Starfish (Starfish #1) by Lisa Becker | A Book Review

Lisa Becker is another author who sends me messages on Instagram every time she has a new book. I readily agree to read and review her books because they're always fun and delightful to read. Her characters are very real which most readers could relate with. 

Starfish is a rock star romance as described on the cover. I am not sure why but I really love reading rock star romances. I guess, it's a hidden fantasy of mine to end up with a rock star or some celebrity. I do have a few in mind. It's a situation akin to shooting for the moon but then what would you know? There are a lot of ordinary people who are married to rock stars and popular icons. Who knows, right? I am still single. What are the chances that I would actually end up with my favorite Korean drama actor? Dream on. Anyone can dream, right? Dreaming is free anyway.  Calling Lee Jae Yoon, Lee Dong Wook, Jung Il Woo.

Talking about rock stars, I've always had a crush on Alex Band of The Calling, Jason Wade of Lifehouse and Danny O'Donoghue of The Script. Aside from the fact that I love their songs and they're very talented, these guys are good for the eyes too. I've just started getting into K-pop too. Yes, I know, a bit late but I'm catching up. I really love CNBlue. I love alternative rock and their songs sound like that though they identify themselves as more of a pop rock band. I am so impressed by Jung Yong Hwa's ability to entertain and engage the audience in their concerts. He comes up with these ideas like playing the drums and have the other members do other things too. I would love to watch them play live if they ever come here to the Philippines. Jung Yong Hwa are you hearing this? I am actually listening to CNBlue while writing this review.

This is a story of Brad and Marin. Brad, obviously is the rock star. Marin is the ambitious intern who dreams of working for a big tech firm. Unfortunately, she ends up getting a four-month internship as the PR of a rock band who is hailed to be the next big thing - the Kings Quarters. I think Marin's job of being a PR girl for the Kings Quarters actually sounds incredible. Going on tour with the band is like a dream come true, right? I wouldn't refuse if I were presented with a rare opportunity as that. Aside from it being a new experience, it's also interesting to know if all the myths and popular beliefs about how the rich and famous live and breath would be true. I would take it as an in-depth investigation or an immersion. But not Marin, she wasn't very thrilled with the assignment. 

What I love most about the story is how Marin proved that she can be really good at her job. Yes, it wasn't what she really wanted but she ended up enjoying it even though it was a challenge at first, especially with the band members. In the end, she proved to be so valuable and essential to the existence of the band. Not to mention, she got close to the band members and yes, fell in love too. 

Brad is a very interesting lead male character. I find it refreshing to meet someone who would rather do coding on a computer than be in the limelight being a rock star. He'd rather have his inner nerd shine than bask in the fame and limelight. It's very humble and very endearing. Very few people would give up being popular than enjoy peace and quiet. It's very rare to find someone like that especially in this age of social media. Every one wants to be popular or want to go viral. Every one wants to take a shot at being an instant celebrity at any expense. 

This story tells of behind-the-scenes activities of what rock bands are famous for - yes, sex, drugs and alcohol. Fortunately, not all of the members enjoy all that. Some have grown tired of it. Some have outgrown it. Some just wouldn't grow up hence, the after parties are still a must. Of course, you can't exclude the people who want to take a bite of the popularity of the band and use it to their benefit. There's jealousy and intrigue and all other dramas too. 

I give this book 4/5 beanboozled jelly beans. This was a very fun read. It's like reading the real lives of rock stars with all the things that come with fame and money. It's not all that glorious as we are all made to believe. There could be conflicts and most of the time, not all bands are actually allowed to write the songs they want to write. Most of them have to conform to some marketing idea or branding image they have to portray. Yes, it's all about the money. This made me think about how western bands are way different from Korean pop or music idols. Korean pop idol aspirants have to train for years before they debut. A K-pop band or group has to live together in a dorm to develop team work among members. The size of the dorm would indicate how the group is doing. If they just started, they would be sharing a very modest or even a cramped space. They also have go through a lot and I guess, that keeps them grounded. Just like BTS, they were the underdogs. They were often bullied in reality shows they guest in when they first started. But look at them now. They endured all that and remained focused on their goal. They were the first ever Korean or Asian band to make it to the Billboards. It's probably one of the reasons why the ARMY would die for them because they've given their all (meaning they worked hard with no hanky-panky or no shortcuts) just to get to where they are now, yet remained humble. They don't feel so entitled as what some celebrities are. Sometimes they even forget they're celebrities. And yes, I like BTS. I root for them. Aside from being talented, they're also just ordinary people who worked hard to achieve their dreams yet never forgetting where they came from. 

