okay WOW!

This book was wonderful! I downloaded a sample on Kindle and *very* nearly didn't read it because I didn't like the first few pages -- but I'm so glad I kept on going. This is one of the best books I've read this year.

Following a war where a sickness was released as a biological weapon, Monster is the last person left. We follow her story of survival and break between her visceral present and brief memories of before. Hale treats memory uniquely and wonderfully!

Monster eventually, however, comes across a feral child and raises her as her own. The book examines influence, creation and the role of a mother. In many ways, it is like Shelley's Frankenstein and I enjoyed drawing parallels when reading.