Beyond the Pale by Jennifer Millikin | ARC | A Book Review

I got stressed by a customer I was talking to at work today so I baked bread. I've been practicing to bake bread without yeast. I got the recipe from Pinterest and so far, it has been good. Today, I still used half the recipe but then the bread turned out a little bit salty. I then realized that I used the full measurement for the salt in the recipe instead of half. Fortunately, the bread is still edible. I think I'm good. 

Beyond the pale is an idiomatic expression which means outside the bounds of normal or acceptable behavior. For me, this would also describe the kind of friendship the three main characters of this story have. Lennon Davies. Finn Jeffries. Brady Sterling. Outrageous and intolerable. Finn and Brady are bestfriends since grade school. In third grade, they met Lennon. She became the third member of the group. From then on, they were inseparable and have always been there for each other through thick and thin, but all that changed when something happened on the night of their high school graduation. These three went on their separate ways until their paths crossed again when Lennon's mom died. When Lennon goes back to Agua Mesa, Finn and Brady are bound to be there too. What would their reunion be like? Are things going to be like they were before? 

I remember feeling varied emotions when I was reading this story. It invoked a lot of feelings. I mostly felt for Lennon. She has a crappy home life. She doesn't feel loved by her mom. But I think, she also has the best friends in the whole wide world - Finn and Brady. These two would bring down the moon for her if she asks them to. That's how thick these three are. Their friendship is to be envied. 

Of all the books of Millikin that I've read, this is probably the most shocking and most surprising. On the first chapter alone, I already felt the tension, the apprehension and the drama that is going to unfold. I was pulled helplessly into the love triangle and the intertwined and complicated relationship of these three main characters. I felt like their reunion is going to bring back old wounds, things that were left unspoken will be hinted at and things that were left alone or were swept under the rug will likely to be unearthed. I felt that electrifying and live tension in the air. It felt like I too was walking on eggshells. 

I would say that this story had me asking a lot of questions after it ended. I had this sudden urge to find and talk to someone who've just read the story and ask, "WHAT THE F%%% JUST HAPPENED?" (Yes, all in CAPS.) We have to compare notes. I had to go back to the last few pages or probably the last two chapters to make sure I got it right and that my reaction was justified. And I did get it right. I wasn't hallucinating or even imagining. That was the part that did me in. That was the part which made this book "Oh, so beyond the pale." Until now, months after reading this book, I still feel like at a loss. I still can't believe it. It made me ask myself, "what if I were Lennon, would that experience shape me to be a better person or mess me up more? Would it change the way I see life in general? Would I be thankful for it or would it make me loathe myself? These are just a few of the questions running through my head. At the same time, I was also in awe as to the lengths one would go in the name of friendship and love. And I don't blame them. If I were Brady or Finn, I would have probably done anything in my power to save Lennon from any more heartaches and desperation. I think, for once in our life, we all experience that one moment where we are called to do something beyond the pale. Something that is maybe beyond the bounds of reason. I call it something you do or a decision born out of a moment of temporary madness. Or if you're insane most of the time, something you do on a very rare lucid interval. Something you might actually regret but if you're asked if you would do it again, you would still do it without a moment's hesitation. It's one of those decisions which you might not ever dream of making but then you will commit to it again, a thousand times over because you know you're doing it for someone you love more than your life. I have once been on that kind of situation and I would say, if I had to go through that again, I'd still do it - a thousand times over. Just like a hero willing to go through that painful and gruesome death over and over again even in the next lifetime, only because he knows that the sacrifice would be so worth it.

