DNF
Couldn't get into it.

This is a beautiful melancholic young adult novel that deals with tragedy, hope, helplessness, and trauma through the eyes of a 13-year-old boy named Connor. The author portrays the isolation and the internal suffering that comes along with personal tragedy, which is never blatantly spelled out but is shown through the interactions that Connor has with other characters.

At its heart, what this book tries to convey is honesty, and coming to terms with the truth that lies deep within the sadness. And the truth can sting harsher than the sadness which encloses it. Only by accepting this painful fact, can one truly let go of the source of the suffering and move on. Hiding from, or evading the cruel reality will only worsen what is already damaged. The author manages to capture all these profound insights in a very simple and straightforward manner.

The only reason I did not rate this novel higher is due to the style of writing which I did not enjoy as much as the deeper meaning seeded within the plot. This is in no way a matter of objectivity and entirely a matter of preference. With that being said, it is a really good read which I would highly recommend to anyone who's looking for a light yet impactful read with a memorable narrative. ( )

So beautiful. Wonderfully imaginative, funny, scary, lovely book. ( )

I love this book, its beautiful and moving. ( )

A strange and powerful book about a boy whose mother is very sick. The thing about this book is that it deals with well-tread territory, but it's never cliched. In fact, Ness's take on the pain of having a sick parent is completely fresh and riveting. I loved that the monster told Conor stories to help him understand. I loved the illustrations. I loved this book and cried like a baby when I finished it. ( )