Monarch

by Emily Jon Tobias

MONARCH: Stories subverts the reader's common perceptions about how love can heal, how loss and suffering can transform, and how every character deserves a second chance. America's city scars, sewers, alleyways, and bars are landscape to their wars, as characters heal and transform under wind turbines and on open roads, in golden cornfields and with the wails of Chicago blues. Heroes in this collection are the marginalized, the sufferers, the down-trodden, the misfits, the wanderers, and the wounded, shaped by grief but not defined by their scars.

Honoring the human capacity for change, characters drive the collection, turning up the dial to raise the volume of voice for those who live on the fringe and are often ignored. In collection, MONARCH is an exploration of the human condition through a lens of damaged survivors as they learn to love through small acts of kindness, given and received. Characters bear traumas with their bodies, and often, they transgress. They break in, break down, and ultimately, break open.

An inclusive invitation, MONARCH aims at an intimate portrayal of scarred characters on American streets beating the drum of current culture against the fierce rhythm of critical social justice issues. With this at its heart, the collection Includes a reading guide written by the author with prompts intended to inspire discourse between readers, writers, and students, making the work of special interest to librarians, teachers, book clubs, and beyond.

Foreword by Chris Abani, author of The Secret History of Las Vegas.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

190 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2024

About the author

Emily Jon Tobias is an American author and poet. She is an award-winning writer whose work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, along with other honorable mentions, and has been featured in literary journals such as Santa Clara Review, Talking River Review, Flying South Literary Journal, Furrow Literary Journal, The Opiate Magazine, The Ocotillo Review, Jerry Jazz Musician, Typehouse Literary Magazine, Tahoma Literary Review, Big Muddy, Spoon Knife, Peauxdunque Review, and elsewhere. Midwestern-raised, she now lives and writes on the coast of Southern California and holds a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Pacific University Oregon. MONARCH: STORIES (Black Lawrence Press, 2024) is her debut collection, winner of the 2024 American Book Fest International Book Awards and finalist for the 2024 American Book Fest Fiction Awards for a short story collection.

Reviews

[Karly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this one, it made me feel all the things!!!

This is a collection of stories depicting love and loss and suffering, how people deserve second chances and how not everyone gets a happy ending. America’s city scars, sewers, alleyways and bars are the landscape for these tales.

It is a collection of the human condition through the lens of damaged survivors as they learn to love through small acts of kindness, given and received.

First up I want to say that this wont be for everyone, you will also need to mind your trigger warnings. These stories are by no means happy, they as stated above are drawn from traumatic events and sadness. Major TW for Miscarriage, SA, Addiction and many others.

I really enjoyed this collection, the author opens with some raw information on her own journey of mental health, addition and exploration of finding her way back to herself and to happiness which I found really helped me understand how she wrote these sad stories so beautifully, that is not to say that these are all reflective of her own situation I can’t imagine they are but I would guess that she has met many of these characters by different names in her life and I really liked the realism that gave each story. They are raw and real and they are sad. Which is exactly how life is.

I am not going to break down every individual story because they are all short and they are all worth reading. Some are a bit weird and some are downright depressing… but I love me some dark and sad because as I said that is all part of life. Things cannot and definitely are not happy all the time. I found myself with some tears in my eyes throughout this book which does not happen very often and that is one of the main reasons I have 5 starred this. It is just so real. The writing is really excellent as well and for a debut book I am super impressed.

I will be keeping an eye out for this author again… I do hope she does some more work similar to this or a full length novel with some of this looking for happiness in the sewer themes. I think some really important issues were touched on and I normally don’t read for social justice issues I like to keep my views on those things out of my hobby but this was done so well that it didn’t feel like a political agenda in anyway it just was … and it just is the human condition at its most vulnerable and I really enjoyed that.

If you read this and you say to me, why did you give this 5 stars when you gave X 5 stars they are so different and I didn’t like X or Y or whatever… well this is a different 5 stars. This is a short story collection Lit Fic 5 stars and it ticks my personal boxes. The writing was excellent, I felt sad and happy and amused… I got teary which is hard to do to me so it was a definite factor and I personally love reading sad stories that don’t always get a happy ending… or don’t always get the ending you are hoping for. Because to me that is real life… life is not all running into the sunset with the person you wanted to run off with… and that is sad… but its so damn real that this book really highlighted the flaws that live and breathe in ourselves and our world. Ooooh Karly thats deep…

So… overall, if you like the stressy and depressy but very very real and relatable (and often times close to home if you suffer, have suffered or know those that do) then this might be for you. The writing is fantastic Emily can sure tell a tale. But if you are thinking wow this seems like it will make me feel shit and I don’t like that… then please skip it and please mind your TWs as I said before.