With that said, I give this book 5/5 Lincoln's. The five-dollar bill is so significant in this story because it somehow marked the start of that unbreakable bond between Finn and Lennon. Who Lennon ends up with is also one of the many questions I asked. Who could the lucky guy be - Finn or Brady? I had my own bet and how I came up with that was by imagining "if I were Lennon", which actually happened a lot in the course of reading this story. I think, you won't get the full experience of this wonderful tale if you've never ever felt like you were actually Lennon. It's a requirement. At some point, you not only need to empathize with Lennon but you have be her in order to fully understand the dynamics between the characters and the essence of the story. You have to experience Lennon at some point and only then are you allowed to judge how and why the characters are who they are. If you were just a bystander unable to partake in the intimate experience, then you have not fully grasped the intention of this book. So yes, it would take a while for you to debrief after reading this. You will end up with a lot of questions as I have. And believe me, you will try to analyze the events of the story like it's the most important thing in the universe because you have to make sure that you understand what's really written between the lines and what has been implied. Yes, this is probably one of the best-written stories that had stayed with me days or even months after because I can't seem to get over it. It sticks with you like that stubborn gum in your shoe that you can't seem to wipe off.

Maybe that's how life goes. Perhaps we aren't a collection of the hearts we break, the love we fail into, or the experiences we have. We start out whole, and as we go through life, we carve out pieces of ourselves and leave them behind. Maybe we pick up the pieces of others, and stitch them onto us, until we are a fabric made of everyone else.

- Jennifer Millikin, Beyond the Pale - 

Thanks again, Jennifer Millikin for the ARC. I had a great time reading this story and I think this is your best story yet. 

The Subway Girl by Lisa Becker | ARC | A Book Review

I can't seem to sleep nights anymore on weekends. I have become used to sleeping in the mornings since I started working again on a night shift. Yes, thankfully I have work again. My last project ended last April and fortunately, there was an opening on another team and my manager thought of me. I started working again about two weeks ago. It's a blessing in this very trying times. 

The Subway Girl is set in New York. I remember riding the subway and seeing a very cute guy. We even stole a picture of him. That was about ten years ago. That was my first time in the US and my first time to experience The Big Apple. Finally get to be see the city up close and get personal with it. I remember it was early morning. It was our first time to ride the subway. We were on our way to The Museum of Natural History. We saw this very cute guy with curly hair sitting right across from us. We thought, what a great way to start our day. We got lucky.

A hopeless romantic.
A cynical web show producer.
An unscrupulous cameraman.
A sleazy businessman.
An aspiring actress.
A womanizing best friend.
A scheming ex-girlfriend.
A commitment-phobic roommate.
An unlucky-in-love buddy.

These lives intersect when an average guy is awed by a gorgeous mystery woman on a New York subway and vows to meet her.

This is how the blurb goes and it does aptly summarize the story. The title alone promises you a sort of adventure of hopefully finding love on the subway. Exciting, right? Yes, my thoughts exactly. You woke up that day clueless as to what the day would bring and ending up possibly meeting the woman of your dreams on your commute to work on the A train wearing a pink beanie. How romantic is that? I would say, anything can happen.

The possibility of meeting your future husband or wife on a train is not far off. Actually, when we were in New York, I think I had the same thoughts. What if I meet someone special here in New York - a city that never sleeps may actually be a city of endless possibilities? That was when I was a bit younger and still hopeful about love. Now, I have accepted the reality that I might actually grow old alone. I am okay with that as long as I still get to travel. These past few years, being back in Cebu after spending about 8 years in Manila, I think I love living alone. My sister even told me that I have been so used to living alone that's why I don't have enough patience to deal with my father. True. But I do admit, there are still times I daydream of meeting that person who can love me for all my amazing qualities and not run away when my hideous self shows its presence. 

Right after reading the first chapter, I came up with this theory that I think this story won't end like a fairy tale - Ryan, the main character, will not live happily ever after with the pink-beanie subway girl. This story should be better than that. I just have a feeling. A very strong feeling that the pink-beanie girl will not be a good fit for Ryan. I just knew. It's probably because she was wearing that pink beanie. That gave it away. Hahahaha. I hate pink. But kidding aside, I just knew that for a good love story to work, it should come with obstacles. It can't just end up with Ryan getting the girl that easy. Well, it wasn't actually. He had to actually wear his heart on a sleeve for all the world to see.

