The Quiet Ones

I just finished reading The Quiet Ones by Glenn Diaz. It won the Palanca Grand Prize back in 2017, and I purchased it because I wanted a well-written Filipino novel that I could sink my teeth into while on lockdown. I was not disappointed

The plot revolved around Alvin, a twenty-something call center agent who worked for an American telco in the heart of Makati. Set mostly in 2008, it was filled with pop culture references from that era. I graduated from university in 2008, so the setting was relevant for me. Coincidentally, the skyscraper where Alvin and his call center officemates worked was also where my first job was located. It felt like a blast from the past, albeit with different characters who could have been my friends, classmates, and contemporaries.

I enjoyed this book because the plot became interesting when Alvin and his friends on the floor wired money from their rich telco client to a dummy account which funded their own respective accounts. It was a clandestine operation which was so illegal yet interesting given how cunning and discreet they were. While I will never do this for the life of me, I still found it engaging because of the colorful backstories of each character which later motivated them to take part in the crime. The result was a satirical, hilarious, and oftentimes relatable drama which is a result of globalization, outsourcing, and robotic call center culture.

I worked in a BPO myself, so this book resonated with me. I empathize with the characters, and I feel sad that several of our countrymen have to endure hours of irate phone calls just to escape poverty. However, I also feel renewed respect for these Filipinos who choose to work as outsourced employees in order to provide for their families. It would be better though if clandestine money wiring would only be within the confines of this novel.

I believe that this novel is required reading for BPO workers and aspirants alike. It is a slice of life take on the BPO industry and the motivations of Filipinos in entering this lucrative industry. It could either be a cautionary tale, or a fairy tale. The choice is yours.

Buy The Quiet Ones on Shopee today!

Toto and the Boys: Jackie

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:

1. Life is not predictable. Some things are better left unplanned. Enjoy the sponteneity!

2. Being creative has its perks. Think out of the box!

3. Forgiving and accepting yourself is the greatest gift you can give to yourself.

4. 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!

The Day She Said Goodnight

I recently finished reading The Day She Said Goodnight by Owwsic. I read this after watching this video by AnakNiRizal on her Tales of Demi YouTube channel. I was instantly hooked by the bad boy meets sick girl plot, and it was supported by solid Taglish storytelling.

The novel was memorable not just because of its appealing storyline, but because I was able to empathize with Rome, the male protagonist whose first person POV was moving and direct to the point. The storytelling may have a predictable plot, but Owwsic managed to craft one that was far from cheesy and pitiful through Rome’s POV. I liked it, and it definitely hit me hard.

I learned the following lessons from The Day She Said Goodnight:

1. Life is too short, so make each moment count

2. Love makes life more meaningful

3. Success is best achieved through hard work and healthy collaboration

I highly recommend this book if you like romance novels that will tug your heartstrings while reminding you of the meaning of life.

You may access The Day She Said Goodnight on Wattpad.

So, This Is Youth

I recently finished reading So, This is Youth on Wattpad. It was written by AnakNiRizal, who is my favorite writing teacher on YouTube. I read this novel before I turned 35, and I must say that it was filled with life lessons on growing up, learning for its own sake, and moving on.

Here are some of the lessons I have learned from reading So, This is Youth:

1. Getting older does not mean getting wiser

2. The whole point of school is to teach you how to continue learning how to learn

3. Money does not buy happiness and fulfillment, but it can be the means to pay for an education, to support worthy causes, and to invest in oneself

4. Life begins when we realize what we are made of

I recommend this novel if you are a fan of inspirational yet numerous writing. You will definitely enjoy this light yet insightful read.

You may access this complete novel on Wattpad.

You, Me, & Letting Go

American Young Adult author Katie Kaleski very kindly send me an ARC of her upcoming novel You, Me, & Letting Go. Here’s the lowdown on the book:

BOOK DETAILS:

You, Me, & Letting Go
by Katie Kaleski
Published by: Swoon Romance
Publication date: May 14th 2019
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Description:

A love so epic, no label is needed.

Van Sato’s got labels. Tourettes, ADHD, SPD – words that have defined his existence since the time he was old enough to know what they meant. Now, Van wants to prove he’s more than an acronym, a syndrome, a problem kid. He takes a summer job as a day camp counselor to prove he’s capable of independence and moving on to the next phase in his life. Maybe, he might even make a friend while there. Someone who’s got just as many or even more labels than him. Someone who understands what it’s like.

Tabby Dubanowksi wants to forget about everything, the hospitalization, the judgment, the whispers behind her back. As a camp counselor, she will be admired, looked up to, and able to help people who don’t know anything about her old life. Tabby wants a fresh start and a chance to re-ignite her passion for film-making, if only for one summer.

After running away from their pasts, Van and Tabby collide in a storm cloud of attraction laced with self-doubt, insecurity, shame, and blame. Now, with Van feeling like he might have to quit his job, and Tabby struggling to quell the urge to cut, they will struggle to find themselves in a world designed to keep them apart.

 My Review: 

I am a fan of Katie’s straightforward writing, which I have first encountered in her previous novel Little Forevers. She treats teenagers with dignity and grace, which is paramount in giving YA novels the power to resonate with their readership. She does the same treatment in You, Me, & Letting Go. Van may have ADHD, SPD, and Tourettes, while Tabitha may be recovering from an eating disorder, but they are still relatable to all teenagers. Both have been bullied. Both have suffered from the cruelty of social media. And both are capable of falling in love.

