Last Night I Sang to the Monster [Paperback]

A finalist for the PEN USA Literary Award, this novel sensitively captures the angst of a teenage alcoholic in rehab.

Sáenz weaves together Zach’s past, present, and changing disposition toward his future with stylistic grace and emotional insight. This is a powerful and edifying look into both a tortured psyche and the methods by which it can be healed. —School Library Journal, starred review

Offering insight into addiction, dysfunction and mental illness, particularly in the wake of traumatic events, Sáenz’s artful rendition of the healing process will not soon be forgotten. —Publisher's Weekly, starred review

Zach's first-person voice is compelling and heartbreaking. Sáenz' poetic narrative will captivate readers from the first sentence to the last paragraph of this beautifully written novel, which explores the painful journey of an adolescent through the labyrinth of addiction and alcoholism. It is also a celebration of life and a song of hope in celebration of family and friendship, one that will resonate loud and long with teens. —Kirkus Reviews

There is never a question of either Sáenz’s own extraordinary capacity for caring and compassion or the authenticity of the experiences he records in this heartfelt account of healing and hope. —Booklist

Benjamin Alire Saenz’s new novel is a gift of honesty and poetry and heart… This novel sang to me from the opening page and never once hit a false note. —Matt de la Peña

I cried with Zach all the way through this book: tears of rage and sorrow—somlC/