Love As You Are: Something for the Trentahin Crowd

The trentahin crowd is often overlooked by romance authors. Usually, kilig literature is centered on the twenty-something category. YA is also popular, and I am a guilty fan. But as a trentahin and soon to be kwarentahin (shudder) in a few days, I feel that more authors should write stories for my age group. After all, we have lived through wars with exes and self-doubt. We also have the capacity to purchase books just because. And with that, it is an honor for me to review Tara Frejas’s latest novel, Love As You Are.

The prolific author’s 17th book (yes, seventeenth!!!) focuses on characters in their late thirties. Isagani and Moe felt so familiar to me that even their inside jokes felt uncomfortably like my own. In my knowledge, the author and I have not touched based at all. But when Isagani called his mom the queen, I cringed because someone I used to know (I call him manchild on Threads) called his mom the queen of my life. Unlike me, Moe got her happily ever after with Isagani. I kept on reading despite the familiarity because I could relate to Moe’s insecurities. All her worries were mine at some point. Also, this novel kept me company as I was preparing for an important medical procedure. This trentahin love story kept me sane and satisfyingly kilig. Safe to say that this book made me smile, reminisce, and thank God that I am marked safe from the ones that got away.

BRB I need to workout! I need an Isagani in my life to check on my fitness progress- or not. The best romance that I discovered during the course of this novel is the relationship that I reinforced with myself. I love myself just as I am.

Love As You Are by Tara Frejas can be pre-ordered here. It will be released digitally on August 15, 2026.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a review.

A Long Life: A Review of The Story of My Life

The Story of My Life: As A Lawyer Before, During, and After Martial Law (Another chapter from the Author’s Autobiography) by Arturo M. De Castro provides a glimpse into the author’s humble beginnings. It is good to see another side of the author, who is well-known in the legal world. Through this book, which is actually the second volume of his autobiography, the lawyer shows his vulnerable side. He is indeed a human being with a multi-faceted life that is not just all about being a lawyer.

I must admit that the author and his writings are not my usual cup of tea. However, I would like to commend him for continuing to write well into his advanced years. There is no doubt that he is one of the most notable legal minds in the country. However, his poetry shows that he is also capable of analyzing his emotions and turning them into literary works of art.

Being a lawyer involves countless hours of reading and memorizing. In this book, the author shows that he is more than just a dean and a lawyer, he is also capable of producing poetry which can be read even by those who belong to other professions. Maybe this is just the beginning of a career as a poet? As the author continues being a senior citizen, maybe he can produce books of poetry and other musings in the future.

Life has been kind and generous to the author. This generosity is something which he chooses to pass on to the next generation through this book. There are plenty of lessons that can be learned from the author, and being resilient amidst unimaginable times is the strongest one of all.

The Story of My Life: As A Lawyer Before, During, and After Martial Law (Another chapter from the Author’s Autobiography) by Arturo M. De Castro is now available!

The Joys of Writing: A Love Story to a Lifelong Hobby

The Joys of Writing by Victor Martinez Arguelles, PhD is a love story to a lifelong hobby. I have previously read the author’s inspirational book, Why the Night is so Lovely: The Joys of Being a Senior, which is why I am already familiar with the author’s writing style. It seems that he has a lot of joy to share, and he has done so through writing his books. His work needs little introduction, as he has already accomplished a lot professionally.

It is worth mentioning that the author has a doctorate degree in English Studies, and he teaches literature at the University of Batangas. I can say that this book can be a textbook given how it reads like one. It felt like I was reading a refresher course on writing and literature. It can be wrong to say that this book is simply a passion project. It is also a means for the author to share his knowledge not just to his students but to everyone at large.

The author’s generosity in sharing his knowledge is commendable. The book is enriched with all the basics that are needed for a writer to begin his or her writing journey. Not everyone ends up being a writer. However, it is possible to start a new writing hobby thanks to this book. It is the springboard for a new craft and possibly, a future career.