I want to thank Emily Jon Tobias for an amazing story and Black Lawrence Press and NetGalley for my Advanced Reader Copy for an honest review. I really loved this story and cannot wait to read more by this author.

Oh and PS: there is a reader guide at the back to use for your own journalling or book club and I thought that was really cool. It’s not done like others I have seen before and I really liked it.

Also this is only 190 pages and is short…it took me a bit longer to read as I was thinking about the stories long after… and I am also on holidays so have been doing other things 😊

[Bryna Adamo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monarch is a collection of stories encompassing issues like addition, abuse, neglect, self-punishment, love and hope. When reading this I remembered the line from The Perks of Being a Wallflower, "We accept the love we think we deserve", this line fully envelopes the sentiment behind this collection. I found all the stories captivating, tumultuous, unnerving and insightful. There was a lot of cross over of themes throughout the collection and similarities in stories but not to the detriment of the grander scheme the stories tried to convey. I thought this was very well done collection and would recommend to everyone to read, except read the trigger warnings first, just in case. There are a lot of tough subjects dealt. 4.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

I would like to thank NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me access to the ARC read of this collect. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Abby G! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This story cycle is actually brilliant. I swear that every word Tobias writes has its own heartbeat.

First of all, I’d like to thank NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review <3

Second of all, if you’re going to read this book, I’m issuing a fat trigger warning ahead of time. I had to take breaks because it’s extremely heavy material. However, these are very important stories that deserve to be felt in full. Take care of yourself first♥️

These are the stories that need to be heard, the stories we look away from, mock, hide our loved ones from, or banish from curriculums. These are truths that cannot be sugarcoated nor sanitized. I didn’t continue reading out of spite for my discomfort, in fact, I embraced it as I made my way through this stunning work. The fact that I was able to do this speaks VOLUMES of Tobias’ talent. Each story subtly begged to be heard & Tobias makes it impossible not to listen.

I should have more specific examples, but my head is still spinning from what I just read (& my pounding migraine 1!). All I can say is that each story stole my heart entirely. I was wrecked and made whole again more times than I could count. These stories made me feel it all.

The dreamlike style of writing perfectly captures this specific, American “branded” kind of suffering. It puts words to the many eerie components of American life and existence in general. And the fragmented writing conveys addiction & mental illness so well, you feel just as confused & dizzy as the characters do while trying to make sense of their stories.
Tobias’ writing is an utter stream of omnipresent consciousness that honestly takes some getting used to, but it’s fully worth it because you’re experiencing pure brilliance.

I need to elaborate more once my head doesn’t feel like an anthropomorphic bowling ball. Woah my vocab really is obnoxious when im in pain huh

[Scott Semegran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully tragic, tragically beautiful. Tobias is a rock n' roll poet. If this book were music, then it would be on a mix tape with Jane's Addiction and Concrete Blonde. Excellent collection!

[Yara Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read anything like this debut. It’s poignant, dark, ethereal, tender, and dreamy. I was blown away by the writing style, and by how different the characters are yet how so much connects them. The collection explores painful subjects like addiction and abuse, but it also explores belonging, identity, and parental influence. I loved the fact that women are at the centre of the stories, but the men are also incredibly interesting characters. We have a window into their yearnings and wants, and what continues to haunt them. The stories have such creative titles.

Thank you, Emily, for the incredible debut. Thank you, NetGalley, and thank you, Black Lawrence Press for the ARC. I can’t wait to attend a book signing.

#MonarchStories #NetGalley

[Ayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

MONARCH: Stories is a remarkable debut by Emily Jon Tobias. It is a collection of short stories told from the perspective of several different characters in America. Tobias focuses on the misfits and the marginalised. People who are often not heard or ignored - their grief, trauma, love and loss and all the messy growth that happens along the way. A rich, intimate portrayal of the intricacies of human emotion.

Each story was wonderful in its own right, and I was amazed at how skilfully Tobias was able evoke such deep emotions in a very short amount of time. I cared about these characters and their lives like they were my close friends. Each voice crafted is so unique, so distinct and feels truly authentic. It’s like Tobias has lived the lives herself, they are that vivid.

