Pen and Xander by Laekam Zea Kemp | A Book Review

Hey, there. March is almost ending but I have yet to write my reviews. In fact, this is going to be my first one for the month. A lot has been going on and I have been going through a lot of crazy emotions and also not just from books but from what's been happening in my life. I hope everything turns out to be how I wish them to be. I'm still waiting and it's out of my control and the only thing I can do is pray. A little bit of crazy is good sometimes and it somehow made me feel how it is to be truly alive. I just hope things will turn in my favor. Aside from some sprinkle of craziness happening in my real life, that craziness has gotten to my bookworm life as well. I signed up to be listed in the bookbloggerlist.com and I just got accepted this month. To my utter surprise, I've been getting a lot of review requests from authors. I've been bombarded actually, which is really nice and good for my self-esteem. I know a need a lot of boost. Anyway, I can't find it to deny anyone, so I just accepted them but setting expectations that I may not be able to review their books within the next three months but I will try. So, the rest of the year has been spelled out for me. It's going to be fun getting to meet these new authors and be introduced to new worlds and characters. I just love being a bookworm! The free books are all I live for.

So, Pen and Xander. I got this one from Xpressobooktours.com. This site is one of my go to sites to get books for free. Giselle the owner of the site has a varied and interesting mix of books up for review. I usually check out her site if I feel like I need to find a hot new book. Pen and Xander is just one of the two that I signed up for. Then last February, the author herself reached out to me and asked me to review and do a post for her book. I don't know how she found me but she sent me a message through the contact us form of this blog. So long story short, I agreed to do a post for the giveaway blast and here comes the review.

I think I signed up for this book because of the title. Yes, titles always get to me. It's the first thing that I notice and then, that's when I read the blurbs. This one I think appealed to me because of food. There's a lot of food involved in this story and obviously, I love food. I call myself a frustrated chef. Not because I can't cook but because I'm a chef-in-progress. I would like to be a really good pastry chef without having to go to a cooking school or any formal training. So far, what I learned about cooking are from watching shows, practicing on recipes I got online, tips from friends and family. My father is a really good cook. I think I might have gotten from him the ability or skill (I'm not sure yet what to call it yet) to throw in whatever ingredients available in the pantry and make something. I'm proud to say, I have quite a few very creative and delicious adventures through that. And  basically, this story connected to that part of me, especially the part about wanting to be a pastry chef. Pastries are my weakness. A ketogenic diet would never work for me. I can't forgo pastries.

Pen and Xander are both children of immigrants. Penelope Prado loves to cook. Taking over her father's restaurant is all she ever wants in her life but her father doesn't want that. Pen could not understand why. She has done everything for the restaurant. The items she had put on the menu are bestsellers but her dad seems to not appreciate that. Xander is a teenager with a load of abandonment issues. He grew up with his grandpa and the memories of his mom and dad leaving him kept haunting him, even in his waking hours. It consumed his existence and is even the reason why he has strayed and got involved with really nasty people. His need for love and family has gotten him in really sticky situations that only few got out alive.

This is a very relatable story, for lack of a better word. I am not an immigrant but it speaks so much of the minority of the people in the US, especially the Latinos and Asians. If I were to migrate to the US, then I would be part of this minority and would definitely be part of the people in this story. So, it was so easy for me to get into their shoes and feel a connection to the characters. Pen is an exact example of what every daughter wants or longs for. A daughter who needs approval, a daughter who needs to be seen for what she can do and not for what she can't do. A person who longs to be seen as an adult and not some 6-year old who never grew up in front of her father's eyes. As it turned out, there was a reason why his dad didn't want her to take over the restaurant. But after finding out what it was, I think it was a valid reason in her father's perspective. He doesn't want that life for Pen but I think, Pen is a strong girl and is bound to be a very strong woman and adult. I think she has it in her to take on the cares, the demands and the responsibilities that came with the restaurant. I know Mr. Prado's denial of Pen's most dire wish sprung out of his great love for his daughter. But I think it was unfair of him to think that just because Pen is a girl, she would not be as strong as her brother to take on the heavy load of the restaurant. For me, not only sons can be Atlas. Daughters are Amazons and we can be anything we want to be. Our muscles may not be bigger and stronger but our hearts are and we work smarter too.

The story is a very genuine reflection of the life of some of immigrants in the US. How they survive each day in a neighborhood they try to call home. How everyday is a literal survival of the fittest and they live by each day's pay. This is a very touching glimpse of what a lot of us know but refuse to acknowledge. And how a lot of brave people like Mr. Prado have tried to do something in order to help the community. Yes, I didn't agree with Mr. Prado's decision to not let Pen take over the restaurant but Mr. Prado is every inch a very compassionate man. It's both his strength and his downfall. But I see it more of his strength. It is what makes him every bit a hero to the immigrant community in this story. I could never fault him there. 

Alejandro Amaro or Xander is a good kid who has gone astray but was fortunate enough to find angels like Officer Solis and Mr. Prado. Xander is hungry for love and attention from his parents who left him and sought it out somewhere and ended up finding it in the wrong place and in the wrong person. It took an Officer Solis to make hims see the truth and that he can live a different life. He deserves a second, third and every chance he's got because like everybody else he's a victim. Xander realized that  anyone can have a life and family that doesn't need him to prove his worth or do something to prove his loyalty in ways against his good nature. He was able to find people who were in the same dirt hole with him and have managed to change their lives. So, there's still hope for him.