It would have been better if the author included a blurb at the back cover of his book. His bio can be read inside the book anyway. While the book’s title is self-explanatory, a blurb explaining the book’s premise would have been informative for the reader. It would also have made the book less intimidating as the author’s credentials are the first thing that one sees on the cover.

The Joys of Writing by Victor Martinez Arguelles, PhD is now available!

The Judge Dreamer: A Self-Published Dream

The Judge Dreamer by Allan Frederico Linga Garcia is a self-published book which features the author’s musings and imagined realities. The short stories in this book are better than his previous ones, so there’s that. I would like to commend the author for continuing to self-publish books in this economy and supporting the publishing industry by producing his own books.

I have already reviewed his previous work, and I must admire the author for his determination to write. It is not easy to write. There are days when I stare at a blank page and hope that the cursor will wake me up from my writer’s block. The author has been prolific in the sense that he has kept on writing stories and releasing books. His enthusiasm helps keep Central Books afloat and of course, continues to encourage other authors to self-publish as well.

 The author can further polish his work by working with an experienced editor. Other than that, I have no other comments about his writing. It is inevitable that the author will continue to write and release books in the future.

The author can also do with less quotation marks as some of them were unnecessary in this book, as well as in his other works. It would also be interesting to see different themes in his writings, as well as other material in his future works.

May all authors be inspired by this book and this author’s will to write and produce his own books! Writing a book is an act of bravery. It is not easy to put yourself out there, and the author has repeatedly done this in collaboration with Central Books. Who knows for certain what he will release next? Only the author knows this for sure.

The Judge Dreamer by Allan Frederico Linga Garcia is now available!

The Green Lightning: A Collection of Writing Efforts

The Green Lightning by Allan Frederico Linga Garcia is evidence that if you want to write a book, it can happen through effort. The author’s collection of writings shows his journey as he navigates through life. I may not know him personally, but I can tell from this book that he is very grateful for the help and support that he has received from Central Books and his past and present publishing specialists. He has also acknowledged his schools, and this shows dedication for education. The author seems to promote determination to publish his own book by following through with The Horizon, which was his previous book. I admire his efforts and if anyone has any doubt whether he or she can become the author of a book, Allan Frederico Linga Garcia can definitely serve as an inspiration.

The work tackles stories featuring teachers. This only shows the author’s love for learning, and I could not agree more that teachers are the most patient and noble workers in a person’s life. This level of influence shows how impactful the author’s teachers were in his life. Perhaps he can also teach in the future? Who knows, maybe this book is the beginning of a career in teaching. Or he can also use this book as an inspiration to students who are thinking of writing and self publishing their own books.

A future book could be in the works as the author has shown dedication to writing. Being a prolific writer also needs cohesion and quality, so I look forward to how the author will continue to improve and write. 

The author also thanked his friends at the end of the book. Perhaps with continuous support, he can write another book in the near future!

The Green Lightning by Allan Frederico Linga Garcia is now available!

A Voice in the Wilderness: A Healing Journey

A Voice in the Wilderness: The Path to Wholeness by Irene Santos is a healing journey. I knew that reading this book would not be easy as I have personal experiences with sexual assault. But I kept an open mind and I am glad that I made an effort to read this book as it was truly helpful. While I am still on the path towards healing, the author’s practical knowledge has shaped my mind into having a clearer path to recovery.

I felt so seen while reading this book. The strongest line in the book that resonated with me was that “sexual assualt…is the planting a seed of doubt”. I questioned myself so many times if I was too sensitive when I experienced the traumatic moments in my life. Was my abuser just being too friendly? Did I just have a lapse in judgement? Did I just lack boundaries? I now know that the answer to all of these are no. Sexual assault is no one’s fault but the abuser’s. Acknowledging that as fact is the first step towards recovery.

While I am not a religious person, I still found the Bible centered insights helpful. I know that they can help people turn to a Higher Power in times of weaknesses, especially while recovering from something as traumatic as sexual assault. No one deserves to be treated like an object. It is only in finding one’s dignity through faith that healing can truly happen.