When you feel like you can't go on, like there's nothing there for you...

Just remember: Laundry. Laundry is always there.

- Lisa Becker, Starfish -  

Thank you again, Lisa Becker for the review copy. I will be posting reviews soon for the other books you gave me. 

Other books by Lisa Becker: 

Clutch

The Subway Girl

Dear Future Self (review coming soon)

Links (review coming soon)

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. 

Clutch by Lisa Becker | A Book Review

According to this story, men are like bags. And I find the comparison very amusing and very fitting. The author is very clever to come up with this idea. It's amazing. And yes, I did enjoy the story. Thanks again, Lisa W. Becker for the review copy.

For a person who likes bags and at one point, thought that the more I have them, I could have more variety and more choices to choose from. I used to think that it would be amazing to have bags in all colors to match outfits or have a different one whenever you feel like it. I'm not one who buys expensive bags. I used to want to have different styles for versatility. But now, maybe it comes with age, I realized I don't have to change bags as often and I want my bags to last. I realized, I don't need a lot of bags. Just one functional and durable one. And just like in this story, you don't need all these bags but one. One you can hold dear. 

And I guess, it goes the same with men. Unlike the main character in this story, Caroline, who had the luck or the misfortune of meeting these different kinds of men,  depending on how you look at it, I've only been in love three times. I have a lot of guy friends but I never ever thought of comparing them to bags which is a very clever and hilarious idea. I think the closest thing I could compare to having a relationship would be my jobs or the companies I've worked for. I think the explanation is very lengthy, so let's not get into that.  I guess, reading of Caroline's experiences with men is hilarious but if this were real life, it's actually disastrous. Yes, I do admit it's interesting to meet these varied types of men but I prefer not to engage with them knowing all these things from Caroline. I am  good just watching Caroline from the sidelines here. I don't envy her. But having a man and a best friend like Mike in her life is what I covet.

Mike, he's a good sounding board. A very reliable best friend. But the best thing about him is he wants to carve a path of his own even if it's going to be hard. Even if it would mean he could be disowned and not have the comforts and luxuries in his privileged upbringing. Not a lot of guys would have the same strength of character to turn away from that.  I know normally, a lot would bet his life living on dad's money.

Mike and Caroline. I think the reason why these two took a long while to realize they are what each one needs is because they've gotten so used to the idea that they're perfect together as best friends. It never occurred to them that they're perfect for each other more than that because of the bond and experiences they have shared. They are each other's rock. And this is what I liked most about the story. The fact that these two just simply did not see right away that they are just meant to be. It was frustrating having to witness Caroline go through these different dates or relationships and knowing that none of them were bound to last. And after each fall out, Mike was always there to deal with the aftermath. No question. He was always there. It was part of how things are. The ever supportive best friend. Ah, I just love best friends who end up together. I wish the same is true in my life.

The book is very perceptive. Again, I can't stress enough how clever  it is to compare men to purses. And it's a very accurate and very interesting metaphor which every girl could very well relate to and understand. I guess, if you have a friend who have gone through a lot of boyfriends and have not realized that she had been buying the same type of bag, just in different sizes and colors but it wasn't what she needed because it was not functional, poor in quality, and does not suit her needs, letting her read this book will probably make her come to her senses sooner than all those heart to heart talks combined. I think this is a very good book to understand men. I think every girl should read this book. The entertainment value alone is so worth the time.

With that said, I give this book 5/5 clutch bags. Again, this is a hilarious, perceptive, and very educational story. Nothing more to be said except for all of you to read it. I'm so happy that this book was handed to me. 

I don't need to drive you crazy. You're close enough where you can walk there all on your own.

- Lisa Becker, Clutch -