Pen and Xander are two souls that needed each other. They are both imperfect people who needed each other to show that they are both strong on their own. I so love what Xander did for Pen. Yes, it is truly a grand and selfless gesture. He only wanted to show Pen how much he cares for her. Pen in turn did what she thinks could make Xander happy. His most ardent wish. Yes, a happy ending but it was even sweeter because of what each character had to go through. This isn't just some sweet and cute love story but a story of how a family had to stay together and survive the most trying of times. Even building their hopes and dreams back up from the ashes.

I just love the story. Everyone reading this story could find themselves either in Pen, Xander, Angel, or Mr. Prado. Each character could be any living person going through something right now. I could perfectly fit into Pen's apron. Just like every daughter wanting to be seen as someone capable and responsible. The reality is some parents refuse to accept that their children grow up and have to learn things on their own. They wanted to spare us from some things but then, they also deprive us of that opportunity to rise up and be the best of what we can be. We have to make our own decisions and the world now is far more different than what they have experienced. Things have changed and to keep up, we have to evolve too. How we see things and how we approach things are going to be a bit or if not totally different than how they were in their time. What's important is that our values don't change. 

I give the book 5/5 delectable and mouth-watering coconut cakes. Just like every triumph and success after every known hardship and experience, this story has all of that.  Including a mix of characters that add flavor and sweetness to it. This is a very relevant, touching, sweet and entertaining story that had squeezed and inflated my heart. Love in all its forms and that family, regardless of the fact that we share the same blood type or not, means loyalty and sometimes betraying yourself to do what's good for that family can be the best thing. 

That I could be easily manipulated into thinking that pain is some sick form of love.

The depression had wilted me like a hot flame over a flower, making me malleable, and while the medication the doctor prescribed reshaped the neurons in my brain, my father's fears reshaped the structure of my heart.

- Laekam Zea Kemp, Pen and Xander - 

Thank you again, xpressobooktours and Laekam Zea Kemp for the copy.

The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay | A Book Review

I got this book from Netgalley. Just by the title alone, my attention was already captured. Like all readers, I too am curious and enamored by Jane Austen's works. Who wouldn't, right? I haven't read a lot of Miss Austen's books. So far, I've only read Pride and Prejudice. I have to read more of her books, especially after reading this book. It got me curious about the other characters in her books mentioned here. I would try to include her books in my TBR this year. 

Have you seen the movie of Keri Russel, Austenland? This book is a lot like the movie. The characters here traveled to Bath, England to immerse in all things Austen. Wear costumes, play a character of Austen's in her novels, and get to live in a mansion which is like a set in the time of Austen's stories. This is a different kind of vacation. A getaway from the daily stress and grind and live in Austen's world and characters for a week or so and forget about modern day troubles. 

The main character in this book is Mary Davies. She's a very talented and creative industrial engineer. She works in a company she loves and she loves her job even more. She also enjoys working with the adorable, hilarious, and intelligent consultant at their office, who also seemed to be taken with Mary. Everything seems to be working out with Mary until her pet and most beloved project failed. The costs and the failure of that project is threatening Mary to lose her job. One other thorn in her side is her childhood best friend, Isabel, who had invited her to go on a two-week vacation to Bath, England. This vacation may be what Mary needs in order to relieve some stress at work and probably put some things into perspective.

I really enjoyed the story. Mary Davies is one very lovable character. I think I can relate to Mary in many ways. She's a nerd but a very impressive nerd with her talent in creating gizmos and gadgets. I also love her special talent of creating animals and stuff from electrical wires. She is a modern inventor and she loves what she's doing. Mary reminded me of my frustration of wanting to be an engineer. Deep within, I always wanted to be one. A computer engineer. I am tech-savvy and how I ended up in Accounting is a story which I might have told in one of my posts here. Maybe, in my next life, I could be that or I can still be one. It's never too late for anything, right? Anyway, I love Accounting too. Thinking back, I also couldn't think of not having done that. 

The other important character here is Isabel. I honestly hate her just by the descriptions and the stories Mary has related about her. She has not been a good best friend to Mary but she had her moments too. And once you get a picture of Isabel's life, you will feel sorry for her. The same way Mary's Mom and Dad had taken in Isabel like a real daughter, you too will feel like making allowances for Isabel's very unforgivable flaws. In the end, at least, she found her spot and eventually got out from under her father's claws and was able to live a life of freedom. Freedom to be herself and be happy. By end of the story, I still did not love Isabel but I came to understand her character more. She represents a lot of real persons in my life. Some, I am still friends with to this day and some have been a part of my life and have done me some torment of some kind. Hopefully, like Isabel, they too will find happiness so they would stop making other people as miserable as they are.

Nathan, a.k.a TCG. I just love him. He might just be the guy I want to have in real life. He's sensitive, smart, and caring. The thing I love about him the most is the fact that he wasn't sure if Mary even feels the same way about him. In a way, he's clueless and that is so cute for someone who works as a consultant who's supposed to be so intelligent and smart and should be able to notice nuances about people. I guess, not all nuances because he never read Mary's signals clearly and the same goes for Mary too. Good thing, these two were finally able to get everything cleared out. I think they complement each other. 

There are a lot of very memorable parts in the story. I would never forget the part when Clara said, "Sense and Senseless" instead of Sense and Sensibility. That really cracked me up. Also, the part about Mary pointing out that Austen hated Mary's. "She hated all the Mary's the same way she hated Bath." That was a very smart observation and realization which made me more curious to actually read all of Austen's stories with Mary's in them. I can relate to Austen. I too have a name or names I would associate with a mean person. I did meet a few people with the same name and they proved to be different so, they are exemptions to that. 