My story is just one of many, and I am glad that the author is doing God’s work in helping people heal from sexual assault and trauma. After all, everyone deserves to heal and grow from something that they did not ask for in the first place.

A Voice in the Wilderness: The Path to Wholeness by Irene Santos is now available!

I Am Struggling But I Choose A Life of Purpose Anyway: A Lot of Self-Help That Works

My first reaction when I opened my copy of I Am Struggling But I Choose A Life of Purpose Anyway by Lanz Paolo Olegario was “wow!”. I needed this book when I was starting therapy. I needed this book when I moved out of an abusive home last year. But here I am now, holding a copy of a book about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Bring it on!

I was prepared for a textbook-style read because of the author’s impressive credentials. I was wrong! Reading this felt like listening to a contemporary podcast. I did not feel as if the author was high and mighty in his prose. I also felt that I was not being judged as I was answering the workbook. Plus, the foreword was written by Lavender Fields herself, Ms. Jodi Sta. Maria. I was entertained while I was confronting my own demons, so to speak.

I like that the author explained that pain is part of being human. Rather than sweeping difficult emotions under the rug, he emphasizes the importance of knowing that it is part of life. I found it challenging to acknowledge this because I have had plenty of painful experiences this past year. But I trusted the author and his process, and I found myself slowly making room for more “feels”.

Like the title, I have been struggling as a PWD with mental illnesses. But thanks to this book and the author’s relatable writing style, I must say that I do not feel alone. I will definitely share this book with my therapist!

I may be struggling, but I choose to accept and commit to working on my emotions and building myself from the ground up using healing as a strong foundation.

I Am Struggling But I Choose A Life of Purpose Anyway by Lanz Paolo Olegario  is now available!

Jesus and Grave (Being, Nothing): A Reflection on Life

Jesus and Grave (Being, Nothing) by Sungyoul Choi is a reflection on life. I say this with great admiration for the author because he chose to write a book about death. As you may know, death is one of the biggest fears of humankind. No one knows what comes after death. No one was able to return from the dead other than Jesus. So, it is only fitting that the author has written a book about the Son of God who was able to rise again after dying on the cross.

I like how the author described death as something that will inevitably happen. He describes death as something that requires courage because once we cross over to the other side, we will be able to meet our Creator and leave behind eternal pain. Having this mindset erases the fear that is present in many people when death is mentioned. It is worth mentioning that among Filipinos, death is still a taboo topic. Still, a Korean author has chosen to write a book about death in the Philippines in order to instill in us the value of anticipation. This anticipation can help us look forward to death. Instead of dreading it, maybe we can prepare for it. And in order to have the courage to approach death with open arms, we must learn how to surrender everything we know and every pain that burdens us.

I have so many questions as to how and why the author was able to write this book, which extensively tackles death. For now, I will park my questions and simply reflect on the lessons imparted to me by this book. My biggest takeaway is that we must make the most out of the present in order to properly prepare for death. As of now, I will keep these lessons in mind as I try my best to give everything I can in order to have a better life so that I can die peacefully.

Jesus and Grave (Being, Nothing) by Sungyoul Choi is now available!

Choosing woo-woo: A Story of Reinvention

Choosing woo-woo by Beth Marterez is a timely read. I have been looking for a book that tackles reinvention without being too cheesy or cliche. Luckily, I stumbled upon this author’s work and I was not disappointed. It was a satisfying read from start to finish!

I have been hearing the term woo-woo in podcasts and I have my own share of delving into the unconventional. From believing in the evil eye to traditional Filipino hilot, I can say that practicing woo-woo for many years now has been beneficial to my life. As someone with mental illnesses, woo-woo has helped me navigate my unpredictable reality. The unknown has helped me stay grounded more than what medical science has ever done for me. And this is what made me nod in agreement several times while reading this book.

