The Monster Variations

by Daniel Kraus

Book Overview

This fast-paced read will keep readers on the edge of their seats Someone is killing boys in a small town. The murder weapon is a truck, and the only protection is a curfew enacted to keep kids off... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385737335
• ISBN13: 9780385737333
• Release Date: August 2009
• Publisher: Delacorte Press
• Length: 245 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.9" x 8.6"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

A great, well written story for the 12 year old in all of us

I really liked Monster Variations. My first reaction was "this reminds me of To Kill a Mockingbird". The story goes its own way though, telling the tale of three twelve year old boys and their summer. It reminded me of a time when boys could still have adventures, even of the gruesome sort that are related here. Remember when you could still play outside after dark? When the whole town knew you, and how good it felt after a whole day spent playing baseball in the heat? Those were the days... In the opening scenes of this story, one of the boys is struck by a hit and run driver and loses his arm. Later, another boy in town is struck and killed and it's this overlaying sense of dread that follows which gives this story its rather constant sense of foreboding and gloom. We get to meet the parents and alot of the townspeople who are all well done characters that seem to have stepped out of a Faulkner novel. I think teens will like this novel because the struggles the boys go through in their friendship and in relating to their parents are timeless. This is an extremely well written book with some great images that will stay with me for a good while. This novel reminded me how hard it is to be twelve - not a teenager, and not a child. It will resonate with many and I will be recommending it often.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

The story begins in the present with James, who on his way out of town runs into Reggie. The story then switches to the year when they were twelve. Most of what you read will be from this year, when one of their friends is hit by someone in a silver truck, causing him to lose his arm. About two months later, another boy is hit and killed by what everyone suspects is the same truck. This leads the parents and the town to enact a curfew. Seen through the eyes of 12-year-old boys, this story was very riveting. I enjoyed watching the story unfold. The story is not a hard read but it may not be something you want younger kids to read. I would say that they should be 12 and up. THE MONSTER VARIATIONS was a fast and enjoyable read that reminds me a little of the movie Stand By Me. Reviewed by: Breia "The Brain" Brickey

Well written, Great story

Daniel Kraus conveys this story mostly "seen through the eyes" of 12 year old boys. Delivered are; vigorous imaginations, mysteries, drama, adventure...blood, sweat & tears...guts & glory...guts & gory grit...ins & outs...ups & downs...all laced with poetic imagery to "fan the fire"...and lets not forget how the various lives of the "adults" around them contributed to the whole saga. The well written time line weaves a bit back and forth to include the ever widening circle of people and circumstances. This tale starts in "the now" with a somewhat older James. In this time frame, James runs into Reggie, which begs the story to go back to their 12th year. The majority of the pages are dedicated to that fateful year. Then there is a building and winding back up to the present...and conclusion of the book. I would love to go into the rich story line, but, really I don't want to diminish the readers' own enjoyment of discovery. We, the readers, are voyeurs...we witness, we feel, we even squirm here and there...we certainly wonder what is going to happen or be revealed next. It is a fine and dramatically entertaining study of the human psyche. Honestly, I could not put the book down...until its very fine "ending". PS. this book is certainly a great read for adults. And, I would especially give it to any adult who has "lost touch" with their youth.

Loved It!

I read The Monster Variations in two sittings. It's well written, moves along fast. Terrific book!