A Monster Calls was recommended and loaned to me by The Library of Minds, and now I don't know whether I should hug her or yell at her for what she's done to me. Fair warning: I'm not going to be able to talk about this one without getting a little spoilery. Please don't continue reading if remaining spoiler-free is important to you. Just go straight to buy the book, because it's worth it. 
 (view spoiler)[A Monster Calls is beautifully written, unexpected, and gorgeously illustrated. But most of all it's honest. Anyone who has dealt with cancer personally will be able to see themselves in this book. All you have to do is tell the truth the monster says at one point. A Monster Calls does just that. It doesn't shy away from how hard and cruel and exhausting it is, it doesn't gloss over the anger and the guilt and the relief when it's finally over. It acknowledges these things, and then it does something equally important -- it lets you know that it's okay. All of these things you felt, everything you did trying to cope, they don't make you bad or weak. There's nothing easy or uplifting about this experience -- there is just making it through, and telling the truth. (hide spoiler)] 
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 Rating: 5 Stars 
 Favourite Quote: "Stories are wild creatures, the monster said. When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?" 
 Recommend: YES. GO READ IT NOW.