The story pointed out a lot of truths about relationships and human nature. I had to nod my  head a lot of times in agreement to a lot of the statements. There were also some that hit like cold water on the face. It hurts to accept but they're true. The same way, Mary felt about a lot of realities and realizations that dawned on her brought about by her stay in Bath. 

I love the book and I'm sure I'm going to start looking for books of Katherine Reay. I need to read more of her books, the same way I felt I've missed a lot not having read a lot of Austen. With that said, obviously I'm giving this book 5/5 wire animals. In a lot of ways, I can relate to Mary. I felt I could just be her in this story. There are a lot of similarities especially about work. And I felt the same disappointment and sadness when it dawned on Mary that Austen did not like Mary's and what all the Mary's represent to her. Whether, they'd be the characters in her book which are representations of maybe real persons in Austen's life. Knowing that her namesake may have done Austen some injustice or grave ill, somehow affected Mary the same way as if she shares some blame. I had one co-worker who honestly told me that he didn't like my name. He said my name reminds him of someone or some not so nice experience. I appreciated his honesty. It wasn't that he did not like me but I understand what he meant. He's uncomfortable that I remind him of something he doesn't want to be reminded of. I too don't like my name. If I were given the chance, I would have named myself something else. This story also reminded me of the animated story by Disney- Home on the Range. It's about farm animals, cows to be exact, who had banded together to save their farm "Little Patch of Heaven." I really love one of the songs on the OST- "Will the Sun Ever Shine Again." So, this story reminded me of a lot of different things and it's very honest and real, even if a lot of metaphors and things about Austen are used in here. It is a very relevant story which examines a lot about the different relationships we have. Just as Austen's stories are like a study on human behavior and human nature, this story too tackled that subject. I am so fortunate that I found this book and Miss Reay. Thank you again, Netgalley.

No one wants to be third choice, even if they couldn't care less about being any choice.

- Katherine Reay, The Austen Escape - 

Winter Signs (Season Named #2) by Sarah Gai | A Book Review

I read the first book in the series by the same author--Autumn's Dance, so when I found this on Xpressobooktours' site as one of the things up for review, I readily signed up. I remember liking the first book, so I am hoping to be touched and moved by this second installment also.

Winter Signs is a story about a girl who was born a deaf-mute and had to go through a lot of heart-breaking loss in her life. Grief so devastating that she thought she had nothing to live for. The only way she thinks she will be able to get out of the dark hole she was in was to go away from everyone she knew and start over. Only to find out that she has to, whether she likes it or not, get closure and move on because a lot of people are just waiting for her to be ready to do that.

If the first book was about domestic violence and family, this one is about loss and grief, which I think is more tragic and devastating. The common theme of the two books in the series is family, friendship, and love. Well, love actually in all its forms. Like the first book, this story embodies the saving grace of unconditional love. That it heals all wounds, even a black hole caused by a great loss of one's great and first love.

This story reminds me of when I was in my grade school. I was in a special class. We were called fast-learners. I think it was more of more projects and more school work to do than most of the other pupils in our grade level. Anyway, we were next to the classes of the hearing-impaired and the mentally-challenged. Yes, we were exactly where we were supposed to be, in the building for special people. We were special in our own way. I remember, we developed a friendship with some of the pupils from those classes and we learned to do sign language. I learned how the signs for the alphabet and some of the most commons signs for beautiful, ugly, father, mother, and I love you. Later in high school, the sign language for the alphabet became very handy when I joined the Girl Scouts. It was also very useful talking to a friend who knows sign language without giving away what you are talking about. It's like a secret form of communication, if there wasn't any deaf-mute or anybody else who could understand it.

I think of this book as Winter Sighs. I feel like taking a deep and big sigh every time I think about this story. The loss and heartbreak Winter had to go through at a young age, one after the other, was just so traumatic. It left a very big hole, actually a vacuum in her heart and it felt like her heart would never work again. I felt that too. I felt like my heart stopped beating when I got to that part of the story. Winter and Connor's love for each other is what you could call ordained. They were made for each other. I could feel Connor's great love for Winter even in my pores. It was just so strong that even an outsider would never make the mistake of getting in between these two. Such love is just so extraordinary and very rare. Not to mention, that they started as best friends at such a young age and they grew to falling in love with each other.

My favorite part of the story is how Connor and Winter met. It was just so hilarious imagining a stick thin Winter hitting a similarly young Connor in the face. It was not a cute first meeting but definitely memorable and very hilarious to anyone seeing it. Who knew it was a start to a very close friendship and love that two can ever share.

Then, there's Nolan. It seemed like the author has a habit of naming the two leading men in this story with surnames. I think it's unique and cute. So Nolan, I think he has a lot in common with Connor. Aside from of course, being attracted and drawn to Winter, these two seem to share a lot of traits. They are both good teenagers who both grew up with single moms. They are both an only child also. So, it isn't any wonder why Winter felt comfortable and safe with him. 

Nolan and Winter. These two both know that there is some special link between them but Winter was just not ready to deal with anything that will remind her of Connor. Winter tried denying her feelings for Nolan but in the end, she found that she could not go through the same experience of losing someone she loves again. After all the push and pull between these two, finally Winter gave up and succumbed to the ever powerful pull of love and let Nolan in for good. And there were reasons why Nolan had to do the things he did for Winter.

