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Erica Robyn Reads

a horror book review blog

[Book Review] A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

August 5, 2017      Erica Robyn      18 Comments

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness cover image

I recently received the A Monster Calls DVD in the mail from Netflix. Before I watched, I wanted to make sure to give this book a reread as the first time I read this was over a year ago. While I still remembered most of the book, the refresher was still nice.

So let’s dive in!

My Thoughts on A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

This book is such an important read. When I first read it, I said that it’s a story that will stay with me for a long time. That was most definitely the case.

This story is heart-wrenching, it’s beautiful, and it’s extremely captivating. I love how the book is designed and laid out. The text itself is organized in a lovely way that really works with the artwork.

A Monster Calls first page

The artwork was also absolutely stunning. I loved that the artist used different techniques to create the dark images that complimented the storyline perfectly. Just check out the fingerprints used on the  below:

A Monster Calls fingerprint art

Seriously, how amazing is this artwork?!

A Monster Calls artwork

My Favorite Passages from A Monster Calls

“The monster showed up just after midnight. As they do.”


“Stories are wild creatures…when you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?”

“There is not always a good guy. Nor is there always a bad one. Most people are somewhere in between.”

“You do not write your life with words…You write it with actions. What you think is not important. It is only important what you do.”

My Final Thoughts on A Monster Calls

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! Five stars! Just make sure you have tissues ready! Even on my second read, I found myself getting very emotional.


Snag a copy through Bookshop to help support local indie bookshops:

Thanks for reading!
What is your favorite book with illustrations?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jennifer | Book Den says

    August 5, 2017 at 1:24 pm

    This is one of my all time favorite books. I first read it as a digital copy from the publisher, but as soon as I finished I had to order a print copy and read it all over again. I still haven't seen the movie. I'm scared to watch it!

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      August 5, 2017 at 3:03 pm

      That's awesome!! I HIGHLY recommend the movie but I totally understand your hesitation. I thought the film was THE BEST adaptation that I have ever seen!

      I'll have a spoiler filled review about it going up tomorrow 🙂 Though I wouldn't recommend reading it until you've seen the film.

      Reply
  2. Literary Feline says

    August 5, 2017 at 3:43 pm

    I still haven't read this one (I'm not even sure I own a copy), but it's definitely one I would like to read. I love the quotes you shared, Erica. I hope to see the movie once I read the book.

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      August 5, 2017 at 5:04 pm

      I hope you enjoy it once you can pick it up! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  3. Lauren Stoolfire says

    August 5, 2017 at 5:08 pm

    It's a marvelous read isn't it. I hope you enjoy the adaptation! 🙂

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      August 5, 2017 at 5:23 pm

      Thank you!! I'll have a post about the film going up tomorrow! It was SO incredible!!

      Reply
  4. Elise L says

    August 5, 2017 at 11:59 pm

    The artwork in this novel is really why I originally picked it up! Both the book and the movie are amazing and the movie actually got my friend to read the book! We later gave ANOTHER friend the book who also read and loved it! Such a great novel, I hope you enjoy the movie too!

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      August 6, 2017 at 2:59 am

      Ah! That's awesome! I love when you can get other hooked on a great book! I'll have my spoiler filled review about the movie up tomorrow! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Faith Young says

    August 6, 2017 at 12:01 am

    I've been meaning to read this one for quite a while now so I'm glad to hear that it's a fantastic read! Great review <3

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      August 6, 2017 at 2:58 am

      Thank you! I hope you love it as much as I do when you get the chance to pick it up! 🙂

      Reply
  6. brooklynsippingacupoftea says

    August 6, 2017 at 3:58 am

    I'm very much looking forward to this. I don't think I've heard a bad thing so far. Nice review!

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      August 6, 2017 at 4:26 am

      Thank you! 🙂 I hope you love the book!!

      Reply
  7. Uma Shankari says

    August 6, 2017 at 5:21 am

    I love this book so much and now I so want the illustrated edition!! Another illustrated book i love is The Book Thief 🙂 Both books thought it was totally okay to rip out my heart and stomp on it 😛 Great review Erica 🙂

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      August 6, 2017 at 2:27 pm

      😀

      Reply
  8. Barb says

    August 6, 2017 at 6:14 pm

    I own this one but never read it. I've glanced at the artwork and it is awesome. So many people love this that it's really a shame I've put it off.

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      August 6, 2017 at 7:28 pm

      I hope you love it when you give it a read!! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Katiria Rodriguez says

    August 9, 2017 at 10:51 pm

    I really need too check out this book soon, because I so want too watch the movie as well. But I have been hearing amazing things on both the book and movie that has intrigued me so much. Thank you for the great review and post Erica.

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      August 9, 2017 at 11:01 pm

      I hope you absolutely love both!! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

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Erica Robyn of Erica Robyn Reads
I run on hot tea, good books, and loud music. She/Her.
 

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