i am not a bookworm!: Nothing is Predictable by Adalina Mae

Nothing is Predictable by Adalina Mae | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!

I just got a DM from the author yesterday via Instagram that I won an ebook of this same book. I joined the Author's of Instagram Summer Giveaway Hop. I thanked and told her that I already have a copy of this book from Netgalley. I suggested she gives my prize to someone else so s/he can read her book. I have read her book but have not written a review, yet. The author gave me some updates about the book and was thrilled to be in-the-know of what's going on. I am happy for the author and looking forward to finally see the plans come to fruition.

I love stories about people or characters of mixed heritage or background. Reading about other characters like those in the Middle East like the books of Khaled Hosseini (A Thousand Splendid Suns, The Mountains Echoed, etc.) is just very refreshing. It's good to hear the everyday lives of these people who are just like the rest of us. Going through each day with hardwork and wishes that tomorrow will be better. It's a far cry from the bad news we hear about civil wars and bombings. And this story is the same. Though the setting changes from Lebanon to the US and other places Zara has travelled to, it can't be denied that a large chunk of the story is centered around a character of Lebanese descent. I love to travel and I guess that's where my undying curiosity to learn about other cultures springs from. And this story just gave me a peek into the lives of people in Lebanon, especially during the most tumultuous time in their history.

As I see it, this story is tragic. At first, I can't decide if I like the main character-Zara. She just has this penchant to ignore her instincts. I mean who does that, right? The ending, she always ends up with her heart more broken each time. It's such a pity. But then, when you understand where she's coming from, your heart will bleed for her. What she has been through was terrible. And no child, should witness what her mother and her father had to go through. It was really horrible. And the only thing she knows of trying to ease her anger and hatred for her father was think of the good times, though it was never enough to absolve him of all his faults.

And her choices of men in her life. Wow! I admit I can't judge her but I always wonder if she ever learned from her mistakes? The only thing I could say is she should have listened to her instincts. I think it is more reliable than her brain or her heart. I think it is better to be cautious than be sorry. Always sorry, as it appears to be her luck each time. But she also learned her lessons. Only it took years for her to actually examine her choices. I actually rooted for her to still end up with her first love. Sigh.

In the end, Zara is a strong woman. Being able to decide that she can do well on her own without any man. She must learn to love herself more so she can be whole. She must come to terms with all her issues and baggage before she tackles more. I can't fault Zara for all the mistakes she made or her misplaced trust. Each person learns at her/his own pace. Some of us do well in some aspects where others are having a hard time. We each have our own strengths and our own challenges. Zara did too. The best we can do is live our lives the best way we can, on our own terms, as long as we don't hurt anyone in the process, including ourselves.

The best part of the story is when Zara decided to travel to de-stress. I think it was the best decision she has ever made. Based on my own experience, travelling puts things into perspective. It allows for self-growth and healing that starts within. I think it's the best cure for all ailments--especially for a broken heart and a shattered spirit. Though, I was a bit dismayed that the story did not end with Zara finally finding the love that she needed, I liked that Zara resolved to delve deeper into the death of her father. I think it would make for a good sequel to this story and it would show another facet or strength of her character which I really want to see.

I give this book 4/5 tarboush hats. Zara is just like the rest of us. We know life is very unpredictable, no matter how much we painstakingly make plans and try to prepare for it. You will never know what's gonna hit you. The only thing we can do is rise up every time we fall and to remember "to be meaner than our demons" (quote from The Day You Went Away by Jennifer Millikin).