Monster by Walter Dean Myers Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Monster
Book Review: So-so
Summary: 3 Stars
I think the book was really well written. The style was very original and interesting, but I don't feel the book was very challenging. The format kept you wondering what the outcome would be and I found myself constantly changing my mind. The charcters were very realiztic and the story had a good consistant pace where I didn't find myself bored or overwhelmed. All in all I'd say it was a good quick read.Book Review: "A getover? I don't do getovers."
Summary: 4 Stars
Monster was an amazing novel. The plot was unique and upbeat, it was a real page turner. The characters were realistic and like able. The setting was very imaginable, I felt glad not to be a felon after reading this novel. Myers did a great job with the dialogue and point of view through out the story. The main character, Steve Harmon is really easy to connect to and you'll want him to win the case just as badly as he does once you start reading. The ending is both expected and unexpected all at the same time. It's a great story, and a really worthwhile read.Book Review: Guilty, or Innocent???
Summary: 4 Stars
I think Monster is a great story. It has a different format that makes it more interesting to read and to really see and feel what's going on. You are able to follow the story line and know what is happening at all times. I liked that Myers, the author, didn't give us the full details until the parts when we took a trip to the past. That was pretty cool. A boy named Steve is on trial for murder, and with the help of his lawyer, they try to clear his name. I can't tell you everything, but it is definitely a must-read! Book Review: Right On!
Summary: 4 Stars
I loved the format of this book! What a great way to really get inside a character's head - Chris is into film making, so it makes perfect sense to cast his story, plan his camera angles and set the scene with voiceovers. The diary effect in between chapters, the description of the "set," both in jail and in the courthouse - all of these combined for a dramatic, suspenseful screenplay.
I learned a lot about urban life in the neighborhood from this book, too. I would like to believe that gangs do not initiate, or store owners are safe, or that drugs are hard to come by for low income individuals, but none of that is true. Monster shows that gangs, burglary and drugs are part of everyday life for street kids.
Book Review: Confusing, bewildering, and intense
Summary: 5 Stars
One would think that these aspects make "Monster" a bad book. But they don't. They're what make "Monster" an original, heart-moving, emotional book. The style makes it stand out, once you remember the characters and what the little comments mean. A movie-script format? It's not dumb - it's interesting, original, and gets everything across.
"Monster", as you've probably seen, is about a teenage boy on trial for armed robbery and possibly second-degree murder. Throughout the book (which is almost always set in the trial, though occasionally we get flashbacks, and every once in a while we get a moment of Steve writing down his thoughts), Steve insists that he's innocent. Throughout the book, though, we don't really find out. The ending leaves the reader mystified and asking themselves so many questions.
Perhaps that's what sent other readers packing. On the other hand, what fun is a story if it doesn't make you think? "Monster" certainly made me think. I sat down and thought about the jury, about the lawyers, about the witnesses. I sat down and thought about the judge and other accused. I thought about if I was on the jury and had had this evidence placed before me, what would I pick? This book made me THINK.
It's an intense read. It's realistic, powerful, and emotional. I found myself crying during moments Steve was. I felt so connected to him, even though most of what we know is through speech and dialogue. I was drawn into this book so well.
This is a great read and a great buy. I highly recommend it.