I really liked that the story did turn out as I hope it would be - Ryan actually meeting pink beanie but realizing that she's not all that pretty. And that little did he know that love is just right there staring him in the face for months. Okay, I admit, his search for pink beanie paved the way for him to meet the woman he should be with. But again, thanks but no thanks. Fate does work in mysterious ways. 

When Ryan meet Angie, the woman who's going to help him find the Subway Girl, I know something good is bound to happen. I'll leave it all at that. I don't want to spoil anything.

One of the things I really like about this story are the smart and funny references to books, movies and songs. I learned a new word from this story - Beetlejuice. I haven't seen the movie but I think it's very smart to say "I think we beetlejuiced her." I would love to use this sentence in my conversations with friends one of these days. Watch for it.

I give this book 4/5 cute Kewpie dolls. I did enjoy this story. Especially because it didn't turn out as what everyone would expect. I love you Lisa Becker for making this story as it is. I was rooting for Ryan to finally find the subway girl and also wake up to reality. It turned out, all the effort of finding the girl was not wasted because while he was trying to sort out through the hundreds or thousands of responses claiming they were the subway girl, in the process he found the girl he should be with. He got to be friends with her and relied on her. He got to be himself. He didn't have to try to impress her or try to win her because she already got to see Ryan in his best and worst days. No one could resist the natural and genuine charm that Ryan has. He's a gentleman, smart and what you see is what you get. What else could you ask for in a man? If it was me, I'd be set for life. 

Here's one of the other things I like about the story. I totally agree with Angie on these. I don't know but I really hate having to join the bouquet toss when attending weddings. I always find an excuse to go to the bathroom when that part comes. I just don't like it. I am not exactly sure why but the idea just doesn't sit well with me. The only wedding I did that was my sister's wedding and only because I was obligated. So, maybe Angie summed it up correctly. I refused to be a part of such barbaric ritual. Marriage is not a requirement. I can be happy even if I am single. Happiness is a set of mind. It's an attitude. You don't need another person to be one. I guess, that's why some marriages don't work because they go into it thinking the other person can make their bitter lives sweet. But don't get me wrong, like I said, I do still wish to find someone I can spend the rest of my days with, grow old with, travel with and carry my groceries. But yes, I'm not totally a fan of flying flowers either.

I just think that bouquet toss tradition is barbaric. Herding all the single ladies onto the dance floor so everyone can mock their singleness.

Why does being the next to get married equate to good fortune?

...about not being fragile like a flower but being fragile like a bomb.

- Lisa Becker, The Subway Girl -

Thanks again, Lisa Becker for always thinking of me whenever you have a new book. I always enjoyed your stories. I am also happy that in a way we think alike - it's okay for Ryan not to get the subway girl. It's a really brilliant idea. 

By the way, I don't have a copy of Links yet. I've read the blurb and would want to read and review the whole book. Would you please send me a copy? I am begging you, please. 

Leah and Rhea (Spell #1) by Melissa Hines Helms | A Book Review

It's the fourth month since this pandemic has wreaked havoc and in a way, rearranged and disrupted our lives. I lost work for about two months and fortunately, I got reassigned to a another project about two weeks ago. That is something to be thankful for in this time of chaos in my country because of government officials doing a bad job. Instead of prioritizing the need to resolve and end Covid19, they are playing gods and flexing their powers to suppress freedom. It's a very sad reality. It's like another dictator is sitting in his throne and anyone who dares speak a wrong word will be thrown out to the dungeon or will forfeit  his life. 

