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Community comment are the opinions of contributing users. These comment do not represent the opinions of Port Moody Public Library.
Jan 12, 2016jsloane rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The Boy Who Drew Monsters is definitely going on my re-read list. I can’t say I thought it was amazing – something I can’t quite put my finger on kept it from being amazing. It was, however, extremely good. Jip is a young boy who is diagnosed with high-functioning Aspergers that has a unique ability. His parents seemed very realistic (I do not have a child with Aspergers, so I can only imagine what its like) and the tension between them was something I felt Mr. Donohue did a great job relaying. The one critique I did have was it felt like he was copping out every time he would describe one of Jip’s fits. The boy would go into it and suddenly it was the parents POV and they were turning their attention elsewhere. I have no doubt one of the fits would have been difficult to write, but still… I wish he would have at least tried. About halfway through the book, I commented to my partner that “Normally, with as little action as has happened, I’d be bored to tears, but…. this guy is good. He keeps the tension steadily going up.” It was true. I still am in veritable awe of Keith Donohue’s ability to keep a story building when so little was actually happening! By the time I’d reached near the end of it, I was thinking “Aww, c’mon, seriously? Just this little bit of action? I need more!”(and part of me was drawing parallels between the book and a Dr. Who episode (Whovians, you know which one I mean!). Part of me wants to message the author and ask if he’s a Whovian. Somehow, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was. (Side note: I did, and he said he was more of a “Whyvian” but had some Whovians in the family.) And the last few pages? “What? Dude, was NOT expecting that!” I should have expected the twist, but totally did not. The ending is one that will leave you staring at the last page for a few moments as you wait for your brain to catch up with what you just read. I am SO glad he ended it where he did, too. Too many authors make the mistake of giving you too much, of having to ‘wrap up’ all the ends completely. He does not. (Yay!) Mr. Donohue is an excellent writer, and I look forward to reading more of his work. He has strong characters, great interactions, and can tell a story that leaves quite an impact on you. I would highly recommend you read The Boy Who Drew Monsters if you have any interest in books that do scary without going over the top or being too bloody wordy (Looking at you, Mr. King). It is also a quick read, for those that are looking for something to read on a plane.