What do you think?
Rate this book
Midnight Monologues
Midnight Monologues is Charissa Ong Ty's first published English Poetry and Short Stories book. The book is categorized into four parts, LOST, FOUND, HOPE and Short Stories. In an age of lesser readers and short attention spans, she hopes this book could stir ideas in the most efficient way possible; through really short, melodious writing.
Awards
- Award-Winning Finalist in the “Poetry” category of the 2017 International Book Awards
- Award-Winning Finalist in the “Best Cover Design: Fiction” category of the 2017 International Book Awards
- MPH Best Paperback Fiction Nominee 2016
Get it on Amazon Kindle:
http://amzn.to/2AHkNzT
Awards
- Award-Winning Finalist in the “Poetry” category of the 2017 International Book Awards
- Award-Winning Finalist in the “Best Cover Design: Fiction” category of the 2017 International Book Awards
- MPH Best Paperback Fiction Nominee 2016
Get it on Amazon Kindle:
http://amzn.to/2AHkNzT
120 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2016
42 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Charissa Ong Ty
7 books100 followersCharissa Ong published her first English Poetry and Short Stories book in 2016. #MidnightMonologues is the finalist for the International Book Awards 2017 for both Best Cover Design and Poetry categories. It has also been MPH's Best Books of 2016. Her second book launched in 2018, Daylight Dialogues have also reached the Best-Sellers list.
Her books are now available nationwide in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, as well as on Amazon in audiobook, ebook, and paperback formats.
She has also released her boxset, Poethree O'Clock which comprises of the hardcover versions of Midnight Monologues, Daylight Dialogues, and an illustrated poem short story 'What Does Your Name Mean?'
Poetry and Short Stories - A Practice Book authored by Charissa launched in 2021, and hit the best sellers list and won the award for best cover design for 2022's International Impact Awards.
My Medicine is her third official poetry book which has also stayed in MPH's International English Fiction Best Sellers list for 25 weeks.
Pseudo-Immortals is her 7th book, but her first novel publishing in May 2025.
Her books are now available nationwide in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, as well as on Amazon in audiobook, ebook, and paperback formats.
She has also released her boxset, Poethree O'Clock which comprises of the hardcover versions of Midnight Monologues, Daylight Dialogues, and an illustrated poem short story 'What Does Your Name Mean?'
Poetry and Short Stories - A Practice Book authored by Charissa launched in 2021, and hit the best sellers list and won the award for best cover design for 2022's International Impact Awards.
My Medicine is her third official poetry book which has also stayed in MPH's International English Fiction Best Sellers list for 25 weeks.
Pseudo-Immortals is her 7th book, but her first novel publishing in May 2025.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 16, 2016
Of course I'm giving myself 5 Stars. I wrote the book. Hahahaha.
October 15, 2016
Charissa's strength is in telling her stories. She's quite a storyteller. I truly enjoyed reading her stories though I understand this book is more to poetry book but I enjoyed the stories more, truth be told. The poetry is also good though. To be honest, it's on par with Lang Leav, it's just my humble opinion. I love the poetry too but I think her stories are better. Looking forward to when she will write a novel, because her stories have a magic in them which I can't quite describe. All in all, a good book which I will definitely recommend to my bookworm friends whenever I could.
December 11, 2016
The short stories didn't really gripped me as much, but I love the poems! It was beautifully written, meaningful and had some style to it once you're used to reading it. Tabbed quite many parts, really recommend this one.
May 15, 2017
A few poems and even fewer short stories stood out to me, but sadly I have to say that I did not really enjoy this book. Especially the short stories.
July 19, 2019
Absolute trash. Can't believe this got published! It's like Rupi Kaur somehow got even less intelligible
August 8, 2016
Finished the book in one sitting. I was inspired by the author's story, hearing about the gamble she took on her own writing. Being an aspiring writer myself, I thought just the publishing of the book, the act of bringing it to print was inspiring.
This book features poems and several short stories. The poems are abstract enough that many can connect with it, especially those who have suffered heartbreak from a failed romantic relationship. However, it is also intricate in a lot of ways. Brevity is used very well. The very first poem, 'Diminishing' already drew me in. It's so very cleverly formatted that one. There were several more that I thought were particularly good 'Tink or Me' is something to look out for especially those who loved fairytales as a kid. That one was just a two line poem but it hit me hard. The short stories were delights. They were all highly readable and original.