In the midst of all these stressful events happening, I'd still like to think that good will always triumph over evil. That my country, no matter how horrible the situation its facing, is still a land of people who will fight for freedom, equality and end corruption. Like all the heroes who came before us, I believe this little archipelago in the Southeast is still home to a lot of men and women who will never ever let this country and our brave ancestors down. And I am one with that fight even if sometimes I want to just go and live somewhere else, if only migrating to another county is that easy. The events in my country are discouraging and you can't help but think about a very dim future. But as always, Filipinos are optimistic and we often look at the brighter side of things. We are also too forgiving which is also a curse because most of us tend to forget the wrongs done in the past and some of these perpetuators of those wrongs are again back in the government pillaging the country's coffers for personal gain. 

So, with the stress that's leeching all the positivity everywhere, I decide to just read books, listen to uplifting and relaxing music and watch K-dramas or movies that are projecting good vibes. Leah and Rhea is one. These two fairies will go against the mighty and powerful witch who put a spell on the whole forest. These two little beings will risk their lives to save the forest and their animal friends. Yes, this might be another David and Goliath story but it's a lot cuter and kid-friendly. 

Lea and Rhea are twin fairies who never discovered what their magic were. Their parents became stars in the sky when they were young. They never had anyone teach them about magic so all they have to do to survive is use their wits and of course, fly. That, at least, is something very useful for a fairy. 

This is a really good bedtime story for kids. It speaks of the bond of sisters, friendship, risking one's life for the good of the many and bravery. The story is not so unique but it got its point across. Good will always triumph over evil and nothing is really over until you stop trying. Our two friends, met very helpful and interesting characters along the way in their search to find the ingredients to reverse the spell of the evil witch Matilda. These characters are Khuno and Bunny who are rabbits; Win the Winking Willow Tree, Felda, Matilda's sister who is fortunately the good sister and the last older fairy; and finally, another fairy who can't talk - Troy. These characters helped the sisters make the reverse potion, bring back the whole forest to life and ended Matilda's reign of terror.

I actually enjoyed reading this book. I remember, I was a bit down and I wanted something to cheer me up. This book did it. It somehow uplift my spirit. It is so straightforward. It is so easy to read. It is also like a coming of age story for both of our fairies. These two fairies who don't know a single magic and has never left their forest has to reverse the curse that Matilda cast on the whole forest. As a consequence of ripping out the reverse spell from Matilda's book, Rhea was also affected by a curse. To save everyone and her sister, Leah and Rhea had to go separate ways to continue on their quest. These two had never been separated their whole lives so it was a very scary thing. But they each succeeded in their own task - Rhea to prepare the reverse spell and Leah to find the last and elusive ingredient for the spell to work. In the end, the evil is vanquished and the whole forest woke back to life. 

I give this book 4/5 pairs of colorful fairy wings. If I were a kid, I would surely love this book if I have read it when I was younger. It was very straightforward and all the language and tone of the story was very fitting for young audiences. If I have kids, which I still don't, but in the future, I would surely tell them of this tale. There were no very violent or gruesome scenes. It was filled with exciting adventures, if only the fairies were not pressed for time or fighting for their lives. I think this would make a good animation. I really had fun reading this book and it somehow made me forget about my worries, if only for the moment. I was rooting for the twin fairies to succeed and that only happened because these two refused to give up even if the odds they were up against were too much for them. This too applies in real life. You can't give up unless you give your all. You can't say you will fail if you haven't tried anything. And if by chance, you really fail, at least you gave your all. That alone speaks volumes. You won't look back with regret because the greatest tragedy is not moving an inch when you know you could have done something even if that does not guarantee the results. That's life. Nothing is guaranteed. You do your best and if you fail, you get up and try again. 

I could not find any quotable quotes in the story but I will let you in on how this story came about. This story came to Melissa when she was doing her undergraduate studies and was working part-time as a nanny for an adorable four-year old girl named Grace Farver Needlman. Grace had a terrific imagination as most kids do and Melissa needed to come up with engaging stories everyday for their drive home from preschool. And that's how Leah and Rhea's adventures started.

Thanks again, Melissa Hines Helms for the review copy. Sorry the review took ages.