What I like most about Choosing woo-woo is that the author is unapologetically herself. She never makes excuses for who she really is, and she navigates through her long life by balancing her career with her magical beliefs. But what really made me feel a kinship with the author was her statement about imagination. Yes, I really believe that imagination is the key to unlocking our fullest potential, and using what we visualize in our heads to achieve our goals can be our springboard to success.

Maybe we just need to break down in order to land on a breakthrough. Or maybe we just need to try some woo-woo in order to see some life-changing results in our lives. There is definitely no harm in trying, because the only harm that we can inflict to ourselves is the life that is forever trapped in fear. It is high time that we go beyond fear and embrace a different approach to life.

Choosing woo-woo by Beth Marterez is now available!

The Temple of Withering: A Homecoming Journey

The Temple of Withering by Corinne Linatoc is a homecoming journey like no other. I can relate to the novel’s character Petros in the sense that I also do not have a permanent home. Having been displaced from my family and unaccepted by my own kin was painful. Like Petros, I had to fight for what I thought of as an idea of home. In the end, I learned that home is not a place, but a feeling. This novel taught me that the feeling of home is belonging.

Peace can be found even in the middle of a dark forest. As Petros walked along the dark forest alone, I also felt at peace in the mountains that I hiked. I am like Petros, I find a sense of calm even in uncertain places and circumstances. This novel has reminded me that while tomorrow is not promised, the present can still be appreciated for what it is. The rest of the journey can work itself out, perhaps with the help of some magic in between.

I also appreciated how death and mourning were tackled with dignity in this novel. As a book marketed for teens, the author has done an excellent job of showing that grief can become a beginning, rather than a dead end. The journey simply continues from there.

So if home is the feeling of belonging, then maybe the temple which defines the journey is one’s own self after all. This book is not just a trip across magical lands. It is also a process of finding oneself. And maybe after sufficient rest and a hot cocoa, I can be like Melanie and just plot my next journey. And who knows? Maybe we can also look forward to more works from the author.

The Temple of Withering by Corinne Linatoc is now available!

Social Deviation and Social Work: A Crash Course on this Noble Profession

Social Deviation and Social Work by Darylvy R. Avila, Khakachuchi Flores-Caballes, Joven E. Dicen, Desiree Fria-Gonzales, Rhea Lynne E. Fuentes has given me a bird’s eye view of the Social Work profession. While this book centers on social deviation, I still got to appreciate concepts about the different people in society. My goal when I read this book was to understand the social problems that exist today in order to have a more open mind in accepting people. I can definitely say that I was not disappointed as this book was packed with valuable insights which helped me reach my goal.

My favorite part of the book was about narcissistic personality disorder because I was able to escape a situation which involved someone who possessed the symptoms for this condition. Looking back, I was dealing with my own problems while handling the inhumane treatment being given to me by this person. It was definitely a disorder so to speak, and not just a bad day. The book also discusses avoidant personality, which the same person seemed to possess as well. Now, I can finally stop being too hard on myself because I was able to leave this person and recover from the treatment that I received from him.

It is interesting to note that the problems discussed in the book are helpful for us to better understand the people in our lives, as well as those who caused trouble in our past. I have my own share of problems which I am seeking help for, and I will use this book as a guide to navigate through therapy in the future. It is my hope that as I continue to grow and improve, I will also be able to select better people to welcome into my life based on the concepts that I have learned from this book.

Social Deviation and Social Work by Darylvy R. Avila, Khakachuchi Flores-Caballes, Joven E. Dicen, Desiree Fria-Gonzales, Rhea Lynne E. Fuentes is now available!oo

Sweetbriar: A Period of Reflection

Sweetbriar: The Serenade of a Weathered Rose by Rowena Liwanag Suarez is a period of reflection. I say this because I recognize the practice of writing as a period in time, and the author has used this time to look introspectively in order to produce a wonderful solo poetry anthology. It gave me a glimpse into her thought process, as well as the emotional turmoil she had to face. 

Being a self-aware person is the key to finding contentment and meaning, and the author has achieved that in herself. This self-awareness has brought forth realizations which gave way to the poems she has written in this book. What struck me was the raw honesty which she presented in her poems. I also get the impression that she has a problem solving approach to life, and this is evident in some of her poems. I can see that the author finds writing therapeutic, and that she lives a multi-faceted life.

