My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
The title of the book, "Monday's Not Coming," initially evoked a literal interpretation in my mind, referring to the absence of a particular day of the week. However, my curiosity was piqued as to the direction the plot would take, and I was not left wanting.
Claudia and Monday were two inseparable seventh-grade students who engaged in various activities together. After school, the girls would convene at Claudia's residence to dance and engage in discussions about their boyfriends. Occasionally, they would visit the library, accompanied by Monday's younger brother, August. Monday provided assistance to Claudia with her dyslexia, while Claudia (unaware at the time) reciprocated by providing Monday with an escape from her arduous domestic circumstances at home. On the first day of school, Claudia became concerned when Monday failed to show up. Furthermore, during Claudia's summer visit to her grandmother in Georgia, she had not heard from Monday. Claudia discovered that Monday's phone was disconnected, and she had not received any correspondence from her. What has happened to Monday? Where is Monday and August? Who knows? Who is not telling what they know? Who is responsible for finding out what happened? What is being done about their disappearances?
Monday's Not Coming is a poignant narrative that delves into the various stereotypes that young black girls encounter during their formative years, with a particular focus on child abuse and neglect. Through the unfortunate circumstances of one teenage girl, Tiffany D. Jackson highlights the indifference and inaction towards African American females who go missing, drawing a strong parallel to the universally dreaded "Monday Morning Blues". While we all wish for a prolonged weekend, Monday inevitably arrives. Regrettably, Jackson's work introduces us to a young girl who yearns for the return of her best friend, Monday, following a brief summer hiatus, only to discover that she has tragically passed away. Call#: AAR 813.6 JACKSON
Recommended Reading:
- Grown by Jackson, Tiffany D., Call#: AAR 813.6 JACKSON
- Fifth Born by Lockhart, Zelda, Call#: AAR 813.6 LOCKHART
- Forged by Fire by Draper, Sharon M., Call#: AAR 813.54 DRAPER
- The Skin I’m in by Flake, Sharon G., Call#: AAR 813.54 FLAKE
- Rock My Soul: Black People and Self-Esteem by Hooks, Bell, Call#: AAR 158.1 HOOKS
Review written by: AARL Librarian: Marsela James
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