“A Monster Calls” by Patrick Ness is a fantastic read and can be a tearjerker, which I heavily underestimated. I believe that if you want a story that pulls you in as the plot continue, I highly recommend this book. The story follows Conor and the constant nightmare he has had ever since his mother got ill. One night, the yew tree in his back garden comes to life and starts to haunt Conor whenever the clock reads 12:07. The monster tells the boy that it will tell him three tales and he would have to tell the fourth tale; the truth, the reason behind the nightmare, which Conor is terrified of.

At this time, Conor’s school life is difficult, with Harry always beating him up just because of his mother’s illness and his friend Lily trying to stand up for Conor. Conor has to deal with his grandmother in his house to help his mum and now everything is crumbling in Conor’s world, as his mum’s treatment is failing. Can he face the truth about his nightmare and finally tell someone why it has caused him so much trouble?