Her poems inspire me to journal more. I am no poet, so journaling my thoughts will do. Writing with such raw honesty can give me better insights about my life and its present conditions. I know that writing can also be a form of letting go, such as anger and resentment. Like the author, I look forward to facing life with honesty and the power to write about one’s experiences without holding back. I also want to have more quiet moments to reflect and focus on the lessons I have learned so far.

The author has an extensive writing resume, and I look forward to reading more of her works in the future. I salute her for her debut poetry book, and I hope that this also inspires more people to read, reflect, and write.

Sweetbriar: The Serenade of a Weathered Rose by Rowena Liwanag Suarez is now available!

To the One and Other: Where Wisdom Lives

To the One and Other: Poems and Prose by Karina Maria Lagdameo-Santillan has inspired me to write again. At 39, I sometimes feel that I no longer have new material to draw inspiration from. However, Lagdameo-Santillan has shown me that inspiration is everywhere, and writing needs to be a continuous process.

Her poems reflect a life filled with wisdom. Her simple writing style makes her message clear and easy to understand. While there is a refreshing quality to the bare essentials, the author manages to insert the important life lessons that she has learned along the way. I appreciate how often she describes the feeling of being alive, and how meaningful it is. I also enjoyed reading her reflections through her stanzas.

Her prose shines because it shows the reader how much life has impacted the author. Her lessons have given her contentment and satisfaction. If there is a way for her spirit to manifest itself, then it has already done so in the short paragraphs in this book. It was an honor to have a glimpse into her thoughts, and how she sees life has given me a sense of hope and wonder.

Where can prose and poetry meet? Maybe they never will, or perhaps, they are better off separate from each other. The author has shown that prose and poetry can co-exist. The multitude of themes in her writing has formed a tapestry that is filled with different shades and colors. The thread of her life is sewn into her own experiences, and she gladly shares them through her written work.

It is never too late to write, and in my case, I am inspired to write again thanks to Lagdameo-Santillan and her book.

To the One and Other: Poems and Prose by Karina Maria Lagdameo-Santillan is now available!

Maria ni Mayari : A Journey to Self-Acceptance

Maria ni Mayari: Mga Piling Tula by Mark Carascal is a bittersweet journey to self-acceptance. I brought this book with me to a coffee shop, and it was the perfect companion while sipping my americano by myself. It was the right book to read during a rainy afternoon, as I drowned out the noise around me.

The author has highlighted the concept of freedom in his introduction and in the poems in this anthology. Reading about his struggles and pain was challenging because I could relate to his experiences. The illustrations by Maville Carascal were helpful in highlighting the author’s emotional depths. I wish that some of the poems would go on and on, but that was the beauty of this book. The short poems allowed me to reflect on my own pains, while appreciating the author’s efforts in exposing himself through poetry.

I am not a poet, so I have great respect for those who can write a poem or two. The author’s scientific background is evident in his usage of natural themes and concepts. His artistic usage of metaphors give me a glimpse into his thought process as he navigates through life and emotional turmoil. My hope is that the author has already found enough freedom to move forward, while writing poems about his continuous journey through life. I also hope that the illustrator can provide more drawings in the future, even those with color for a change.

I know that freedom is relative, but I can say that this book is worth reading because it was written with vulnerability and honesty. Perhaps the author can write a poetry anthology whilst applying the scientific method in the future? Only time will tell. That will definitely be an interesting read.

Maria ni Mayari: Mga Piling Tula by Mark Carascal is now available!

Grief with Hope: A Journey of Encouragement

Grief with Hope: How to Navigate Loss Without Losing Yourself by Nerlisa Elyza Francisco Rivera a.k.a. Lady Elyza is a journey of encouragement. As someone who has experienced multiple deaths and tragedies in my personal life, I have learned to befriend grief along the way. My goal now is to continue living while grief remains, and this book has been helpful in unlocking blocked emotions such as anger and resentment. Indeed, grief is a dynamic reality, and dealing with it should not be linear. 

