Wow. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow. That was something. I wasn't sure I was going to read this book. I couldn't find it on one of the library apps and therefore had to make more of an effort to request it and pick it up at a branch. I then didn't make it to the library in the time I had to pick it up and had to request it again. Then once I did have it, I accidentally listened to the first CD on shuffle and was thoroughly confused. So all in all, it was an adventure to get into the story but once I did, I was blown away. This is a fairy tale, but not the type that leaves you with the warm fuzzies. This is one that will break you open and make you feel. The main character is a 13 year old boy trying to keep it together while his mother deteriorates from cancer, a bully picks on him daily, a grandmother constantly on his case, and a father who has clearly moved on to his new family and can't spare much thought for Conor. You can't help but feel for him and you get caught up in sympathizing and empathizing with him as he deals with the fear of losing someone he loves. 
 If you're wondering who the Monster is, don't assume it's the cancer, it isn't, it's so much more. It's a tree that's also a storyteller and he agrees to tell Conor three stories in exchange for the truth, Conor's truth. Conor just needs to figure out what that truth is.