Charlie and Nicole were so cute also. I am glad that in spite of the tragedy that happened in this story, most of the characters found their place and love of their lives. These two have their own issues but eventually they got married and have gotten over the bad parts of their childhood. The same with the other characters, even with Sadie who became a better person than she was back in high school. A very nice turn of events which doesn't really happen in a lot of stories. The bully grew up to realize her faults and apologize for them, is such a refreshing thing. I hope it happens more often in stories and in real life.

I give the book 5/5 snowflakes. This story brings out a lot of emotions to the surface. Though loss and tragedy is the most prevalent, but hope and recovery is also in the scene. Moving on and finding that the heart can still function and beat like it was never shattered after all is a great blessing. To find two great loves in one lifetime is such a miracle. Winter is very fortunate and she didn't have to forget Connor just because she is now with Nolan. Connor is a big part of her and Nolan is such a great guy for knowing the same thing. Connor is as much a part of Nolan as to Winter. They are both lucky to have known him. 

This story just oozes with very strong emotions that I can't even help for my chest to feel tight while writing this review. This evokes a lot of sad feelings but knowing that everything ended up well with everyone is such a relief. Yes, a happy ending! Thank you. Everything was resolve. Every issue and obstacle that was brought up in this story was resolved and given a happy ending, except for Summer which I am sure is the next book in this series. 

Here is a quote which beautifully summarizes what, how, and why grief is. And no one is ever more powerful than grief except for love. Only love can soften it's blow and help one to recover from the aftermath of its very earth-shattering effects. So, for everyone who is going through grief right now, know that you can take as much time as you can to try to deal with it and when you are ready to come out of that deep hole, the sun is just outside ready to welcome you in all its shining glory.

Grief is a hard thing and there is no time limit on how long it will last. It could be a month, a year, a decade or the rest of your life that you mourn over the loss of a loved one, a marriage breakdown, or a friendship you thought would never end. You see, grief comes in all shapes but no matter how long it takes, know that it's okay to feel and know that, when you're ready, the sun is waiting right outside your window wanting to shine on you once again.

- Sarah Gai, Winter Signs -

Thank you again, Giselle of Xpressobooktours for the copy and for Sarah Gai for this wonderful story. 

Other books by the author:
Autumn's Dance (Season Named #1)

Tumble and Blue by Cassie Beasley | A Book Review

I signed up for this book because the title is so cute. Like always, it's the title that gets us first, right? Then the blurb was interesting enough, so I went ahead and signed up for this on Netgalley.

Tumble and Blue sounded like a cute love story to me. But it's not really a love story. It's more of friendship and finding or forging your own path. Tumble and Blue in this story are teenagers who are both very unfortunate because they are unlucky in some things in life. And it's not just any luck but it's actually a curse handed down from their ancestors.

This story reminded me of the story--Gone South by Robert McCammon which is also set in a bayou or near a swamp. Like McCammon's story, there is also a mysterious aspect in this story and it's a golden alligator. And like the "Bright Girl in Gone South" in McCammon's, the gator has a magical power to change the destiny and life of the person who seek its help. The main characters were also both a boy and a girl, except in McCammon's they were adults and their problems were far darker than Tumble and Blue's were. Also, I think McCammon's was a lot darker and sadder in tone and in the whole aspect of the story. This one is for Young Adults and is light and funny at most.

I was fascinated by the different lucks and curses the members of Blue's family have. It's interesting. Some are really not so extraordinary and some are just so funny. Others were more serious and even life-threatening. Blue's curse, if you look at it, in the whole scheme of things, is actually a bit serious. Imagine never ever going to experience how to win, even in the most mundane of games like Scrabble, though I like Scrabble, it's not nonsense at all. Or ever win in any sport event or any school contest which is part of every student and teenager's life. It's so sad to contemplate and I do feel sorry for Blue, more so, because of his selfish father. Thanks the book Gods, he is so adorable that all this just happens to be so cute and not really to be taken seriously, if I were in the same age bracket. I wouldn't mind him not winning anything, I would gladly be his friend. I would try to win some for him, if that's the case.

Tumble on the other hand is a similar story yet I find her curse not really a curse at all. At her young age, she doesn't need to save the world. And the fact that her heart, just want to rescue and help everyone, is just big enough. I think, she doesn't need to worry about saving anyone at all. Let the adults, the firemen, and all other rescue teams do it. That's why I think, Blue's concern is more serious than hers. And I do understand where she's coming from. I know where she got this notion and strong urge to save the whole world. It's guilt. Accurately, survivor's guilt which is more psychological rather than rooted back to the curse. And it's not her fault if she survived, because knowing her kind heart, I think she would have done the saving if she had a choice in it.

When these two combined forces and ended up finding comfort and genuine friendship in each other, it felt like their concerns about the curses were not that earth-shattering after all. With them together, they didn't need to feel like they were unlucky or lacking. They were enough for each other. And in the best of friendships, you don't need to have magical powers or special abilities to find loyalty, you only need to be honest and genuine. Show your true self, including all the bad, and the scars. If someone's only friends with you because of the benefits, then that's not friendship at all but taking advantage.

I enjoyed this story and it's just right that these two found the strength within to prove to the world that they are not their curses. These two proved that they can change what was supposed to be a destined unfortunate life. They have moved on from what everyone calls their main imperfection and even turned it around. Tumble saved someone which she thought she could never do. She is after all a hero, in her own way. Then Blue won. He was the first to reach the golden gator. He won, even if he was supposedly destined to never win in his whole lifetime. They twisted their fates and made an even better one for themselves.