I empathize with the author because her description of loss is all too familiar. Like her, I was also shocked when I lost my loved ones. I also faced the similar process of denial, disbelief, and shock. I am happy that the author has a solid support system who helped her navigate through the pain while also dealing with their own sadness. 

There is hope, because life is a process of going through highs and lows. The only consolation about grief is the knowledge that loss is acknowledged, and that it can be a familiar presence in one’s life. 

The biggest takeaway that I got from this book was that our loved ones are not ours. We do not own them. We have no control over them. When they pass away, it is up to us to deal with their loss, not the other way around. We have the free will and the agency to pick ourselves up. We can still show up for ourselves. This book is a gift for the grieving, as well as their caretakers who sometimes do not know how to deal with the changes in their lives. 

Grief with Hope: How to Navigate Loss Without Losing Yourself by Nerlisa Elyza Francisco Rivera a.k.a. Lady Elyza is now available!

Heroes in the Arab Kingdom: Honoring our Remarkable OFWs

Heroes in the Arab Kingdom by Ulysses V. Espartero is a tribute to the Overseas Filipino Workers who have made their mark in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As someone who does not have OFW relatives, I found this book fascinating because the 200 biographical profiles in the book all compose a remarkable picture of hard work, dedication, and commitment. It is not easy to make an impact in a foreign land, more so if this country is situated in a desert. It makes me feel honored to be a Filipino just like these 200 OFWs who not only excelled in their jobs, but also brought pride to our country through their achievements.

It touched me that most of the Filipinos featured in this book have made philanthropic endeavors on top of their demanding work schedules. It only shows that Filipinos will really look after each other, especially when they are in a foreign country. Their love for family also continues to be strong as most profiles included the educational attainment of their children, information about their parents and spouses, as well as their influences to pursue careers abroad. It also highlights the importance of education, as this brought the 200 OFWs from their humble beginnings to their storied careers. Indeed, education is transformative.

This book not only inspires, but also informs Filipino readers who are interested to also become OFWs not just in KSA, but in other countries as well.

This book is a gift to Filipinos everywhere and is a timely reminder that our resilience is not just a lifeline, but is also a gift to the world. We are remarkable people. The world needs more Filipinos who are not just excellent workers, but compassionate human beings as well.

Heroes in the Arab Kingdom by Ulysses V. Espartero is now available!

Why The Night Is So Lovely: Understanding Seniors Around Me

Why The Night Is So Lovely: The Joys of Being a Senior by Victor Martinez Arguelles, PhD is an enjoyable read. I appreciate the straightforward language used by the author in order to describe his journey as a senior citizen. It has also helped me understand the seniors in my life through his anecdotes.

This book is an inspiration for senior citizens everywhere. The author shows concrete examples of how to cope with the everyday life of a retiree. He has found purpose in the simple joys of his existence, such as in music, in lasting friendships, and in acceptance. He has also become real with disappointments, boredom, and loneliness. His essays are a balance of the positive and the negative aspects of growing old, and even if I am not yet a senior, I can relate to his writing.

I am a PWD and I do face discrimination from senior citizens whenever I queue with them in priority lanes in public transport and to avail discounted groceries and medicines. My disability is non-apparent, so usually, seniors raise their voices at me and ask me to leave their queue. I used to be very aggressive towards them, but after reading this book, I resolved to be more patient in explaining to them that I have every right to be in their queue because I am a PWD. Given their setbacks and challenges, I will keep the author’s book in mind whenever I encounter an irate senior citizen who thinks fighting with a PWD is okay. I will also try to reframe my mindset towards senior citizens. They are struggling with their identity, and maybe those who pick fights with me think that life should be fairer towards them. Life is unfair, even more brutal to those who are part of marginalized sectors. 

Why The Night Is So Lovely: The Joys of Being a Senior by Victor Martinez Arguelles, PhD is now available!