Every time I started a chapter, I found myself making sure I had zero distractions and enough time to finish it so I could let myself be as emerged as possible. Vida was a standout and a story I did not want to leave. This is not a book I was able to pick up and put down casually - it was too hauntingly divine, demanding my full attention in the best way possible.

Some favourites:

‘I feel everything after so long of feeling nothing at all’ from Vida

‘Making mistakes is not the same as being one’ from Under Her Cellophane Skin

‘I will do worse than die on you, she thought’ from Lucky Penny

I don’t re read many books, but I will re read this. Brilliant work and I look forward to anything Emily does in the future.

Thank you Black Lawrence Press and NetGalley for my ARC.

[Isabella Kassa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75. This collection of stories coming out May 17 offers a glimpse into the fringes of American life. Characters are drug addicted, finding hope in their interpersonal relationships, looking to escape everyday life and all of the above/everything in between. Some of the stories that particularly stood out to me were the titular "Monarch" about a mother struggling with PPD and body image as well as the story of two sisters handling the aftermath of their mother's death in "Fish and Flowers".

All stories had moments of tenderness and connection which I appreciated. There is definitely a clear theme that ties all the stories together - the experience of being human in America. At times, I found myself wishing the stories were a bit longer with more detail or feeling as if the stories were sections of a larger novel. I think some fragmentation is normal in a short story collection, but I felt like Tobias's strongest stories were those that were the most contained and succinct (particularly "Punished").

I'd be excited to read more of this author, especially if they ever decide to branch into long form fiction. Thank you to Black Lawrence Press for the ARC!

[Joy Saler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tobias knows the art of empathy. Through imagery, place, character action and connection, Tobias builds deeply layered characters whose flaws and strengths come through. They each struggle in their own way but it's the relationships they encounter that bring out the good and provide healing. Each story paints a vivid picture of each character. The reader can see and feel them immensely.

From Seattle to LA to midwest, these stories capture the landscape of place and how it shapes it's characters. Readers who enjoy short story collections that are character driven with rich location like "Olive Kitteridge" by Elizabeth Strout, "Battleborn" by Claire Vaye Watkins, and "Sabrina & Corina" by Kali Fajardo-Anstine will love "Monarch."

Full review to come.

Thank you to author and Black Lawrence Press for ARC.

[Ayesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, author and the publisher for an eARC.


Definitely one of my favourite books of 2024. All the stories in this book were a sweet ride of second chances, emotions, trauma, grief, heartbreak and so much more.

The author did an excellent job describing these emotions and making them relatable to the reader in a unique way. It will be over before you even realise it, which will leave you with a feeling of emptiness, longing and fulfillment at the same time.

Would’ve been a solid 5 ⭐️’s had it not been for 1-2 stories.

[Elizabeth Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to the publisher/author via NetGalley for the free copy.

This is a tough one to rate because the collection wasn’t engaging enough for me to want to keep reading in the chaos of a full time semester. All the stories are good, though. Beautifully written by an author with a lot of heart. As most short story collections are, best in small doses. But a wonderfully crafted compilation of stories. Great back matter including reading questions and writing prompts.

(R rating)

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Monarch: Stories,” a collection of short stories by award-winning author Emily Jon Tobias, comprises achingly beautiful prose about the human experience. Each intricately curated story is a solid standalone, but one cannot ignore the commonalities deeply etched onto every page—trauma, hope, resilience, and a sprinkle of kindness that will sneak up on readers, deeply touching them. The characters that make up the collection are heavily flawed but have redeeming qualities you can’t help but root for—they are you, me, and all of us.

In the eleven absorbing stories, the author introduces us to females who are rarely the protagonists. These women are often seen as society’s castaways. Tobias transports us to dark alleyways, broken homes, and places where loneliness feels insurmountable. In Red Cardboard Hearts Hanging From Strings, a young woman grapples with her sexual identity, leading to a lifetime of abuse and isolation. Nova explores the plight of an addict desperate for love and belonging, and in Monarch, a grieving mother punishes herself by eating to excess. Lucky Penny presents the chaos of generational mental illness (and those are just a few of my favorites.)

While poignant (at times heartbreakingly so), each story undeniably left me with the same feeling—hopeful that the characters in the book could climb out of their proverbial ruts and find their silver lining, optimistic that they could change the narrative and be the heroes of their own story.

First and foremost, I couldn’t fathom reviewing this lyrical masterpiece without mentioning the visceral reactions I experienced while reading the stories. Tobias’ words brought me to tears, made my heart swell, and, at times, anger erupted from me like hot lava. When Tobias illustrated the dangers of post-partum depression, I felt anger and sorrow. When a homeless woman had an epiphany, I celebrated. When an in-the-closet lesbian tasted a sweet kiss for the first time, my heart swelled. Each story plucked me from the present and effortlessly transported me to the next unique setting and another multidimensional character.

