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A review by kuroislittle
Midnights With You by Clare Osongco
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for sending this book for review consideration! All opinions are my own.
"Midnights With You" by Clare Osongco (2024) takes the reader on a high-speed chase down a written highway to unravel the secrets that our main character, Deedee, is both running from and been kept from all her life by her mother, a Filipina realtor. Those who prefer to inhale stories instead of slowly chewing on sentences will surely love this engaging book, whose main character is the epitome of the emotionally abused teen we all wish we could go back and hug. In a way, one could argue that this story is that hug. Osongco uses Deedee and a solid cast of secondary characters to drive home positive messages about not accepting emotional abuse no matter the reason and owning up to your own actions as Deedee navigates a burgeoning romance with her neighbor across the street and growing tension with her long-time best friend. Although this level of maturity may feel somewhat inappropriate for the ages of the characters, many children grow up fast and it is still believable given the rising prevalence of therapy in American society.
Fans of Ellen Hopkin’s candid writing and especially those who prefer relatable characters with plenty of time spent on inner thought will surely love this story!
"Midnights With You" by Clare Osongco (2024) takes the reader on a high-speed chase down a written highway to unravel the secrets that our main character, Deedee, is both running from and been kept from all her life by her mother, a Filipina realtor. Those who prefer to inhale stories instead of slowly chewing on sentences will surely love this engaging book, whose main character is the epitome of the emotionally abused teen we all wish we could go back and hug. In a way, one could argue that this story is that hug. Osongco uses Deedee and a solid cast of secondary characters to drive home positive messages about not accepting emotional abuse no matter the reason and owning up to your own actions as Deedee navigates a burgeoning romance with her neighbor across the street and growing tension with her long-time best friend. Although this level of maturity may feel somewhat inappropriate for the ages of the characters, many children grow up fast and it is still believable given the rising prevalence of therapy in American society.
Fans of Ellen Hopkin’s candid writing and especially those who prefer relatable characters with plenty of time spent on inner thought will surely love this story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Death of parent and Domestic abuse