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The Boy Who Drew Monsters
The Boy Who Drew Monsters: A Novel | Keith Donohue
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Child comes a hypnotic literary horror novel about a young boy trapped inside his own world, whose drawings blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Ever since he nearly drowned in the ocean three years earlier, ten-year-old Jack Peter Keenan has been deathly afraid to venture outdoors. Refusing to leave his home in a small coastal town in Maine, Jack Peter spends his time drawing monsters. When those drawings take on a life of their own, no one is safe from the terror they inspire. His mother, Holly, begins to hear strange sounds in the night coming from the ocean, and she seeks answers from the local Catholic priest and his Japanese housekeeper, who fill her head with stories of shipwrecks and ghosts. His father, Tim, wanders the beach, frantically searching for a strange apparition running wild in the dunes. And the boy's only friend, Nick, becomes helplessly entangled in the eerie power of the drawings. While those around Jack Peter are haunted by what they think they see, only he knows the truth behind the frightful occurrences as the outside world encroaches upon them all. In the tradition of The Turn of the Screw, Keith Donohue's The Boy Who Drew Monsters is a mesmerizing tale of psychological terror and imagination run wild, a perfectly creepy read for a dark night.
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mollyrotondo
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1. The tagged book for sure! It was so good and incredibly spooky.

2. Harriet the Spy. I watched it over and over on VHS

3. Belle. She‘s a reader 😉

#novelwatchingcrew #nwc

ElizaMarie I loved Harriet the Spy book but I don't think I ever saw the movie! Now I must search for it. 3y
Scochrane26 I didn‘t know that there‘s a Harriet the Spy movie. A well-loved childhood book, & Belle is my favorite princess, too. 3y
mollyrotondo @ElizaMarie @Scochrane26 oh yes it‘s a fantastic kid movie! Rosie O‘Donnell is in it and Michelle Trachtenberg played Harriet. It was made by Nickelodeon in the 90s. Really good! 3y
27 likes3 comments
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LeafingThroughLife
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Panpan

I wanted to like this, and that‘s the only reason I didn‘t DNF it. I loved The Stolen Child and was hoping for some of the magic of that story. Instead I got an unbelievable story with strange, wooden characters. Donohue manages an eerie story of an autistic boy whose drawn monsters are breathed into life on a winter beach but the book with its odd word choices and strange plot threads ends up feeling forced. This was my October #doublespin

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 3y
25 likes1 comment
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mollyrotondo
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1. The Boy Who Drew Monsters
2. Ray Bradbury
3. Bob‘s Burgers
4. Breaking Benjamin
5. Bad Listener by Beartooth

#manicmonday on Tuesday!

JoScho Thanks for playing 😊💜 4y
31 likes1 comment
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Addison_Reads
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Mehso-so

Another one from my list of reads to get through before the New Year. This one is set around Christmas time, so I'm calling it a #HolidayReads.

Not the best horror novel, but it did have its creepy moments.

#TeamFestivus @wanderinglynn #wintergames @StayCurious @Clwojick (21pts)

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TheLudicReader
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The pic cuts off the books on the very top, but this is my tbr shelf. You know all my #sorrynotsorry posts? Well this is the result. #Rencher10k
@Rachel.Rencher is looking to reach 10 thousand litfluence. Help a litten out.

Sleepswithbooks I love this!!! I have a tbr basket... you have a wall 😂 5y
TheLudicReader I do indeed, @Stacypatrice 📚 5y
20 likes2 comments
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Squidapus
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Panpan

You'd think a story about a kid who can create monsters from his drawings would give you a leg up on an interesting novel but whoo boy this was not that good. The writing is decidedly bland, you'll kinda want the kid to get eaten and the reader will figure out the entire plot maybe 50 pages in. Heck, the one twist Squidapus didn't see coming felt really forced and just raised questions and plot holes he could throw the book into.