What I like about the story is the one about Tumble hero-worshipping this celebrity who made people think he is a real-life superhero, when in truth he's not. But I forgive Tumble because what drove her was her desperation and at her young age, she needed someone to look up to. It's just unfortunate because she did not see right through that person. Good thing, she eventually found out that he was not worthy of any praise or emulation or anything at all.

I give the book 4/5 gators. This is a story of the underdogs. The story is a reminder that we can be more than what people expect us to be; that we can prove people wrong; that we are more than what our inheritance, family, and everything else that we are; that we can be different from what people see our family, we can be better, stronger, and kinder. We can be everything we dream of and we should not let the world and people limit us, shape us, or box us, or stop us. This is an inspiring story especially for teenagers who are in the stage of confusion and they feel like they are pulled from all directions. This tells us to just listen to our hearts and let's not conform to what the world forces us to be. Let us be what we dream and not because of what people tell us what we can't be.

Another curiosity of the human imagination--this idea that you can un-break something. Piece the fragments of shell together and put the egg back in its nest if you like. What's inside will never fly.

- Cassie Beasley, Tumble and Blue -

Thank you, Netgalley and Cassie Beasley for the copy.

All Those Things We Never Said by Marc Levy | US Edition | ARC | A Book Review

This is my first time to read a Marc Levy. His name sounds so familiar. Probably, because he is an international best selling French author. Thank you, Netgalley, for the copy of this book. Finally, now I would know a book by Marc Levy.

Julia and his Dad had been in non-speaking terms for years. Julia left home and cut ties with his controlling Dad and made a life of her own. She is now a creative director, designing animated characters for children for movies and games. She is going to be married in a few days but then, as usual, her father found a way of ruining her wedding day. Classic Anthony Walsh!

How would you react if instead of celebrating a wedding, you instead will have to bury your father on the same day? A wedding and a funeral back-to-back is definitely not an option. So, Julia had no choice but to postpone her wedding to give way to his father's funeral. As usual, Anthony Walsh got his way. Even in death, he always got a way to interfere in Julia's life.

As it turned out, Anthony's death is sort of a blessing in disguise or more appropriately an intervention. Anthony's death brought on a surprise package for Julia which was the most bizarre of all. If I were Julia, I would definitely have a heart attack. The surprise package brought Julia a chance to spend a few days away from work, re-examine her life in New York and her relationships, travel back to Berlin and revisit wonderful and painful memories and learn a few things about her father. She also got the chance to say what she was not able to tell her father. All her disappointments and hurts. At the same time, his father got his chance to tell Julia just how much he loved and cared for her and admit that he was sorry for the years lost spent on business trips and poured over work than spending time with his daughter.

This is a very touching story. I was crying and this made me examine my relationship with my father which I could say could have been better. Somehow, this story touched a nerve. Some of Anthony's explanations to Julia were like a thorn to my heart. I found myself guilty for having the same thoughts as Julia. In ways, I could relate to Julia. Why is it that parents tend to have the mindset that their children will always remain kids in their eyes? Are we not allowed to grow up? Make our own decisions, make mistakes and learn from them? Why would they have to force on us some of their beliefs and opinions, are we not allowed to think for ourselves? Are we not allowed to correct them if they their perspective is not anymore what is applicable today?

I feel I may not be the only one asking all these questions about the complexity of a father-daughter relationship or a parent-child relationship. Every family has it own dysfunctional relationship or behavior. And each of us have learned our own way of navigating this complexities, or tolerate, if not avoid them. Yes, this book drive its point right to the core. Everyone, after reading this would definitely contemplate on their relationships, especially one with their parents. I think, Julia is lucky because his Dad realized his mistakes and was willing to make up for them, even if it was a bit too late. He knows that Julia, no matter what happens, still loves him and that in some way, his words still matter. It was admirable and unbelievable that Anthony took a very high-tech way of trying to reach out to Julia and remind her that in spite of everything that has happened to them, a parent's love never diminishes over the passage of time. Anthony's intervention, though unsolicited and at first, deemed unnecessary, somehow made Julia realize what matters most in her life. 

I give this 5/5 stuffed otter. I think fathers and parents should read this book. I think they can learn a few things from Anthony Walsh. I, being a child of my parents and a future parent, have learned a lot from this book. No wonder, Mr. Levy is a best selling author. If his books are anywhere as great as this story, then he deserves all the fame and recognition afforded to him. This book is just what I needed for some clarity and answers to some questions. Anthony explained and expressed what most parents are unable to tell their children to make us understand what often causes the rift and distance in the relationship. And that the most effective way to bridge the ever-widening gap is to talk about them which is easier said than done. It works in theory but a bit harder to pull off in reality. Agree?

I've learned one of the great lessons a parent can learn over these last few days--the importance of taking the time to get to know the adult who stands where once stood a child, and to give that adult their rightful place.

- Marc Levy, All Those Things We Never Said -  

Rosie Colored Glasses by Brianna Wolfson | ARC | A Book Review

The first thing that beckoned me to this book was the title. Who wouldn't be curious with that? What kind of glasses are rosie colored ones? What magic does it possess?

This is probably the most heart-wrenching and heartbreaking tale I read for this year. This story would remain with me for long just like Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us. This story had the same kind of effect. It affected me very deeply and even until now, days after reading it, I can't help but feel sad and sorry for Rosie. Yes, Rosie is a character in this book. She is a mom of two very adorable kids--Willow (what a lovely name!) and Asher. Rosie is a person bursting with life and personality. She is like always high with life. She loves wholly and with all of her. She does everything with great abandon. She goes all out.