All in all, a great read. It certainly met my expectations. The pieces are simple on the surface but reveal a whole hidden world when you dive into them. If I were told to describe it in one word, it would be 'honest'.
This book features poems and several short stories. The poems are abstract enough that many can connect with it, especially those who have suffered heartbreak from a failed romantic relationship. However, it is also intricate in a lot of ways. Brevity is used very well. The very first poem, 'Diminishing' already drew me in. It's so very cleverly formatted that one. There were several more that I thought were particularly good 'Tink or Me' is something to look out for especially those who loved fairytales as a kid. That one was just a two line poem but it hit me hard. The short stories were delights. They were all highly readable and original.
All in all, a great read. It certainly met my expectations. The pieces are simple on the surface but reveal a whole hidden world when you dive into them. If I were told to describe it in one word, it would be 'honest'.
August 26, 2019
"I can read her like an open book," said everyone,
But they didn't know she was only written for one.
He could pick her off the shelf and read her immediately,
If only she had a prettier cover to begin with.
I enjoyed the poems, it was beautifully written and meaningful. I tabbed quite many parts but sadly I have to say the short stories didn't really gripped me as much. Would not really recommend the short stories. Perhaps it's just not my cup of tea.
Actual Rating:
4.3 stars
But they didn't know she was only written for one.
He could pick her off the shelf and read her immediately,
If only she had a prettier cover to begin with.
I enjoyed the poems, it was beautifully written and meaningful. I tabbed quite many parts but sadly I have to say the short stories didn't really gripped me as much. Would not really recommend the short stories. Perhaps it's just not my cup of tea.
Actual Rating:
4.3 stars
June 16, 2017
Simple. But it feels. The short stories also entertaining. Good job on your first book. :)
July 31, 2018
POEMS
Never thought I would enjoy a poetry book so much !! It was very relatable and I almost cried feeling the emotions of losing a love, finding a new one and hope. It touched me deeply and helped me express what I could not before - the pain, the guilt, the shame and now the love and gratefulness of finding new love that has stuck with me through my ups and downs.
The writing was creative and easy to read. It would be a good book for beginners who have never touch poetry before.
SHORT STORIES
The best part of the short stories were the mind blowing plot twists. Each had its own weird story and some retelling. The plot was catchy and the writing easy as I flew through the stories like the wind. The worst part...it only took me one night to finish the book and I need more !!
Never thought I would enjoy a poetry book so much !! It was very relatable and I almost cried feeling the emotions of losing a love, finding a new one and hope. It touched me deeply and helped me express what I could not before - the pain, the guilt, the shame and now the love and gratefulness of finding new love that has stuck with me through my ups and downs.
The writing was creative and easy to read. It would be a good book for beginners who have never touch poetry before.
SHORT STORIES
The best part of the short stories were the mind blowing plot twists. Each had its own weird story and some retelling. The plot was catchy and the writing easy as I flew through the stories like the wind. The worst part...it only took me one night to finish the book and I need more !!
June 19, 2018
Criticize responsibly..the best two-word story :)
December 12, 2016
Rating : 4.5/ 5 stars
"We both know that we can never be real,
So let's make sure they believe it was.
Share our pictures, dates and every meal,
At least someone, if not us - believe in us." - c.oty
What a beautiful read. So glad that I found this book!
Some of the poems were so relatable and the writing could be really engaging.
The short stories were definitely reflecting Malaysia, the ideas were original and authentic. I love them, how simple yet brilliant they were for me. Can't wait for more Charissa's works in future! :)
"We both know that we can never be real,
So let's make sure they believe it was.
Share our pictures, dates and every meal,
At least someone, if not us - believe in us." - c.oty
What a beautiful read. So glad that I found this book!
Some of the poems were so relatable and the writing could be really engaging.
The short stories were definitely reflecting Malaysia, the ideas were original and authentic. I love them, how simple yet brilliant they were for me. Can't wait for more Charissa's works in future! :)
October 12, 2017
I don't really understand some of the poems and short story. Maybe due to language barrier, My bad.
I hope I can understand it all, so I can enjoy the reading.
To short poems, two words and one and two line(s) poems; less might be more, but it just don't really work here.
I hope I can understand it all, so I can enjoy the reading.
To short poems, two words and one and two line(s) poems; less might be more, but it just don't really work here.
August 25, 2016
I really liked the poems. Would not really recommend the short stories, though... Perhaps just not my cup of tea.
