A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A USA TODAY BESTSELLER A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER A NATIONAL INDIEBOUND BESTSELLER An unforgettable novel by Kristina McMorris, inspired by a stunning piece of history. 2 CHILDREN FOR SALEThe sign is a last resort. It sits on a farmhouse porch in 1931, but could be found anywhere in an era of breadlines, bank runs and broken dreams. It could have been written by … era of breadlines, bank runs and broken dreams. It could have been written by any mother facing impossible choices.
For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family’s dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined.
For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family’s dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined.
Inspired by an actual newspaper photograph that stunned the nation, Sold on a Monday is a powerful novel of love, redemption, and the unexpected paths that bring us home.
more
An unusual plot that kept me up all night reading!
Well written
It wasn’t long ago that you could purchase men, women and children. A good read about an original premise.
A gripping read, especially after learning the basis for the story was true!
Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris is a story about a reporter, Ellis Reed, who sees a sign: 2 CHILDREN FOR SALE, and a secretary, Lillian Palmer, who sees a picture.
This story went in an entirely different direction than I thought it was going to go. Though, it wasn’t what I expected, it was still good. I loved Kristina’s writing style of bringing the characters to life, and I envisioned life in the 30s and how bad it must have been for parents to sell their children. It was a very disturbing time in history that I hope never reoccurs in the future. Considering the book took a different turn than I was expecting, I’m glad for it. I don’t know if I could have read a story primarily about families having to choose food over their children. This story turned out to be more about how one’s decisions can affect other people, and finding one’s true self.
Very entertaining. I know that during the depression many parents faced terrible situations. This story also tells about a woman who wants to be a newspaper reporter during a time that offered few opportunities for women outside the home.
This story was based on a picture, not the one the book is about, but similar and most likely a realistic representation of the desperate times of families during the 1920’s and 1930’s, prior to WW II.
This is a book a highly recommend! Such a powerful and intriguing story.
McMorris, Kristina
SOLD ON A MONDAY
Hard times, hard choices, and the courage to try to make things right. SOLD ON MONDAY is a compelling saga of mistakes and misunderstandings, and love and loyalty and dreams of happiness. I don’t know how I didn’t know of Kristina McMorris already, but I do want to read so much more of her beautiful writing.
It all started with a photograph, in real life as inspiration for the book and in the fictional tale that kept me reading and ignoring all else. People, with all their faults and frailties, so real I really cared about them as they moved through so many twists and turns and dangers.
Lily Palmer wants to be the next Nellie Bly, but is hired as a secretary, bringing “the Chief” his coffee properly cooled to lukewarm — woman’s work (even in the ‘70s want ads specified men/women, and most female college grads became secretaries). Ellis Reed dreams of front page bylines, but is relegated to writing about and photographing society event — also “woman’s work,” so humiliating to him and his desire to impress his father, but in the Depression, one didn’t turn down work, any work.
What’s a little deception if it furthers his honorable goals? What if children suffer for it? What if amends can be made? Is it worth the risks involved? Is there even a chance of succeeding against the rich and powerful? Some of these issues resonate strongly in present time.
Lily’s mother’s question, “You’ll be fine, but will you be happy?” Both, please. <3
Ellis Reed is a struggling reporter who takes a picture that may save his career. But little did he know that that one photo would affect the lives of so many…including his own. This was a very well-written story that holds the reader in suspense throughout. Kristina McMorris creates so many interesting characters in this story of compassion, heartache, and the bond between a mother and her children. Thoroughly enjoyed this book that I received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This new novel by MsMcMorris is every bit as heart wrenching and yet satisfying as her previous novel “The Edge of Lost”, also historical fiction.
This book is set in 1931 during the depression when so many people lost everything they had, their jobs, homes, land, family and any means of making a living. As difficult as it is to imagine there were people who dropped their children off at churchs, orphanages, other relatives and, yes, even sold them when they could no longer feed or clothe them!
When a struggling new reporter, Ellis Reed, comes across a sign on a house that reads “2 children for sale” he can’t believe that this can be true. He takes a photograph along with many others that he has been shooting throughout the countryside while trying to get an inspiration for a lead story. He talks with some of the neighborhood kids and his heart breaks for them.
A secretary at the newspaper and friend, Lillian Palmer, sees the photo drying in the darkroom and is moved by it. Without Ellis knowing about it, she brings the photo to the Editor’s attention and there the ball gets rolling about whether this can be a feature story. Eventually Ellis gets the chance of a lifetime to write an article that will get widespread review and he has to make some very difficult decisions during this time. Should he expose these people to the humiliation of their hardship? Will he even get permission to print the photo? Will there be other photos needed to include with the story?
Ellis as a character does a lot of growing in this story, first in a direction where he isn’t really comfortable but gets him much acclaim and then he changes course. Lillian Palmer is also a very well described character and her interactions with Ellis make each of them better people in the end.
This is a very powerful story of a desperate time in our history. It will move you to tears but there is also laughter at times. Wonderfully developed characters, well described scenes of the times and beautiful flowing prose. Another 5* winner from McMorris, read it, you won’t be disappointed.
I received an ARC of this novel through NetGalley, thank you.
I owned this book for awhile but kept skipping over it when selecting a book to read. I am sorry that I waited so long to read it as it grabbed me from the very beginning. While it is sad at times, it is a story filled with compassion, empathy and love. I enjoyed the writer’s style and I will seek out other books by her.
McMorris shines in this poignant and compulsively readable novel about how one reporter’s seemingly small mistake in judgment leads to utter catastrophe for children caught in the jaws of the Great Depression. Based upon a haunting historical photograph, and told with finesse and compassion, this story will linger long after the pages have all been turned.
When a journalist puts his career ahead of truth, the consequences become devastating and far reaching. Flawed characters who grow to understand their power to effect others lives and their responsibility in doing so. Well written and thought provoking.
This is one of those stories which will grip you from the first page. Historical fiction at it’s best!
Wonderful story in a historical setting- illuminates American history if the 30’s with some heartbreak and romance thrown in.
This book has an excellent story line and gives the reader a realistic view of life in the 30s. The characterizations are interesting and sometimes surprising. I enjoyed this book and will read more from the author.
Unless you’ve known poverty at this depth the idea of selling children may sound very dark and heartless. Yet walking in the path of deep economic depression it becomes a little bit too understandable. The manner in which the basis of the story makes headlines is both proposterous and lovely. Entertaining, heart wrenching, and fun, a must read.
I really liked it and read it very fast
Based on a real event, this novel explores the consequences of choices made as one strives for career success in the Depression in the USA.