Life is not all sunshines and roses, exactly what Rosie's life was. Everything started out great until she can no longer sustain the happiness and the energy that life demands of her. No amount of love that she gives and got back would keep her strong enough. In the end, depression proved to be a very daunting and formidable force that held her. Even her love for her kids was not enough weapon to fight against it. She succumbed and surrendered, leaving her kids heartbroken and lost, like a rudderless ship being tossed and thrown by the tempest.

This story squeezed my heart out until all that was left is pulp. I felt like I was Willow- lost and clueless; hoping that the nightmare she was in was just a nightmare. When she wakes up, everything will be sunny, and she can play Marshmallow City again. Her mom will shower her with love, hugs, and kisses. Everything will be all right because her mom is there. Unfortunately, it was not. The nightmare continues even when Willow is wide awake. And it seemed like the fear and pain is not going to ever go away. What's worst is her dad is not even seeing all the torment she is going through. Her innocence is slowly crumbling and fading. She is unbelievably lost and she needs a hand to hold on to keep her sane, to keep her anchored, but her dad seems to be oblivious to all that. 

This is a very sad story. This dealt about the battle against depression and its aftermath, whether that person won the battle or not. Especially, if the person affected succumbed to the dark void of depression. Rosie, the main character was a very bubbly person and it was so unbelievable that she did not have enough inside her to cast out depression out of her system. Which just proves that depression is a very serious condition and not a lot of people survive it. Fun-filled and loving Rosie wasn't even spared by it. In a way, she was deep in the grip of depression and her choice of weapon to fight it was addiction. It was a very wrong choice. And the casualty of that choice were Willow and Asher. These two adorable and lively kids grew up with Rosie's abundant and generous love. Her creative spirit nurtured these kids. When Rosie became powerless against her monsters, even her kids' love and presence were not enough to keep her from tumbling down into the rabbit hole of no return.

Rex, the other half of Rosie, who was not blameless in all of this. I can't blame him for divorcing Rosie. He did try his best to keep his family but he was not totally there for his children. He did not love his children as much as Rosie did. Rosie's love was always bigger  and she was closer and more attuned to the needs of their kids, like every mother should be. Rex, in some way was selfish and too inflexible. It took such a tragic event to shake him and be really present for his kids. It was almost too late for him to overcome his fear and embrace the reality that he and Willow were totally different individuals and that it was his duty to reach out and close the gap between them. 

If there was one character in this story that touched me greatly, it was Willow. A very vulnerable kid, yet very lovable and cute. How dare the other kids bully her! She is not weird as some kids in school would like to believe. She is smart and creative just like Rosie and she needs all the hugs, kisses, and love she can get, just like every other kid. I just wanted to hug Willow and assure her that everything will be alright. She can depend on me if her father won't be there for her. I wanted to adopt her and Asher, so they won't feel lost and abandoned. 

Arg! Even writing this review felt heavy in the chest. It's as if I am experiencing again the pains of what the characters of this story had to go through. All these emotions are running amok inside me and I had to let them out of my chest. This story calls for packs of marshmallows. I don't care how many, as long as it will be enough to make Willow feel better. Thankfully, Rex came to his senses and vowed to keep his family together. He promised to make his kids feel loved and special just like Rosie did. So, everything ended well. Now, I can stop worrying for Willow because she can still have a love most mad and moonly through his dad. The world does not end with it not being rosie colored anymore and love can come in all other forms. 

Willow had become a leaky faucet of sadness. She dripped, dripped, dripped with it. It never gushed out in spurts or sprayed anyone around her.

- Brianna Wolfson, Rosie Colored Glasses -  

Thank you again, Netgalley for the copy. 

Publish Date: February 20, 2018

The Ice-Cream Makers by Ernest van der Kwast | A Book Review

Who can resist a story about ice cream? I signed up for this book because of the title. I love ice cream and I was curious what story do ice cream makers tell.

There is a contention that ice cream did not originate from Italy. There is a claim that it actually came from China. But Giuseppe Talamini would absolutely oppose that. He thinks that Marco Polo did not actually go to China and brought ice cream making as one of the discoveries from the east with him. Giuseppe believes that his grandfather discovered ice cream. Ice-cream making is his way of life and the business will pass on to his sons and his sons' future sons. 

This is a story about a family whose business and way of life is centered upon making delicious and creamy delights of multi-flavored ice cream. Yum! As it appears, ice-cream making is not as sweet as the concoction. It requires back-breaking dedication and a skill for turning fruits and flavors into heady and addicting combinations that will keep the customers coming back for more. As it turned out, not all ice-cream makers want to be ice-cream makers. Like in this story, Giuseppe, had no choice but to follow in his father's footsteps and take over the family business. He wanted to be an inventor. Someone who can create things. He is fond of tinkering and just making things, even if they do not have any specific purpose. But he has to forgo that dream and had to continue the family legacy of churning ice and fruits into mouth-watering gelato. And like Giuseppe, his first-born did not also want to be an ice-cream maker. Giovanni wants to be a poet and he became one, even to the cost of being estranged from the family. The second son, Luca, like his father was also forced to take over the family business because there is no one else. Luca's son is more curious on poetry rather than ice-cream making. Does ice-cream making and the business of the Talamini's end with Luca?

