Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris has received mixed reviews. Readers praise its emotional depth, historical accuracy, and compelling premise inspired by a real photo. However, some felt the narrative was slow and characters occasionally lacked depth. Overall, it’s appreciated for its poignant storytelling and vivid portrayal of 1930s America.

Fans of historical fiction and emotionally gripping narratives will enjoy Kristina McMorris’s Sold on a Monday. Ideal for readers who appreciate the poignant storytelling of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and the rich detail found in Lisa Wingate’s Before We Were Yours.

Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris follows Ellis Reed, a struggling newspaper reporter, who takes a photo of two boys beside a "2 children for sale" sign, using it for a feature story that propels his career but has unforeseen tragic consequences. Alongside secretary-aspiring-reporter Lily Palmer, Ellis works to reunite the children with their mother during the Great Depression. Sensitive topics include child endangerment, illness, and loss.

Melancholic / Emotional / Nostalgic / Contemplative / Bittersweet

**Ellis Reed**  
A 26-year-old newspaper reporter with brown hair and blue eyes, known for his ambition and hardworking nature. He navigates personal and professional challenges, rooted in his family dynamics and career aspirations.

**Lillian “Lily” Harper Palmer**  
A young Catholic woman and secretary who aspires to be a reporter. She balances her career ambitions with her role as a mother and serves as a moral compass within the story.

**Jim Reed**  
Ellis's father, a miner who harbors guilt and struggles with expressing his emotions. Despite this, he shows his love for Ellis through shared activities and indirect gestures.

**Ruby Dillard**  
An enterprising young girl who is one of the two siblings involved in a significant plot event. Her observant and resourceful nature aids her throughout the story.

**Geraldine Dillard**  
A homemaker and mother who faces severe health challenges and personal struggles. She is driven by a desire to do what is best for her children.

**Clayton Brauer**  
A reporter at the Examiner and Lily's acquaintance. Known for his easygoing nature and respectability, he provides a contrasting perspective to Ellis.

**Howard Trimble**  
The editor and chief of the Examiner, known for his loud and authoritative presence. He is resistant to change but shows willingness towards the progression of others over time.

**Sylvia Millstone**  
A woman dealing with severe personal loss, impacting her mental health. She becomes involved in a significant story development driven by her connections and personal desires.

**Alfred Millstone**  
A successful banker and Sylvia's husband who struggles with power dynamics within his household. He is caught in the complexities of family and social issues.

**Giovanni “Max” Trevino**  
An influential Italian mobster who manipulates political and social spheres. His decisions play a critical role in the story's resolution.

Kristina McMorris

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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Sold on a Monday Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 5

Sold on a Monday Prologue-Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

Sold on a Monday Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

Sold on a Monday Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

Sold on a Monday Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-23

Sold on a Monday Chapters 21-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-26

Sold on a Monday Chapters 24-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-31

Sold on a Monday Chapters 27-31 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 32-36

Sold on a Monday Chapters 32-36 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 37-40

Sold on a Monday Chapters 37-40 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 41-43

Sold on a Monday Chapters 41-43 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Sold on a Monday Character Analysis

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Themes

Sold on a Monday Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Sold on a Monday Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Sold on a Monday Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Sold on a Monday Essay Topics

Sold on a Monday

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