Title: Monday’s Not Coming
Author: Tiffany D. Jackson
Publication: May 22, 2018
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Book
Genre: Teen & YA Fiction
Pages: 432
SYNOPSIS: (From Goodreads)
Monday Charles is missing, and only Claudia seems to notice. Claudia and Monday have always been inseparable—more sisters than friends. So when Monday doesn’t turn up for the first day of school, Claudia’s worried.
When she doesn’t show for the second day, or second week, Claudia knows that something is wrong. Monday wouldn’t just leave her to endure tests and bullies alone. Not after last year’s rumors and not with her grades on the line. Now Claudia needs her best—and only—friend more than ever. But Monday’s mother refuses to give Claudia a straight answer, and Monday’s sister April is even less help.
As Claudia digs deeper into her friend’s disappearance, she discovers that no one seems to remember the last time they saw Monday. How can a teenage girl just vanish without anyone noticing that she’s gone?
REVIEW:
I am a fan of YA fiction. I am also a fan of books that talk about tough subjects. Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson is a book like that. It was also brought up to me by my book club, so I was all in.
At first I will say the book had a slow start. I didn’t realize they were middle schoolers I was going to read about so it threw me off. But I got into the story eventually. I instantly felt for Claudia. I felt for the anxiety she felt going to school and worrying about being bullied and missing her friend. No child should have to feel like that. Claudia’s character was interesting and I think all readers can relate to her at some point, whether it be that awkwardness of middle school, relying on friends to get by, and more. So while this is a teen novel, I feel like anyone could relate.
As the book progressed, I found out that this story had some very dark undertones. Child abuse, a broken social work system, and racism were some of those story lines flowing through Monday’s Not Coming. I found myself very angry throughout much of this novel because I know that these situations really happen and a realization that we should listen to our children more, because they see more than we realize. Jackson definitely drew a lot of strong, powerful emotions out of me with these characters.
My only irritation with this book was the jumping around. The chapters had titles like The Before, The After, Before the Before, etc. I found it hard to figure out where I was jumping. I had to take a few pages of each chapters to try and align myself where I was in the story. That time I had to spend trying to acclimate myself was a bit frustrating.
With that said, I would have given this book 3 stars until I hit about 85% in the book and all I can say is Wow! The ending made this story. I was appalled, sad, angry, relieved, and so many more emotions all in this last segment of the book. Jackson really wrapped the story up in a mind blowing ending that leaves you wanting to wish things like this didn’t really happy.
I think everyone should read this novel. One, because it’s a great story, but also because it opens your eyes to things you should pay attention to in the world that you likely wouldn’t see. It definitely opened my eyes as a parent of a middle schooler. I’m a grown woman and this book touched my soul. So not just for teens or young adults. Definitely try it out.
STAR RATING: 4/5
Pick up your copy of Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and check your local bookstore. Also make sure to add it to your To Reads list on Goodreads and leave feedback for the author when you are finished. Check out more from author Tiffany D. Jackson on her website HERE.