I think the story is very realistic. Even though it centers on ice-cream, the dilemma of who's going to takeover the family business passed down through generations is also a question for some of the businesses today. It explores the reality between following one's dream or to get trapped in continuing the family legacy. I definitely could not relate to this since we do not have any family business but a similar question had been asked of me. When I was younger, whenever I was asked what would I like to be, my answer was always something else other than being a teacher. In our family, on my mother's side, the women are all teachers, even some men are teachers and the rest of the men are all seamen (marine engineers, nautical people like captains). Only a few deviate from these professions mentioned above. It was like a default that you too should be a teacher but I did not want to be one. I wanted to be different. In some way, this is like in the story but I think it was easier for me to not follow the rest of my relatives compared to Giovanni or Luca. With my choice, no one is adversely affected. There is no family legacy that is going to be lost or a source of income or business that is going to close up. Giovanni and Luca's dilemma is more serious than mine. And if I were in the Talamini brothers' shoes, I would definitely think a million times before deciding not to continue with being an ice-cream maker and pursue my own dream. The decision weighs a lot because it does not only mean letting down your family but also losing what has been built by sweat and blood by your ancestors, if no one else is going to takeover the business. And what about what I want? This was exactly what Giovanni had to go through. In the end, he followed his heart. But it did not mean that he was not assaulted by guilt every time he sees his brother and father. His heart bleeds every time. If only he can be both at the same time. So, I can totally understand why he can't seem to say no to his brother when he ask him a very special favor and not just once. It felt like it was his way of making up for his choice. 

I give the book 3/5 cones of ice cream. It was a good enough story but I think it was too long. There were parts that just rumbled on that were not so essential. Though throughout the book, the feeling of melancholy is very evident. You will feel the hardship and the labors suffered by Giuseppe, Giovanni and Luca churning and churning ice cream. It felt like your hands had calloused too just by witnessing Luca experimenting with new flavors of ice cream. The emotions in the story are very strong, it's probably the reason why the author kept the story on and on and can't decide when he has to end it. I understood that the feelings invoked by the story are hard to let go. You want to basked in it yet you know you will get tired of it. Yes, you will think this is a sweet story as delicious as ice cream but it is far from it. In fact, it is full of bitterness and regrets. And Giovanni, he may have followed what he wanted and is doing what he loves--writing and working for poetry, but he is far from happy. This story is an example that we can't have everything we want but we make do and sometimes we pretend that we are happy doing these things, though we are just painstakingly and hardly getting by.

You can make them come back, the years and the people. But I doubt if the miracle will repeat itself.

- Ernest van der Kwast, The Ice-cream Makers -  

Thank you again, Netgalley for the copy.

The Whole Thing Together by Ann Brashares | A Book Review

This story had me gushing tears while reading this. Good thing, the lights were off. I had to stifle the crying noises I made in order not to embarrassingly wake anyone. I got this from Netgalley. Thank you again, Netgalley. This was an emotional read yet, in a way relieving. It helped me vent out all those emotions built up inside my chest.

This is a story of a blended family. A blended family is a family where the parents divorced and married people who also have children from a previous marriage. Each of the divorced parent also has a kid/s with his/her new partner. In turn, there is a host of step siblings. When these families meet, it's a blend of those individuals. In this story, The Mom and Dad had a very awful and bad divorce. They wanted to not do anything with each other except they had three girls- Emma, Mattie and Quinn, and a beach house which they both can't let go of. So, they agreed to share the house but never seeing each families while there. 

The story centers on two individuals born of the new marriages of the Mom and the Dad. The Mom, Lila, married Adam Riggs and they have a son- Ray Riggs. The Dad, Robert Thomas, married Evie after the divorce and they have a daughter- Sasha Thomas. Ray and Sasha shared a room, books, toys and all other things in the Long Island beach house. There's only one thing wrong with the picture, they have never met or seen each other. And now the question is why and when?

Everything was status quo until the eldest daughter got engaged and the two other sisters decided to throw an engagement party where the two families could meet. The girls saw it as a chance for their irreconcilable parents to finally come to a truce. I think it was a very brilliant idea born of good intentions but children will never know how deep the animosity of their parents toward each other. There are a lot of things they do not know about the divorce. Why their parents ended up hating each other that they decided they can't stand to see each other yet live in the same city. And the most puzzling of all is that they can't seem to let go of the beach house. The reason was later revealed in the story which explained a few things. I think, even though Lila and Robert hated each other, they still wanted to remember the good things and memories they shared, which the beach represents a lot of. 

One of the things that struck me most about the story was the non-relationship between Sasha and Ray. It was so ironic that they shared a lot of things, like toys from their childhood and other things growing up vacationing in the beach house yet, they have never set a glimpse of each other. What they know of each were from the shared items in the shared room and from their shared half-sisters. It was just so appropriate to describe them as half and half. I totally found Emma's idea of them working in the store being half of one person so hilarious, yet possible. Even the store owner agreed to Emma's suggestion. I was so entertained with the email exchanges between Ray and Sasha about  their experiences in the store. The store owner's idea of calling each of them Ray was funny also. I think it would be very cool to actually try this idea of making two people work half of a shift yet you only pay one. 

Now, let's get to the part where I was balling my eyes out. My tear ducts just opened its floodgates and came rushing out. It was the scene of the engagement party. The party which almost did not push through but the girls -Quinn, especially convinced her parents. It was total mayhem. In some way, the girls expected what may happen but they were still shocked when it did. They also thought that maybe once, their parents could let it all out and then give each other the olive branch but it was not meant to be. It was a disaster that was just waiting to happen. But I think the girls were not to be blamed, it was all on their parents. Not only their parents but also the mother of the groom-to-be also had her own issues which also added to the ensuing chaos.