With its lyrical prose, emotional intelligence, and character-driven content, this collection shines brightly and deserves all the literary accolades. Tobias has brought the reader along to experience a full spectrum of what it means to be human. For readers who crave diversity and welcome heavier topics, “Monarch: Stories” by Emily Jon Tobias will scratch that itch and send your spirit soaring. I cannot wait to read more from this author!

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

“MONARCH: Stories” by Emily Jon Tobias is a debut collection that delves deep into the American psyche through a tapestry of troubled souls and emotional character studies. The stories are set against a backdrop of city scars, alleyways, and the open road, where characters grapple with their wounds and seek transformation amidst their struggles.

The collection opens with “Nova,” where we meet Bettie, a character whose fixation on her enigmatic companion, Jones, leads us down a path of violence and discovery. Tobias’ prose is unflinching, capturing the raw essence of Americana in a manner reminiscent of “Wild at Heart” or “Thelma and Louise.” The narrative is gritty, yet there’s an underlying tenderness—a testament to Tobias’ ability to balance toughness with empathy.

In “Red Cardboard Hearts Hanging From Strings,” we encounter Liza, who navigates the complexities of love and loss, reflecting on a miscarriage as she steps into a new chapter of marriage. The story is a poignant exploration of the human capacity for change and resilience.

“Under Her Cellophane Skin” introduces us to Lemon, a heroin addict whose interactions with a lonely old man in a Seattle bar are as heartbreaking as they are illuminating. Tobias doesn’t shy away from the darker corners of the human experience, instead, she shines a light on them, offering a chance for understanding and connection.

The title story, “Monarch,” is a standout piece that encapsulates the collection’s theme of transformation. Georgia, the protagonist, is described with visceral intensity, her pain and anger palpable. Yet, it’s this very suffering that softens her, allowing her to carry on and fight another day.

Tobias’ writing is at its most potent when it’s blunt and direct, yet she never loses sight of the love she holds for her characters. Each story is a testament to the belief that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to grow and evolve.

The collection includes a reader’s guide with prompts intended to inspire discourse, making “MONARCH: Stories” is a bold, inclusive invitation to witness the lives of those on the fringes, often ignored but here given a voice that resonates with the fierce rhythm of current culture.

Overall, “MONARCH: Stories” is a powerful debut that promises to leave a lasting impression. It’s a celebration of the human spirit’s indomitable will to heal and transform, even in the face of the harshest realities.

[Jordan | espressojoreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monarch is a collection of short stories focusing on cycles of life, death, and rebirth, where social justice issues are the catalyst of each journey.

TW: SA, micro aggressions, addiction, abuse, death, mental health, body image

Each story was unique and different from the other while also focusing on the issue at hand. Every character went through a transformation to some degree and each shared an ability to change, but it was the connection that each one was seeking which really had you thinking, and had you feeling that each character deserved their second chance. Each story reminded me, metaphorically, of a monarch’s life cycle.

I wish there was more. Just as I was craving more and wanting more of how the character finished their transformation, the story ended and moved along to the next. Each one felt like it had a cliffhanger ending to me, and while not necessarily a bad thing and good for some of the stories, I felt that others could’ve been better told with more to their ending… but at the same time, the entire point was to subvert the reader’s perception. Many of us are shaped by our grief but not defined by the scars we bear, an ideology seen quite frequently throughout.

LIFE: Loss & Love - “What will come is sure to go”

DEATH: Suffering & Surrender - “What is born is sure to die”

REBIRTH: Chrysalis & Change - “What dies is sure to go on and fly”

After reading each story, it is evident that each character wanted change, whether it was visibly noticeable or not. Each had to learn how to survive while working through their different forms often trauma. You’ll feel a lot of heartbreak and sadness, but it’s eye opening at the same time. This entire read was filled with grief and fear, with each character’s story SO compelling you felt as if you were along for the ride with them.

Thank you so much to Black Lawrence Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! I loved this collection and am looking forward to reading more from Emily Jon Tobias.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m drawn to stories that rely heavily on the characters and the human condition in general. These themes written as short stories can make the impact even greater given their length. Less time is spent on the details and the focus remains on the emotions. With all of this on my mind when scoping out potential reads, the synopsis (as well as the setting) of MONARCH caught my attention right away.

