Yancey, Rick. The Mostrumologist. Simon and Schuster, 2009. 448 pages. ISBN-10: 1416984488. ISBN-13: 978-1416984481.Plot:
After his parents death, 12-year-old Will Henry was taken in my his father’s employer, Dr. Warthrop. Dr. Warthrop is a monstrumologist - someone who studies and hunts monsters - and Will Henry becomes his assistant. He has seen many things that he never believe he would, but when Erasmus Gray, a local man, arrives in the middle of the night with a gruesome discovery, Will Henry’s life becomes considerably more dangerous. The man has discovered a dead Anthropophagus, a terrifying monster that survives by eating humans. Dr. Warthrop is shocked, because it is a creature that is only seen in Africa. Dr. Warthrop believes there can’t be many more live ones around, but when he, Will, and Erasmus are attacked, resulting in Erasmus’s death, they discover that there is a massive pack of them living under the cemetery. Through he already suspects the cause of their appearance in America, Dr. Warthrop sets out to discover exactly where they came from and how to destroy them. Before he can do so, they viciously attack and slaughter a family, leaving behind only one boy. Dr. Warthrop is then forced to involve the local police and a notorious monster hunter to kill the monsters before they can attack anyone else. In the process, Will Henry’s life in endangered, leaving him to wonder whether the creatures were the only monsters or if men can be monsters, too.
Critical Evaluation:
Monstrumologist is beautifully written, well-plotted, and full of interesting characters and fascinating situations. It is also far too long. It isn’t even the length itself that is so daunting, but rather the density of that length. Unfortunately, this means that only the most intrepid of readers will be exposed to this otherwise wonderful novel. If they do finish the book, though, they will have experienced a many-layered story with an excellent ending.
The novel would certainly fall under the umbrella of gothic horror with its eccentric characters, dark situations, and metaphorical monsters challenging the actual monsters. It is gruesome; there were scenes, such as that with the maggots, where I had to skim in order to finish them. The violence and macabre descriptions aren’t gratuitous, but instead serve to further the plot. The story wouldn’t be complete without them.
Rick Yancey is a very talented writer. His prose is reminiscent of more classic novels, but not so much that it won’t still appeal to modern readers. He successfully conveys the voice of an elderly man recounting the story of his youth to a new generation. Choosing to frame his story in this manner lends it a feeling of “truth.“ It also allows him the ability of omniscience in certain situations, which creates a suspenseful atmosphere appropriate to the horror of the subject matter. Though the middle of his book is sometimes difficult to wade through, it is worth it for both the beautiful writing and the ending.
Reader's Annotation:
After being orphaned by a fire, Will Henry is taken in by his father's former employer, Dr. Pellinore Warthrop. Dr. Warthrop has an unusual and dangerous profession and he expects Will Henry to help.
Author Information:
Rick Yancey was born in Florida and has spent most of his life there. He attended Roosevelt University in Chicago and majored in English. After graduating, he returned to Florida where he was a part time teacher and worked in theater. He then took a job as a field officer for the Internal Revenue Service, where he worked for 10 years. He had always wanted to be a writer, however, so he decided to pursue that dream with working for the IRS.
His first book was published in 2004. It’s a memoir of his years working for the IRS and has been named by the Wall Street Journal as one of the 5 best books on taxes ever written. He followed this by a novel for adults before moving on to writing for young adults. He has written 2 series for young adults and another series for adults.
Genre:
Horror
Curriculum Ties:
English: Plot Development, Writing Style, Character Development
Booktalking Ideas:
- Explain what monstrumology is.
- Discuss whether or not the creatures were the only "monsters" in the book
- Discuss Will Henry's and Dr. Warthrop's relationship
Reading Level/Interest Age:
14 and older
Challenge Issues:
Violence
Graphic and nauseating content
Challenge Defense Ideas:
- Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.
- If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.
- Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.
- Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.
Reasons for Selection:
It was the 2010 winner of the Michael L. Printz Honor Award.