December 29, 2016
"she tells herself that she's alright,
but her damp pillow may say otherwise."
but her damp pillow may say otherwise."
December 17, 2016
4.5 stars
Surprisingly, while I love the poems in this book, I love the short stories even more.
January 3, 2019
She's got talent..and writes creatively, but I expected more.
October 27, 2017
You can find my book review here: https://theroyalpolarbearreads.wordpr...
Three type of pain was inflicted to my being while I was reading Midnight Monologues. Stinging Pain. Hanging Pain. Leaving Pain. Midnight Monologues is a good poetry book that could provide different kinds of voices per line in one poem. It will leave you wanting more even if you know, in the back of my mind, that algesia is the end result. I love the style that has been used in Midnight Monologues. It signifies the modern and evolving writing style of poems and the feelings are on point. It strummed the chords in my heart, while feeling broken, left out, in pain and most of all, desolate.
It was a stinging pain in the process of reading the book, the journey of repeating the unwanted feeling is all over the book. It displays too much emotion that I can’t contain enough. The words made me realize of loving people could destroy you and the questions you supposedly ask to them are the questions you should ask yourself. It was revealing and on point, it tackles self-love and moving on, it is trying to reach on our conscience that there’s more to the world than the love that lost and we could find it not to someone but within ourselves.
Another thing that I like about this book, aside from the wonderful cover art, is the inclusion of short stories in the end that can make the readers think the outcome and how every story ends with an impact that is related to reality. Midnight Monologues is not a simple composition of poetry, accumulated feelings, and honest emotions. It was also a collection of words that can change, phrases that can wake up a person, sentences that can help find the reader’s voice within and paragraphs that can touch someone’s life. It is a wonderful, lovely, and if I can say more, honest artwork done and contributed to the literature by Charissa Ong Ty.
MY RATINGS: 4 STARS.
Three type of pain was inflicted to my being while I was reading Midnight Monologues. Stinging Pain. Hanging Pain. Leaving Pain. Midnight Monologues is a good poetry book that could provide different kinds of voices per line in one poem. It will leave you wanting more even if you know, in the back of my mind, that algesia is the end result. I love the style that has been used in Midnight Monologues. It signifies the modern and evolving writing style of poems and the feelings are on point. It strummed the chords in my heart, while feeling broken, left out, in pain and most of all, desolate.
It was a stinging pain in the process of reading the book, the journey of repeating the unwanted feeling is all over the book. It displays too much emotion that I can’t contain enough. The words made me realize of loving people could destroy you and the questions you supposedly ask to them are the questions you should ask yourself. It was revealing and on point, it tackles self-love and moving on, it is trying to reach on our conscience that there’s more to the world than the love that lost and we could find it not to someone but within ourselves.
Another thing that I like about this book, aside from the wonderful cover art, is the inclusion of short stories in the end that can make the readers think the outcome and how every story ends with an impact that is related to reality. Midnight Monologues is not a simple composition of poetry, accumulated feelings, and honest emotions. It was also a collection of words that can change, phrases that can wake up a person, sentences that can help find the reader’s voice within and paragraphs that can touch someone’s life. It is a wonderful, lovely, and if I can say more, honest artwork done and contributed to the literature by Charissa Ong Ty.
MY RATINGS: 4 STARS.
July 15, 2018
I’m attracted by the cover page and the title :) I can’t relate much with all the poems but I like it anyway. My most favourite poem is Baggage. So sweet and meaningful. I enjoyed the short stories more. My favourite short stories is Chewing Gum :D
Currently reading the second book by the author - Daylight Dialogues :)
Currently reading the second book by the author - Daylight Dialogues :)
November 26, 2018
This is totally a well written poetry book by Charissa Ong . Love all the poems and the short stories .
....
....
My favourite poem in the book are “ The Selfish and The Helpless “ . Totally have a great meaning , telling us be kind to everyone . 😊 . As for the short stories , my favourite are the “ Malaysian , Chinesian , Indisian . “ 😊
....
....
My favourite poem in the book are “ The Selfish and The Helpless “ . Totally have a great meaning , telling us be kind to everyone . 😊 . As for the short stories , my favourite are the “ Malaysian , Chinesian , Indisian . “ 😊
April 11, 2017
The poems are beautiful. Made me reminisce
the old times.
the old times.
May 15, 2020
The book has 4 chapters to it, namely Lost, Found, Hope and Short Stories.