MONARCH is a collection of eleven short stories focusing on various themes such as life, death, loss, addiction, change, and grief. Each story typically highlights one or two of these themes. A couple of the stories that particularly stood out to me were ‘Vida’ and ‘Nova’. ‘Vida’s’ main focus is loss and sacrifice while ‘Nova’s’ is more focused on connection and rebirth.

It took me a little while to get into the groove of the writing style, particularly with the dialogue as quotation marks are not utilized. I’m not one of those people who downright refuse to read books in this style, but I do find it to be a hindrance and causes me to pause and have to figure out where the dialogue begins and where it ends. Once I do get into the rhythm, it’s easier to follow along but have to go through it all again when I pick up the book after setting it down. Fortunately, the writing is strong enough that it was worth the effort of adapting.

Some of the content wasn’t my forte, however, it’s written in a way where I can still appreciate it. It’s evident that the author’s heart and soul went into this collection and that alone makes it an impactful read. What I liked the most was the reader’s guide at the end of the book, asking questions and giving prompts that as a reader made me feel more engaged. It was a great touch.

Readers of literary fiction in particular will enjoy what this book has to offer.

Thanks to Discovery for providing a free digital ARC of the book to read and review!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monarch is Emily Jon Tobias's debut short-story collection. What I found most impressive was her ability to write from a diverse set of perspectives, including those of a 6-year old girl, teenagers, mothers, unfaithful men, and women struggling with drug addiction and homelessness.

This also made for a better reading experience as I'm sure a lot of us have come across collections where it seems like each character is recycled and the stories blend together. I wonder how she was able to write about people from all different walks of life. Maybe a memoir will come next?

The stories are set either in LA/Southern California, the Midwest (Chicagoland and Milwaukee), and Seattle. I always love when a writer makes connections to place.

My favorite story was Fish and Flowers. It follows the misunderstandings, fall out, and reconciliation between two sisters and a mother. Anyone who has experienced the favorite child phenomenon and how it warps and fractures relationships will particularly relate to this one. Other favorites were Nova, Monarch, Vida, and Lucky Penny.

Lucky Penny was a hopeful story. We have to give ourselves the chance to move forward despite our past and especially if we're battling everyday with mental health.

"I'm damaged goods, she says.
Me too, he says. I drink. People die.
Chances are, I will do worse than die on you.
I would like to take my own chances girl."
-
"Let's just take our time. We'll take our chances—together."

These stories cover difficult subject matter. It was hard to read about Vida's experience living in an oppressive and abusive foster home (Vida) and the way Georgia viewed her body and its connection to the way her mother treated her (Monarch). Despite each character's trauma and struggles, they are able to find hope within themselves and a new path forward.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. I also purchased a physical copy of this book and this review reflects my second reading.

[JonEb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Monarch attempts to explore multiple aspects of the human condition whether it's through everyday things happening to everyday people, or examining the complexities of human behaviour and how there are not always answers for everything. She tackles everything from love to loss to grief to abuse and its lasting effects in this collection of eleven stories. Unfortunately, Tobias seizes on a formula and relies on it to tell a majority of the stories in here, which ends up making the experience lackluster. The use of memory and flashbacks are her favourite tools and they can only work for so many stories. These reoccurring tools she uses are impossible to miss when they begin to show up again and again, and because of that it ended up making the experience frustrating. The intent behind the structure of her sentences become too see-through and although the stories are very heavy —and do affect sometimes — it begins to feel like they are striving to strike pity rather then empathy. One highlight was the first story, Red Carboard Heart Hanging From Strings, which tackles what falling in love young looks like and the choice to endure irrespective of how abusive a relationship becomes, and it lingers despite its length because of how charged it is with subtle emotions. Tobias does take certain swings with her approach to telling the stories from time to time, but the collection sadly underwhelms because she is over-reliant on the storytelling tools she has become too comfortable with. It works in the firsr story but after that, it's a battle.

[Dustin Bagby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brokenness and struggle abound in this collection of short stories, but so does the possibility of change and growth. I think what I appreciated about this book the most is the gritty context these stories take place in. In the places I've worked I've seen this brokenness and grown up around it to a large extent. It's the world I know, but there are also occasions of beauty and revelation. In some ways, Tobias reminded me of what I feel when I read Flannery O'Connor. The most unlikely people experiencing flashes of grace even if it's not what you would expect. Tobias is clearly a talented writer and this is a collection I think that will connect with many people that contemporary fiction does may not.

