We Deserve Monuments Hardcover – November 29, 2022

WE DESERVE MONUMENTS by Jas Hammonds is exquisite. It’s one I will have to buy many copies of because I can’t wait to literally press it into the hands of people who I know will love Mama Letty and Avery as much as I do.The characters in this novel as so well developed; the main characters felt like people I knew, people in my own family. Mama Letty could have been my grandmother—she jumped out of the book the minute I met her on the page. A few of the smaller characters, like Avery’s dad, felt a little one-dimensional, but it’s more of a quibble than an issue with the story.I especially loved the portrayal of this small town, its secrets and power structure, and its mysteries. It felt very rooted in character truth and in how where we live can shape us. Mama Letty’s story was infuriating and heartbreaking and absolutely believable.The struggle I had with this book was that I wanted to know the full story that I read it very quickly but yet I also didn’t want it to end. The writing is very strong and I look forward to re-reading the novel so that I can pay more attention to the writing.Ultimately, WE DESERVE MONUMENTS cost me a night’s sleep and a box of tissues to mop up my tears. I can’t wait to recommend this novel to other people, including my students, so they can inhabit this world for a little while, too.

Avery’s family just moved from DC to live with her terminally ill grandma, Mama Letty, in the small town where her mother grew up. Her mother and Mama Letty can hardly look at each other without getting into arguments, and Avery has a difficult time connecting with her ornery grandma. Despite everything, she’s able to make a couple of friends, though family secrets from all three threaten their friendship and their peace.This was an excellently written work that explored topics of generational trauma, sexuality, racism, friendship, and family secrets. The characters were beautifully written, and Avery was a relatable and realistic protagonist. The relationships that made up this work were wonderfully done. I really enjoyed how the author depicted the broken relationship between mother and daughter, as well as the different ways that manifested itself in negative and positive ways in both their lives.The author couldn’t have done the ending better. It wasn’t a perfectly wrapped-up ending, but it was realistic and still positive. I listened to the audiobook version of this work and think that the narrator was absolutely perfect. I highly recommend this incredible debut work! My thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for allowing me to read and review this work, which will be published on November 29, 2022.

**3.5**I enjoyed this story as it truly had me thinking about my own relationship with my mother and my family. I definitely did get emotionally because of the thoughts it provoked.I loved the dynamic between Avery, Simone, and Jade, but I do feel like there were some opened questions left with the ending of this story. Upon finishing the book I felt that certain questions that were raised did not get properly addressed which was some for me.But with that being said I would recommend this books to others to read.

great book one of my favorites

I was reading a book recently by a well known psychologist that discussed generational trauma. She said, if just one parent has PTSD, they become angry, bitter, paranoid, withdrawn. Those traits cause them to harm the ones they love. Their kids bear the brunt. That child, raised by the broken parent, in turn, becomes broken themselves. It's a vicious cycle. At some point, at any point, a generational curse can be lifted if just one person takes the time to do the work in therapy, address that pain, and heal. Knowing the origin story is akin to prevention, preservation, restoration.I applaud jas Hammonds in this their first book. Instead of focusing on just the bad, this tale journeys down pathways of healing and acceptance as we explore this crazy thing called life.

I picked this book out because of the beautiful cover as per usual. This is the authors debut novel.It’s a good read. It give us secretes and racism, YA romance and most of all friendship.I did not connect much with the characters until almost the end. I did get teary eyed.Over all a good book.

I never saw myself in books or read books where I related to the characters or how they spoke. I absolutely love this book it is a page turner that made me feel all the emotions. LOVE

This was such a robust story. It touched on so many things. I was especially interested in the complicated mother/daughter relationships. That was extremely relatable. I love the way Mama Letty’s past was slowly unveiled throughout the book. Avery was an interesting leading character with lots of depth. It was pleasant to see her blossom and find her footing. I appreciated that the racial tension in the small southern town didn’t take over the storyline. There was still a lot of substance beyond that theme. The ending was so emotional!