TobeyTheScavengerMonk I haven‘t read this but there is a great book I have read with a similar premise that I highly recommend 6y
Squidapus @TobeyTheScavengerMonk He's read that! A long time ago but I'm sure it's sitting around...somewhere... 6y
4 likes2 comments
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julia-gulia
Pickpick

I LOVE horror movies..this book was scarier then any horror movies I watched. From first to the last page... I had to read it with my light on. Definitely recommended if you like to be spooooked

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scripturient
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Pickpick

This was a neat book. It was full of little moments of horror but also focused well on the psychological aspects of loss, grief and the difficulties parents of a special needs child face every day. The supernatural parts were creepy, the wintery coastal setting perfect, but that ending was a true kick in the guts and very unexpected. Highly recommended!

Lizpixie Told ya! I didn‘t see it coming at all. It‘s now one of my favourite creepy novels of all time, right up there with King. The setting is written so well, you can feel the mist & hear the boom of the surf at night. Loved it❤️ 6y
97 likes4 stack adds1 comment
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scripturient
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My view this morning. 😊

GatheringBooks that looks awesome! 6y
Chelsea.Poole Good for you! 👏🏻 6y
wanderinglynn Lovely! Enjoy! 6y
See All 6 Comments
Lizpixie I loved this book! It had that brilliant mix of scary & sorrow👹✍🏼 6y
scripturient @Lizpixie Yes, exactly how I feel! I‘ll finish it tonight and am dying to learn what the heck is going on. 😂 6y
Lizpixie @scripturient the ending is a doozy alright. I never would‘ve guessed it in a million years, it made me gasp & cry at the same time🤭 6y
104 likes6 comments
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scripturient
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Time to get the evening started. 😊

Reviewsbylola Great way to spend an evening! 6y
90 likes1 stack add1 comment
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scripturient
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Well, life could be worse! The kid is already in bed after a brilliant but hot day out at Blackgang Chine. Time to ring in the evening with some yummy drinks and a book. #isleofwight #minibreak #pimmsstrawberry #creepyreads

Readergrrl This book‘s annotation sounds exciting! Adding to my ever growing TBR pile! 6y
kamoorephoto Ahhh, I miss Pimms! 6y
ephemeralwaltz Cool cover! Looks great. 6y
116 likes6 stack adds3 comments
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JoScho
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@Booksnchill thank you so very much!!! I love everything in this box and was hoping I would get Bossypants and Meddling kids! You are so sweet and thoughtful! That dog looks just like my Mork! When I was opening the box I told my husband I won it from a girl on Litsy. I said you know the dog I show you all the time? He said Whiskey? Lol yes Whiskey‘s Mom sent it to me!! Thanks again so much for brightening my day! #litsylove #whiskeyrocks

Booksnchill I am so glad you like it and maybe it brightened your day after the failed swap! Hugs to you from me and Whiskey!!🐾💖 6y
JoScho @Booksnchill it really did! 😘❤️ 6y
Gissy So happy for you @JoScho and so sweet from @Booksnchill 6y
JoScho @Gissy thank you ☺️ 6y
128 likes4 comments
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JacqMac
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This book is so creepy. The setting is brilliant for a creepy story. Dark and wet and chilly enough to add to your goosebumps. Perfect for a day when you don‘t feel good and just want to curl up with a fuzzy blanket, some tea and a book. That shall be my day. This is one of those #blamelitsy reads. Thanks @BarbaraTheBibliophage
#screamathon

Lizpixie I loved this one! The boy reminds me of my niece, she's also got Aspergers and a fierce attitude to life. 7y
JacqMac @Lizpixie My youngest has Tourette‘s and an anxiety disorder. Drawing is his favorite escape. And the fierce attitude. Lol I can really relate. 7y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Lizpixie @JacqMac Glad we're in agreement here. I'll be looking for more of this author in the future. #greatmindsreadalike 7y
56 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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BarbaraTheBibliophage
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Pickpick

This one is just $3.99 for ebooks right now. I just finished it and posted my review on www.TheBibliophage.com. It's one part family drama, one part horror, and one part psychological thriller. Good stuff. #screamathon

JacqMac Thank you! Not that I need more books, but you know how that works. 😂 7y
Laylafinn Now that sounds right up my alley 7y
Craftylikefox It's on my spooky October TBR!!! I will have to read it next! Thank you 7y
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BarbaraTheBibliophage @JacqMac Twice in two days, huh?! 👏🏻👏🏻📚📚 7y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Laylafinn It's good. A little slow to start but sufficiently creepy to be rewarding. 7y
JacqMac You just made them sound so good. At least I didn‘t spend money on both of them. 😂 7y
BarbaraTheBibliophage I like to #litfluence for good! 😜😜 7y
125 likes9 stack adds8 comments
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SandyMcNeal
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So it's October perfect time of year for this kind of read. But can I say creepy kids are well, just creepy. This read gives me Dean Koontz vibes. I'm listening to the audio version on the way to and from work and so far I've enjoyed the creepiness. #spooky #scary

5 likes1 stack add
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Weave
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Mehso-so

93 ~ The Boy Who Drew Monsters by Keith Donohue (Kindle edition📱) ~ Started: 08.09.17 ~ Finished: 13.09.17
Rating: 3/5📚

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Books_Wine_Repeat
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Pickpick

This is a story about a 10 yr old boy diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome who has a phobia about leaving his house. His parents accommodate for his 'illness' by encouraging his habits, his latest being he likes to draw. Soon his parents even his one friend start hearing and seeing strange noises and things outside the home. This is one creepy ass book, a little slow in the middle but still good. Get the audio by Bronson Pinchot, he's amazing!! 🎧❤️

Scurvygirl Glad you liked it! It was very interesting. 7y
JoeStalksBeck Bronson made this audiobook! 7y
vivastory This sounds great. Going to grab it at my library today! 7y
Books_Wine_Repeat @Scurvygirl Interesting and creepy! @JoeStalksBeck Agreed! I bet cousin Larry didn't know Balki was such a great narrator. @vivastory Great!! Don't read it at night. 🙈 7y
64 likes6 stack adds4 comments
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Books_Wine_Repeat
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Probably should've waited until morning to start this audiobook. 😱🙈🙉🙈

On a side note: Bronson Pinchot (Balki Bartokomous!) is an excellent narrator! 🎧

Texreader Love the 😻 7y
AnnieReads Bronson Pinchot is a most amazing narrator. Have you listened to his narration of Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes? 7y
Graciouswarriorprincess How precious!😻❤️ 7y
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BookHermit I recommend Pinchot's narration of 7y
Books_Wine_Repeat @Texreader @Graciouswarriorprincess Thanks but sadly not my kitty. 😿 7y
Books_Wine_Repeat @AnnieReads @BookHermit This is my first audio narrated by Pinchot. I'll look for your recommendations. Thanks!....He's narrated over 100 titles! 😮😮😮 7y
85 likes7 comments
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JPeterson
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Monsters in my book, monsters in my coffee cup. 🐙

Happy Sunday, Littens!

TheLondonBookworm 😮😮😮 that's an amazing mug!! I want one! Also the book looks creepy cool I want that too 😅😅 7y
MaleficentBookDragon I need that cup! 7y
EvieBee Awesome mug! An octopus? Or g-g-ghost? 7y
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JPeterson @TheLondonBookworm Thanks! I'm pretty in love with both of them! @MaleficentBookDragon It's one of my favorites! @EvieBee84 Thanks! It's an octopus...but a ghost one would be pretty sweet as well! 7y
Craftylikefox I just bought this book today!!! I hope you enjoy it :) 7y
Zelma The mug reminds me of the Who's Hiding in My Mug series that were around in the eighties. I still have mine that I used as a kid. 😄 7y
105 likes6 comments
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JoeStalksBeck
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I don't know if you guys remember Balki from the Perfect Strangers show in the 1980's but omg he is an excellent narrator!! I can hardly believe it's him !!

HeatherBookNerd I've heard he's amazing. 7y
imabusybee Omg he is also in First Wives Club😂 7y
Books_Wine_Repeat I saw an interview they did recently. I love them both! Cousin Larry App-le-ton and Balki need to come back to tv! 7y
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Sassy_Steph I loved that show growing up!!!! 7y
ReadingRover He IS a really good narrator! He narrated Furthermore and it really brought the story to life. 7y
BookHermit Yessss! So good. I recommend 7y
monkeygirlsmama Ooooh I loved Balki! This is audio is going on my stack right now! 7y
Centique OMG! I loved Balki. What a great memory. Must hear this then 😁 7y
KilgoreTrout He is quite the narrator! I listened to his narration of 7y
MaleficentBookDragon @KilgoreTrout I loved Horrorstor so I will have to check out the audiobook version. 7y
Amie I listened to his narration of Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith and it was fantastic! 7y
shanebeth I used to love this show! had no idea he was narrating audiobooks! how cool. dance of joy! 😂 7y
Liatrek I loved that show growing up 😊 7y
mcipher What a blast from the past!!! Now I really need to hear him read an audiobook. 7y
124 likes9 stack adds14 comments
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JPeterson
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#howiread on weekend mornings is usually curled up with a pillow, blanket, coffee (not pictured) and sometimes a cat. Though this morning, whatever is on the ceiling is much more interesting. 😂 #riotgrams #howyouread #catsoflitsy #kittenlitten

Wife ❤️🐙❤️🐱 7y
asiriusreader 😻😻😻 7y
batsy Haha, adorable! And I love the squid pillow 7y
JanuarieTimewalker13 Beautiful feline, beautiful pillow!👍🏽 7y
BexHartsell 😻😻😻 I love it! 7y
117 likes1 stack add5 comments
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bookwrm526
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So, I wasn't sure where to go with the prompt #philadelphiafreedom, but I decided to go with recent reads by authors from Pennsylvania. I don't track cities, only states, so I don't know if any of them are actually from Philly - the background pic is from a baseball game in Pittsburgh lol #rockinmay

RanaElizabeth I know that bridge! Go Pirates! 7y
bookwrm526 @RanaElizabeth indeed! PNC is one of our favorites of the 15 major league stadiums we've been to 7y
BarbaraTheBibliophage I know A.S. King is from Central PA, not the two big cities east and west. Not sure about the others! 7y
Cinfhen That's a great way to work the prompt 😊👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻and I had no idea these were PA authors! 7y
45 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Lizpixie
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#LyricalApril #day15 #TheMonster This is a horror story about an autistic boy who acquires the ability to make his drawings come to life after a near fatal drowning.The family ends up being stalked by a deformed man that smells like seaweed & leaves behind saltwater,then there are the giant chittering things that hang off the house at night.Things keep getting stranger until Jack Peter(who's agoraphobic)& Nick,his friend,are attacked one night.

Cinfhen Sounds absolutely terrifying 😱 7y
BekahB This has been sitting on my bookshelf since it was released. I need to get around to reading it! 7y
sherryvdh I didn't know about this one! I loved the 2 others I've read by him. Going to have to stack this one! 7y
70 likes7 stack adds3 comments
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bookwrm526
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#feistyfeb I had to go back four and a half years in my reading list to find just four books with #boyinthetitle! This compares to 14 titles with girl in the title over the same time period....

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JPeterson
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As someone who has worked as a graphic designer before, I really love and appreciate fonts and how they are used. 😍

All of these came from just one bookcase - I didn't dare go look at the rest. 🙈

#fortheloveoffonts #readjanuary

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JodyS
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I have been on a reading spree lately....this one is next up. 😃

bookwrm526 This one wasn't as creepy as I wanted it to be, but I did enjoy it!! 7y
54 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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MrBook
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Has anyone read this book yet? I keep coming across it in bookstores, and I'd like to borrow it from the library if I can find it there. Just wondering how good it is 😊. Thanks!