Thank you to Netgalley and Black Lawrence Press for the ARC.

[Carly Raspante · Rating 3 out of 5]

MONARCH is a collection of eleven short stories that serve as narratives for grief, addiction, abuse, and more (definitely check trigger warnings). I was immediately drawn to the synopsis, being that I love short stories, litfic-vibes and more emotional topics. The writing style is very unique, and while I did enjoy each of the stories, it took me a while to get connected with the characters and be immersed with the plot and emotions, and then the story was over. I also struggled with reading the dialogue as no punctuation is utilized to separate dialogue from narration.

Thank you to Emily Jon Tobias for highlighting some difficult topics and encompassing them in such a short but powerful work. And thank you to NetGalley for sharing this ARC with me!

[Abbie Kethro · Rating 3 out of 5]

// monarch stories

monarch is a collection of short stories focusing on human connection and delving into themes such as grief, abuse, addiction, and change. i enjoyed the writing and found some of the stories made a big impact considering the short amount of time we spend with each of the characters. there were a lot of similarities between stories which at times made them harder to separate, but lends itself to cohesion as a collective.

‘While the issues faced vary, all characters share an ability to change relative to their wounds against harrowing transformative obstacles.’

3🌟

thankyou to NetGalley and Black Lawrence Press for the eARC copy

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the introduction the author talks a bit about her life and the things she went through that inspired these stories. The stories mostly feature what I’ll describe as women going through tough situations who in spite of often having troubled pasts are also strong women and find a way to deal with and get through the current difficulty. I found the stories inspiring. They also got me thinking about how things that appear one way from the outside might be much more complex if you understand the true situation. In summary these stories are excellent and thought provoking.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Sofia Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book! “MONARCH: stories” tracks the changing social climate of life in America. Each short story uses the changing nature of each character as an extension for the changing ideas and sentiments in American Culture. I found the book extremely pertinent as a woman living in this country. I would suggest this book to anyone in a period of change and personal development in their life, to serve as an opportunity to reflect on how much you have come and everything you still want to become.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection beautifully renders the lives of broken, lonely people across America. Tobias's stories are at their best when they try to capture the nuances of complicated relationships and how people manage to survive in the. Particular standouts here Are Vida and Under Her Cellophane Skin, both of which feel complete and yet like they could support entire novels worth of material. Sometimes, it does feel as if Tobias opts for endings that are too easy, wrapping up the stories nicely instead of letting them exist as complicated moments in time.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written collection of literary short stories.

Not every story in a collection is going to appeal to everyone, and there were certainly some in this that I didn’t get along with. I especially struggled to get through ‘What My Momma Knows Is True’ and ‘Under Her Cellophane Skin’, but I know there will be people who’ll love them.

However, I felt a connection with some of the stories and the characters, and it’s clear that the author truly puts a lot of care and thought into their writing.

‘Monarch’ and ‘Vida’ were the particular highlights for me.

[Theresa Petty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed some of these short stories and then didn’t enjoy others as much from this collection.
They were all very tragic to me, and sometimes I like to read that, but most times I don’t like to put myself in that head space.
Either way, these were well written and I enjoyed reading most of them.
Thank you netgalley for the ARC!

[Steph Kvellestad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, and thank you, Black Lawrence Press for the ARC.

I always enjoy a good debut short story collection - and that is exactly what Monarch is! The stories are emotional and well-written. You can tell Emily Jon Tobias has a lifetime of stories to share. I hope this is the first of many collections.

4/5 stars

[Kim Swartz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of 11 short stories. There is a lot of darkness and despair here but the author definitely can write. The protagonists are broken people on the fringes of society. They are searching for connection, redemption and hope.

Some of the topics addressed:
abandonment
addiction
betrayal
consequences
death/grief
mental illness
physical trauma

[Stella Marchione · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great collection of short stories. It will pull on all your emotions and you will become invested in the characters. So good.

[Gem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for granting me access to this title. A collection of short stories exploring glimpses of American life. Flawed, broken characters are portrayed alongside hope and small joys and each story leaves you satisfied. I really enjoyed this one!

[viktoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monarch focuses on issues like addiction, abuse, neglect and self-punishment. Each story have a new perspective that showcases one of the issues, how it can effect oneself and others around you. The stories all also written in different perspectives, depending on who it is that you are following in it. Every story has their sweet moments as well as the thought ones, giving a good balance to it. Some stories I connected with more than others, but they were all good overall with showing the points of views from different characters.