I just finished reading Toto and the Boys: Jackie on Wattpad. It is an English novel by Filipina author J.D. Ruiz. I enjoyed reading it as it was set in Bacolod, which is a different environment from urban Manila, where I am based and quarantined due to the Delta variant. The setting gave me the impression of a lush, green scenery where people were friendlier and more laidback.
The protagonist, Jackie, was a marketing professional who was avoiding a creepy stalker while developing a relationship with her elusive yet artistically-inclined boss. The novel is told mostly from the POV of Toto, the Beetle that Jackie and her girl friends drive. It was refreshing and humorous to read a novel from the perspective of a car. It gave the novel a fun and light twist.
Aside from the summery plot, I learned these lessons while reading Toto and the Boys:
Life is not predictable. Some things are better left unplanned. Enjoy the sponteneity!
Being creative has its perks. Think out of the box!
Forgiving and accepting yourself is the greatest gift you can give to yourself.
Find a partner who will love and accept you for who you really are.
I highly recommend this novel to people who enjoy rustic settings and coming of age plots. Do check out Toto and the Boys on Wattpad now and enjoy your road trip with Jackie!