My Life is a Slice of Pie: An Invitation to Heal

My Life is a Slice of Pie by Coach Arms is one heck of a book. It is different from the usual self-help books because it is a short read, and it does not have preachy language in it. From its first page up to its last, I felt like I was conversing with a friend. I felt like that friend knew and understood me, and that made my reading experience extra special.

As someone who has been called ugly and belittled for my lack of resources, I could relate to the author’s struggles. Reading about a Filipina who was called ugly and poor was refreshing. I felt seen and heard. It inspired me to keep going on. After all, being ugly has only taught me to discern who to trust and respect. As for being poor, it has taught me to be creative and innovative, just like the author.

The author’s struggles have given me an insight into her problem solving mindset. I felt like the friend that I was conversing with in her book was oversharing but not overstepping. I knew that through her struggles and growth I could also apply the same strategies into my own life. Right now, I am facing some personal challenges with people who refuse to accept me for my limitations. Despite this reality, I choose to carry on without shame because the author has shown me that there is a way through these struggles, and it is through believing in myself.

Coach Arms has shown me that being unwanted, humiliated, and ridiculed is only the beginning. It is up to me to make this slice of pie worth savoring, even if I am allergic to some of its ingredients.

My Life is a Slice of Pie by Coach Arms is now available!

Dandelions against a Frozen Clock: A Story of Change

Dandelions against a Frozen Clock by Junwoo William Park is a story of change. This collection of poetry is about the changes experienced by the author, who is Korean by birth. His formative years in Southeast Asia has given him the resiliency to survive anywhere. This does not mean that he does not have questions about his life, identity, and culture. In fact, his poems explore these questions and he answers them through his experiences in nature. After all, nature has the power to heal, restore, and inspire positivity.

We all have different responses to change. Some people go with the flow. Others, like the author, bask in each day and observe how they feel amidst their surroundings. I admire the author’s writing style because he uses his observations to write original poems. His words come from his heart. I can see that he does not write to impress, but rather, he writes for himself. His journey has taken him across different countries and cultures, yet through this book, he was able to redefine what home is and what his story continues to be.

The author does not seem to find himself establishing in one place so to speak, and he seems to have the capacity to learn and grow even if it is already beyond his own comfort zone. I admire people like him who create art from uncomfortable experiences. It is definitely something that inspires me as an author myself. 

I look forward to reading more works from the author in the future. I am also curious where his journey will take him. His unique perspective will definitely be fun to read. For sure, his stories will be just as interesting as the one in this book.

Dandelions against a Frozen Clock by Junwoo William Park is now available!

Don’t Keep Love Around: A Tale of Awkward Love

Don’t Keep Love Around by @latteowl_ has reminded me of novels which I have read on platforms like Wattpad in the 2010s. It has a memorable meet-cute, an awkward beginning, and an addictive storyline. It pretty much reminded me of my younger years when going to school meant seeing my friends and being with my crush. @latteowl_ has managed to give me a trip down memory lane in the form of this poignant tale.

The best kind of love has awkward moments. I think it is because we are still unsure of ourselves when we are young. Elara and Aven’s story is about being uncertain of themselves, and that makes it difficult for them to navigate through their own emotions. It was frustrating at times to read their encounters especially with the secondary characters because sometimes, all it takes is a face to face confrontation in order to deal with their feelings for each other. Yet, the author manages to divert my frustration into kilig because somehow, the characters remind me of my own love stories back in the day.

Outside forces have challenged their love story, and yet Elara and Aven transform into strong characters as the novel progresses. I feel that they can teach readers, especially those who are still figuring out who they are, that love is fleeting and that it takes work in order to make it last. This novel has made this thirty-something swoon, even if at times I wish I could shake the characters into action.

I wish that this novel has a sequel. I am not okay with how the special chapter ended, and I want to know what is next. I think that the author can turn this into a series, and it definitely has potential to hook readers with its relatable text.

Don’t Keep Love Around by @latteowl_ is now available!