings and reviews

Despite being an adult in my mid-thirties now, I still LOVE to pick up children's books, young adult, etc. I first heard of the book just by visiting my library last summer and I was caught by the title, places the book on hold and couldn't wait for my turn to pick up a copy. Once I finally got home with it, I instantly began flipping through the pages and saw how gorgeous of a book it truly is. The glossy pages and how they stuck together from stick being a newer copy, the smell. Of the book was just a book lover's dream candle, and then the artwork was just stunning. I felt a little silly at first feeling like I'm reading a children's picture type book, but it took my by surprise and it was an amazing tale describing the UPS and downs in the stages of grief one must experience to fully understand, and accept the reality of the situation. I must admit I purposely did not return this book on time to the library because I wasn't ready to part with my copy of it because of it's beauty.

I'm glad I came across this book on the Play Store (considering I only had a dollar left). It holds a touching story, and is filled with plenty of emotions and scenarios that some of us can relate to; facing reality. A beautifully written story, and overall a great read. ( ╹▽╹ )

But also very sad. All the tales made sense once you know the truth. Our mind's go a million different ways but the action is only taken by one that you can choose to do.

About the author

Patrick Ness is the author of the critically acclaimed and best-selling Chaos Walking trilogy, as well as the Carnegie Medal–winning A Monster Calls, inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd. Among the numerous awards he has received are the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Booktrust Teenage Prize, and the Costa Children’s Book Award. Born in Virginia, he lives in London.