mauveandrosysky I read it. I was pleasantly surprised. It had some pretty creepy moments and a decent plot. 8y
Kirstin For me, it would have made a brilliant short story. Pretty good book. 8y
DGRachel I read it a couple years back, before I took notes, so I can't say much about it beyond I enjoyed it (marked it as 4 stars on Goodreads). 8y
See All 7 Comments
bookwrm526 I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it. I agree it could have been a tad shorter in the middle, but it did have some grisly creepy moments 8y
ohyeahthatgirl Definitely more of a rent than a buy for me. I agree with @Kirstin 8y
BlogginBoutBooks I haven't read this one, but I liked THE STOLEN CHILD by this author. 8y
MrBook @mauveandrosysky ☺️👍🏻! @Kirstin That seems to be a general consensus 😊. @DGRachel 😂👏🏻 You and @BookBabe are #KindredSpirits. @bookwrm526 Nice 😊👍🏻. @ohyeahthatgirl Oh yeah? 😆😜😂👏🏻👍🏻! @BlogginBoutBooks Ooh, nice rec 😊👍🏻. 8y
96 likes15 stack adds7 comments
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SavannahtheSith
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All done with Girl on the Train. Awesome awesome read. Can't wait to see the movie tomorrow. Now onto this read. 👹👺💀

2 likes1 stack add
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JPeterson
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The original plans for today was to head to the Maryland Renaissance Fest - however, they apparently closed last minute due to rain and wet grounds... 😡
Instead the boyfriend surprised me by taking me to Politics and Prose, then the store for a bottle of wine. Lucky to have a sweet partner who knows that a visit to the bookstore will improve my mood. 😊📖📚🍷

Redwritinghood Sounds like he's a keeper! 8y
Merethebookgal That is a good consolation! That's interesting that they closed since they always say it's open rain or shine; it must have been pretty bad! 8y
JPeterson @Redwritinghood Haha, yes! He knows the way to my heart - books&wine. @Merethebookgal Right? We didn't even think to check until we had already started the drive. Oh well, the books are a great consolation. 👍 8y
BekahB I have Your House Is on Fire... That is one creepy book cover. 8y
JPeterson @BekahB I can't wait to read it! And won't lie, I didn't notice how creepy the cover is until I got home and happened to walk by it. The light hit it just in the right way to show the hidden message, and I almost jumped. 👻 8y
79 likes3 stack adds5 comments
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KatieStone
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TBR

1 like1 stack add
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DeeLew
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I have such a huge stack in my TBR pile that I forget that I still have a ton of unread books on my Kindle. I really need to get busy! I did finish 2 of these. I'm really looking forward to The Boy Who Drew Monsters. It's horror season. 🎃👻💀

16 likes1 stack add
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Stickynotegirl
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My favorite part of my day is cozy-ing up on the couch with my pups and reading through a quiet morning 🐶🐶

18 likes2 stack adds
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TheTallented
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"Don't be so sure of things you cannot see. The mind conjures the mystery, but the spirit provides the key." - Keith Donohue, The Boy Who Drew Monsters

This book is one of my faves! Such an interesting storyline, a bit creepy, and great characters. I would love for Bill Skarsgard to narrate it! @Litsy #24in48 #readathon

3 likes2 stack adds
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Lizpixie
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I'm powering through my TBR shelves! Continuing the horror theme, after finishing A Head Full Of Ghosts, is this book about a boy who starts drawing monsters after a near drowning. His mother starts to hear sounds at night and seeks help from a priest who convinces her they are real. Goosebump time!

ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled In my TBR too! Let me know how it is! 8y
NatalieR I hope you enjoy it. I sure did! 8y
Lizpixie @ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled.com I'm halfway through and it's giving me the creeps so far. My niece has just been diagnosed autistic too so it's very close to home as well. The little boy reminds me of her a great deal. 8y
15 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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MandaRie
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Panpan

What a disappointment. Very slow going and a lack luster, unsurprising ending. A dud.
2/5
⭐️⭐️