It celebrates its characters without throwing them a pity party. Rather, the readers are invited to root for them as Van and Tabby both get normal summer jobs and experience everyday routines with their friends. I was deeply touched by their dedication to start over again. It’s not easy to rise above bad days, let alone life-altering disorders. What I appreciate about this novel is how it inspires all readers to see the beauty in life and uplift ourselves in times of adversity. And as the title implies, we are all capable of letting go as long as we trust ourselves and share our lives with others.

I highly recommend this book! I’ve read this while taking care of my terminally-ill father in the hospital, and it was a ray of sunshine. Do read it too, and be inspired by Van and Tabby’s unconventional love story.

Flipping the Script Book Review

I love supporting local authors, especially those who are just starting out. One of the ways that I do so is by reviewing advanced reader’s copies (ARCs) of new novels and novellas in the #romanceclass community. The said community is a growing family of Filipino authors, both seasoned and newbies, who mostly write romance novels. They also write beyond that genre, so it’s inspiring to see the group diversify and grow through the years. Founded by bestselling Filipino author Mina V. Esguerra, the community fosters partnership and engagement between its members, and reviewing new works is a fun family tradition.

I was thrilled to be one of the first to read the ARC for Flipping the Script, a novella by newcomer Danice Mae P. Sison. It follows the story of Miri Dela Merced, a seventeen-year-old high school student who interns at a film studio that is owned by her family’s rival, Santelmo Pictures. Her Lolo Ikong used to be the studio’s prolific director, until its matriarch, Barang Santelmo, had a huge falling-out with him. Decades later, Santelmo’s heir Pabs Paglinauan meets Miri in the said internship program. Sparks fly between the two, and in between the mundane tasks of film production (sticking masking tape! coffee runs! all-night film editing!), the two get to know each other beyond their families’ rivalry. 

I truly enjoyed this novella because it was more than just a predictable teenage love story. There was a strong cast of support characters, and I liked Tetet most because she complemented Miri’s tomboy style and sensibilities. I also appreciated the pop culture references to 90’s Pinoy movies that I grew up with.

The story was believable in the sense that the author did not try hard to draw us into the story. With her witty writing style that includes chat groups, recommended 80’s flicks, film studio descriptions, and light banter, I felt seventeen again and totally transported into the world of campus life and filmmaking.

I wish that the novel was a bit longer, but I felt that the story was already a complete one. I just couldn’t get enough of Miri and Pabs, and it would be nice if this could have a sequel. All in all, I would give it five stars. I strongly recommend this novella! 

Flipping the Script will be out on February 2019. According to romanceclass, it will be released “worldwide, in digital and print formats, via Amazon, The Ripped Bodice, The Book Depository, and other retailers.”

For more Filipino novels, novellas, and awesome resources for authors and readers, visit  http://romanceclassbooks.com/. You may also follow Mina V. Esguerra and Danice Mae P. Sison online. 

#TheCrimeCircle

I am honored to be part of the Blog Tour for Filipino multi-genre author, Yeyet Soriano’s latest novel, The Crime Circle. I received a review copy from the author, and since I have previously read her other works, I already knew that this book will be awesome. 

I was not disappointed, as it was everything I needed during the past week. It helped me relax and get lost in the world of four novellas which told the story of four different crimes.  

Interestingly, the four novellas are released separately, enabling readers to have a dose of crime and mystery the whole year. The first novella, 3B4U, was already relased as an ebook on Amazon last March 24, 2018. 

The Crime Circle print versions are now available in its entirety via the local print order form and the international print order form. 

It follows the journey of David Roces from 90’s fictional rock god to social hermit. The unexplained deaths of his fellow rock musicians have caused him to disappear from public view. It was a fun read because I felt so invested in the story as I am a 90’s rock fan! I felt that Ms. Soriano has truly captured the grit and spirit of that era- and its tendency to be conducive to fan obsessions. 

3B4U is already available online through the local print order form, the international print order form, and via Amazon. 

Lost  follows the story of Zia, an artist who is haunted by childhood traumas. Her mother-figure, Steph, helps her emerge from the shadows to eventually overcome her demons. I enjoyed this novella because I also had some battles to fight in the past (didn’t we all?). It is truly inspiring to follow a female protagonist as she uses art to empower herself. 

Lost will be released as an ebook on Amazon on May 31, 2018. It is already available via the local print order form and the international print order form. 

 Climb was about Pablo, an IT professional/erotic fiction writer/subdivision heist intel broker. Wait, what? If that doesn’t interest you yet, then I don’t know what will! Also, I think anyone who lives in a subdivision will feel the chills as this novella narrates a series of home robberies. You will definitely rethink about who you trust, and how you secure your valuables.

It will be released as an ebook on Amazon on August 2018. It is already available via the local print order form and the international print order form. 

Last but not the least, Breathe was an entertaining read as it followed a fictional Filipino female crime author who writes about her memories of a childhood crime. I am happy to see female protagonists who have unconventional jobs, like crime authors!

It will be released as an ebook on Amazon on October 2018. It is already available via the local print order form and the international print order form.

So pour yourself a cup of coffee, and give your usual novels a break. Give The Crime Circle a chance as it was an engaging read. It will restore your faith in our country too, because while we have so much crime in our society, we also have a lot of goodness around us. Congratulations to Ms. Soriano on another successful novel- and I look forward to reading more from her in the near future.