Book By: Clare Osongco
Review By: Mae Vincent
September 12, 2024
Content warnings: Emotional abuse, domestic violence, racism and sexual harassment
Midnights With You is a young adult coming-of-age novel that follows Deedee, a seventeen-year-old who has a struggling relationship with her mother. Deedee’s family, friendships, and romantic relationships felt realistic and relatable. The story reminded me of Greta Gerwig’s Ladybird, or Real Women Have Curves. Generational trauma is a big theme and Clare Osongco explored it thoughtfully. Dee Dee’s mother, although cruel and even emotionally abusive to her daughter at times is not painted as an evil villain, she is a nuanced and flawed character who also has redeemable qualities and does love her daughter. One way Dee Dee’s mom is able to express her love indirectly is by sharing ghost stories from her culture. This inclusion of different Filipino folklore was a very enjoyable aspect of the story. This book kind of felt like a warm hug and wrapped up beautifully, I can definitely recommend it, especially for high schoolers.
