What do you do when you come across a book with one of the most captivating first lines and catchy titles? You delve into it as soon as possible and if other parts of the book continue to make sense, you savour it like it's one of the finest meals.
This is one of the books I had made a mental note to reading for a while now because I loved how intriguing the first paragraph seemed. Well, I didn't get to read it till sometime last week and this is me, doing a review on it.
Monday's not Coming is a 345 paged book written by Tiffany Jackson. It tells the story of a young girl named Claudia whose best friend Monday, failed to resume on the first day of school and nobody seems to notice. Claudia is worried because her friend isn't one to miss a day of school and when Monday still doesn't resume the following week, Claudia is convinced something is wrong. She goes to Monday's house to inquire about Monday's whereabouts on different occasions but what she's told by Monday's mom and sister makes her worry even more. Claudia, implores her mum and their former class teacher to help find Monday when she starts noticing weird things on her visits to Monday's house. Their search opens up a lot of truths Claudia never knew about Monday and a heartbreaking reality.
At this point, I don't think I can keep track of the best books I read in 2024 anymore. I read a lot of masterpieces and I doubt I can even point out which tops the others. But it's okay. There's no competition when it comes to books. This book was an absolute masterpiece. It had a very gripping and intriguing narrative that makes you as a reader want to know what exactly happened with Monday. Claudia didn't have a detective spirit in her or anything. She was just a young girl who was desperate to find her best friend and I liked that it centered on just that.
There was something about the way this author chaptered this book that I loved. Each chapter was sectioned into three, four or more parts under it. And these parts consisted of one back story, life before Monday went missing, life after Monday's disappearance and life two years after. I really liked this because it aided the suspense in this book. It seemed like the author didn't need to do too much to make the book suspenseful. Her chaptering did the job already. And with the unveiling of every backstory, every life before and after, we get to uncover a little hint to Monday's disappearance, fitting the scenes from before to a worthy ending. It's safe to say that if you're not patient or calm enough to savour books, you aren't going to enjoy this one because it might appear confusing at the beginning, thanks to it's unique chaptering.
Claudia and Monday could have passed as sisters other than best friends and they complimented each other perfectly. Monday was the best friend anyone could have and I felt really sad for her as I read through. And the end?! I cried. Monday didn't deserve all she went through and her story was heartbreaking if not traumatizing. Although Claudia was sweet, I couldn't help thinking that she failed her best friend in many ways. They spent too much time together for her not to notice all what her best friend had been going through for years before it was too late. I liked many characters too. Claudia's mom, dad, their teacher and the likes. They were essential side characters that helped give the book it's unique flow.
Were there flaws in this book? Maybe. Although I failed to notice any if there were. The book is a subtle thriller that does nothing but keeps you at the edge of your seat and at the same time, pampers you so as to make sure you are prepared for whatever outcome the book has in store for you at the end. I loved that about it too. The way the author explored a very delicate story like this so intricately. It was wonderful to read about.
From the subtle plot twists to it's fun character backstories and to it's pacing, I loved everything about this book. It was a delightful read. I'll rate it 4.5/5. It is completely worth your time.
Will I recommend it to others? Absolutely. it's a book I'll definitely love to recommend but tread carefully where it is concerned because the book contains disturbing scenes. It centers on themes like coming-of-age, child abuse, domestic violence and amnesia. But it's a nice book notwithstanding.
Thanks for reading.
Images are screenshots taken by me.