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seoltang's review against another edition
3.0
This book made me sad. I understand why many people didn't like it. The style is simple, stylistically not exciting and the narrator keeps repeating himself as if he is stuck in patterns. But that is the point, I guess. Apart from childhood trauma and his addiction, Zach feels there's not much left of him. And dealing with trauma is hard. Not wanting to remember is part of it. There are no pretty words to describe experiences of that sort.
I liked the subtle change in the writing the more Zach progressed. The book shows a raw portrayal of recovery and mental illness while not relying on explicit, shocking scenes. It was comforting in a 'one day at a time'-sense. 3,5 stars
I liked the subtle change in the writing the more Zach progressed. The book shows a raw portrayal of recovery and mental illness while not relying on explicit, shocking scenes. It was comforting in a 'one day at a time'-sense. 3,5 stars
shammaj's review against another edition
4.0
“I’ve lived eighteen years in a season called sadness where the weather never changed. I guess I believed it was the only season I deserved. I don’t know how but something started to happen. Something around me. Something inside me. Something beautiful. Something really, really beautiful.”
I've probably highlighted the entirety of this book <3 (also this is the best book to finish on my birthday because the ending was so hopeful and beautiful and it made me so so happy to know Zach got the good ending he deserved.)
I've probably highlighted the entirety of this book <3 (also this is the best book to finish on my birthday because the ending was so hopeful and beautiful and it made me so so happy to know Zach got the good ending he deserved.)
everthereader's review against another edition
4.0
As per usual when it comes to a Benjamin Alire Sáenz book, I cried.
lorathelibrarian's review against another edition
2.0
I liked how realistic this story was and I can see it making a great discussion in a high school literature class, but I just wasn't pulled into it. I had to force myself to finish it and found myself skimming towards the end.
levitatingnumeral's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Such a beautiful book, it had me thinking about so much and processing my own trauma.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Mental illness, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Sexual harassment, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Drug use, Grief, Death, Gun violence, Child death, Cursing, Murder, Vomit, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Animal death, Car accident, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Rape, and Suicide
cs_the_librarian's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
godlizza's review against another edition
4.0
What can I say? Ben, you've done it again. Why did I wait so long after reading Ari and Dante to pick up another one of Saenz's books? Lunacy!
Last Night I Sang to the Monster follows Zach, who's 18, an alcoholic, and in rehab after a traumatic incident he's repressed. The book follows his journey through rehab, the people he meets there, and his coming to terms with himself and what happened. Usually I shy away from stories about addiction, because I feel they all run through the same beats but this isn't so much about Zach's relationship with alcohol as it is with himself and others. There's a lot of tenderness here that only Saenz can write. Everything is so vulnerable and raw, making the pain and joy of these characters feel so real. Zach's development through the story is really touching and seeing him come to terms with his life and emotions really made me feel for him.
At the end of the day, I don't think this tops Ari and Dante but it definitely proves Saenz isn't a one-hit wonder. Four stars.
Last Night I Sang to the Monster follows Zach, who's 18, an alcoholic, and in rehab after a traumatic incident he's repressed. The book follows his journey through rehab, the people he meets there, and his coming to terms with himself and what happened. Usually I shy away from stories about addiction, because I feel they all run through the same beats but this isn't so much about Zach's relationship with alcohol as it is with himself and others. There's a lot of tenderness here that only Saenz can write. Everything is so vulnerable and raw, making the pain and joy of these characters feel so real. Zach's development through the story is really touching and seeing him come to terms with his life and emotions really made me feel for him.
At the end of the day, I don't think this tops Ari and Dante but it definitely proves Saenz isn't a one-hit wonder. Four stars.
lillianhong's review against another edition
5.0
The reason why I took so long to read such a small book, was because I didn't want to finish it. I never wanted it to stop. I loved it too much to let it go.
The book wasn't painful. It wasn't tragic and devastating, but it was raw and it hit me in the heart repeatedly. It struck me with its words and made me cry more than once. I really loved reading it and rolling the beautiful words over in my mind. I wanted to draw Zach's pain. I wish I had the ability to say more.
The book wasn't painful. It wasn't tragic and devastating, but it was raw and it hit me in the heart repeatedly. It struck me with its words and made me cry more than once. I really loved reading it and rolling the beautiful words over in my mind. I wanted to draw Zach's pain. I wish I had the ability to say more.