In the end, it all ended well. Something happened to Quinn and it was tragic. I was like, why her? It didn't have to be that way. I thought, somehow the author must have thought of some other way to make the families come together, just not like this. But I guess, it was not for nothing. It paved the way for Lila and Robert to see how bad they were treating each other and now they have to share this agony together. Now, it all seemed trivial, hating each other when something more heavy and permanent is changing their lives. They have no choice but to band together, to help each other get through. This was a very heartbreaking part but I am also thankful that they have learned their lessons though it took a whole lot to happen before they learn to at least temporarily forgive each other. How long that lasts, no one knows, even their daughters are not expecting it to last. Sasha and Ray can now stay in the beach house at the same time and actually interact with each other. Nah, they do not have to share a room anymore.

I give this book 4.5/5 bikes for Quinn who made me cry. This may not be a sequel to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants but the essence of this story is still about sisterhood and family. Yes, it's always true--tragedy brings all people together. Disputes and misunderstanding will become trivial and childish when a more tragic and more devastating loss is experienced. Bittersweet! This story is just one great example. Thank you Ann Brashares, your stories are very profound. I am looking forward to reading more of your stories about family.

Why was it there were some things you could have multiples of, like daughters and sisters, and other things you didn't, like fathers and husbands?

Parallel is right, sadly. Lines that go along forever together and never meet.

- Ann Brashares, The Whole Thing Together -

Where Jasmine Blooms by Holly S. Warah | A Book Review

I felt like such a slacker knowing that to date, I have only posted two reviews for this month. I have a lot of catching up to do. I have a lot of reviews to write. As I have mentioned in one of my posts, I was in another city for the past seven weeks trying to find opportunities but unfortunately, it was not enough time. I have exhausted my funds. I don't want to call it a failed undertaking because I have learned a lot about myself from my experiences there. I am very thankful for the kindness of new-found friends for all their help. I have now become so familiar with the feeling of being shown so much kindness that I can't help but feel like I'm dying. Yes, you can kill people with kindness. I have been in the receiving end and I attest to the truth of this saying. It's a feeling of being thankful at the same time embarrassed at being given so much kindness that you felt like you don't deserve any of it. So, to all those people, thank you so much. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and I am not sure how I will ever repay all of you. I am humbled.

I love stories that span cultures, traditions and even religions beliefs. I am hungry for stories about other cultures, especially those that are often viewed as radicals like people born in the Middle East, etc. I think those people have a lot of stories to tell but they just don't get a lot of chance to tell them to the world. This story is a great example. This is a story of three women. Three women of diverse culture, origin and beliefs. These three were forced to deal with each one's eccentricities and learned to live with each other because they were bound by love, family and marriage. In the end, they all wanted the same things in life, in spite of their differences. This is a very touching story of Arab people who were originally from Palestine. How they came to the US and live a new life knowing they have family left in the war-torn confines of Jordan.

It was my first time to read a story where some of the characters where from Palestine. It was refreshing and a learning experience to be able to understand their experiences living or being caught in the cross-fire between two opposing countries, both in ideology and in their fight in protecting their territories. It was a sad plight, knowing they can't even visit the places where they used to frequent as a child. It was heartbreaking to hear that these people are depending on the government for their daily sustenance because there are very few or no jobs that they could find because of the turmoil their land is going through. I sympathize with them. We often hear of news about Israel but we seldom hear information about the plight of the other side of the conflict. This is an eye-opener for me. Both sides had their own casualties and difficulties because of this age-old conflict. The people who are mostly affected are the ordinary citizens trying to survive. I hope this conflict ends before generations are lost and the hatred gets passed on to the next generation who will inherit these lands. That is if there will be anyone left. God forbid.

This story also delved into the intricacies of the Muslim religion. The traditions and celebrations of Muslims have to fulfill in order to keep their faith. The prayers, the celebration of Ramadan, how marriages are done, etc. It's a peek into the life of those non-Muslims who married into the Muslim community, whether they converted or not. 

I was fascinated with this story, because it brought me to new places and let me witness new experiences. Yes, this story strengthened my dream to one day visit the Holy Land. Part of the pilgrimage will take me into some of the places mentioned in this story that Palestinians are no longer able to visit freely. Only tourists are given the privilege. Someday, when I will finally have the opportunity to walk in the streets of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, I will remember the fascinating characters of this story which will just make the trip even more memorable for me.

I give this story 4/5 Muslim prayer mats. This story reminds me of the stories written by Khaleed Hosseini. This story resonates with the same theme of love and family. And just like the rest of us, Palestinians have the same hopes, wishes and dreams. We may have different beliefs and cultures but we all strive for one goal and that is to have a better life for our family. And like the three women in this story--Zainab, Margaret and Alison Mansour, we only wants what's best for the people we love. Wherever the jasmine blooms is where her roots find nourishment to grow and nourish. This is the story of all Muslim US immigrants. Just like the jasmine and Zainab, wherever you are in the world, no matter how far or remote you are from the land of your birth, as long as you have your family near, it will always feel like home. Yes, home is where the heart is. It's not necessarily anchored to a specific physical place.

 

Would she ever live in the one place she truly belonged? Or would she only be a visitor, a traveler carrying her homeland around in her heart?

- Holly S. Warah, Where the Jasmine Blooms -

Thank you again, Netgalley for the review copy.