Lost was the best out of the 4. Shame that the book also diminishes itself as the chapter goes; just how she likes to diminish her poem bit by bit.
I understand why she wrote Criticise Responsibly, but I'm truthfully quite disappointed.
Hope was the most annoying and amateur chapter I've ever read. It felt like she just wanted it to rhyme even if the whole poem didn't really bring much significance or sense to it. Ironically, I lost hope for the book right here; I couldn't even finish the short stories because of this 'Hope' chapter. Uninspiring.
Advice: Perhaps stick to short poems, that's your strength. The longer it gets, the flow gets lost because of the forceful rhyme in odd sentence endings and paragraphing. Also go for the heart wrenching stories, they do much better than your 'motivating' ones.
Lost was the best out of the 4. Shame that the book also diminishes itself as the chapter goes; just how she likes to diminish her poem bit by bit.
I understand why she wrote Criticise Responsibly, but I'm truthfully quite disappointed.
Hope was the most annoying and amateur chapter I've ever read. It felt like she just wanted it to rhyme even if the whole poem didn't really bring much significance or sense to it. Ironically, I lost hope for the book right here; I couldn't even finish the short stories because of this 'Hope' chapter. Uninspiring.
Advice: Perhaps stick to short poems, that's your strength. The longer it gets, the flow gets lost because of the forceful rhyme in odd sentence endings and paragraphing. Also go for the heart wrenching stories, they do much better than your 'motivating' ones.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2017
The thing about poems these days is that people try too hard with fancy words and complicated hidden meanings in which you'd have to "decipher" like a puzzle. All of which, I would say is not appealing when you're going through a time in your life where you require simplicity. You turn to a book for solace, for comfort, you turn to a book to read words that could speak to your soul, to say things you might not have been able to put to words yourself.
Midnight Monologues is just that. Simple to read and is able to pull the heart strings of those who have loved, lost, and found hope again; it is a delightful book to immerse yourself in.
Midnight Monologues is just that. Simple to read and is able to pull the heart strings of those who have loved, lost, and found hope again; it is a delightful book to immerse yourself in.
January 28, 2017
4.5 stars! I'm happy that I found a talented local in telling stories through her poems and interesting short stories. It was a relaxing read while waiting for my flight, some poems struck a chord, and I enjoyed the stories! Looking forward to her next book!
December 31, 2018
The words melt my heart as the inspiration blooms inside of me. Everything that was written by the author in this transferred me to different places where I could adore things from different point of views. It was such a delightful experience, and I am happy I stumbled upon this work of art.
July 15, 2021
This is the worst book I've read this year. I don't even want to call it poetries. I wish Instagram "poets" would just stop misguiding the younger generation into thinking this piece of crap is poetry.
January 6, 2017
For every poem that tug my heartsring, I will fold over the corner of the page.
Ending up, nearly all pages were dog-eared.
Ending up, nearly all pages were dog-eared.
March 8, 2017
3.5 stars. I loved the melancholy but hated the redundancy.
June 14, 2019
2.7
The poems are beautiful and relatable. I have a few favourites. However, the flow of the short stories felt out of place in this collection.
The poems are beautiful and relatable. I have a few favourites. However, the flow of the short stories felt out of place in this collection.
August 30, 2021
3,5 ☆
I loved the poems, but the short stories did not really impact or resonate with me.
However, I still recommend reading it. It's a great debut!
I loved the poems, but the short stories did not really impact or resonate with me.
However, I still recommend reading it. It's a great debut!
July 25, 2020
I love it so much! I could not believe I have disregarded and dismissed Poems from my reading genre my whole life. The poems, short and succinct but packed with meanings that give me the chills by how feelings are so beautifully crafted into words.
Although there are not many words in this book compared to the bulky and adventure filled books I usually devoured on, I spent a surprising amount of time just letting the words sink in and consumed by afterthoughts.
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars is because of the short stories. They are good but I just find them a bit off in this supposedly themed book .
I would have love the book to have a 'happily ever after' with an epic poem, then I would have crowned it with 5 shining stars.
Although there are not many words in this book compared to the bulky and adventure filled books I usually devoured on, I spent a surprising amount of time just letting the words sink in and consumed by afterthoughts.
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars is because of the short stories. They are good but I just find them a bit off in this supposedly themed book .
I would have love the book to have a 'happily ever after' with an epic poem, then I would have crowned it with 5 shining stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews