A Great Introduction to Filipino Culture
I don't know why it took me so long to read this one. I had previously tried two other times, but I guess I wasn't in the mood until now.
Anyway, while I am not from The Philippines, I was able to relate to the character of Jay in his ignorance and judgment of things that he does not understand. I don't know how this book will help me change my mindset or do something that helps that's not a bunch of retweets on Twitter, but I can say that this book has inspired me to at least try to speak up and use my voice more than I do. I've always been someone who's quiet, but an observer. I may not say much IRL, but I am most likely listening and taking mental notes. This book has helped me to realize that I could be doing more if I just ... speak.
I don't know what else to say about this book other than it's the first one by this author that I've read, and I plan to come back for more. The author really has a way with words that makes the everything in this book feel so real, like I know these people, like I actually know Jay and Grace and Tita Chato and Tita Ines ... and Jun. I felt like Jay's family is my family too, and when I came closer to the end of the story, I wasn't expecting a certain scene to hit me so hard that I cried hard enough to kind of snort.
We need more stories like this in all kinds of literature, but most especially YA, because I feel like the target age group for these stories could benefit from learning more about something and someone else in another country that's not their own. But especially those of us here in the United States.
Anyway, while I am not from The Philippines, I was able to relate to the character of Jay in his ignorance and judgment of things that he does not understand. I don't know how this book will help me change my mindset or do something that helps that's not a bunch of retweets on Twitter, but I can say that this book has inspired me to at least try to speak up and use my voice more than I do. I've always been someone who's quiet, but an observer. I may not say much IRL, but I am most likely listening and taking mental notes. This book has helped me to realize that I could be doing more if I just ... speak.
I don't know what else to say about this book other than it's the first one by this author that I've read, and I plan to come back for more. The author really has a way with words that makes the everything in this book feel so real, like I know these people, like I actually know Jay and Grace and Tita Chato and Tita Ines ... and Jun. I felt like Jay's family is my family too, and when I came closer to the end of the story, I wasn't expecting a certain scene to hit me so hard that I cried hard enough to kind of snort.
We need more stories like this in all kinds of literature, but most especially YA, because I feel like the target age group for these stories could benefit from learning more about something and someone else in another country that's not their own. But especially those of us here in the United States.