Leche

I knew nothing about Filipino culture when I picked up this book, and I can't say that this book really helped me learn much. I felt like the narration was full of tiresome inside jokes, but I was left on the outside. I suppose the book might be enjoyable to those who "get" the inside jokes, but I wouldn't recommend this book to those on the outside.It seemed to really be a book about nothing. While it started getting some interesting depth at the end, it was too little, too late, and then it just ended.

R. Zamora Linmark has a great command of the English Language as well as Tagalog. He would "teach" new words to the reader, but without suspecting, they would re-appear later, expecting us to know them. By then, I had forgotten, and couldn't easily relocate the terms. This happened several times.The use of Flashback can be instrumental in clarification or gaining the author's perspective or understanding the situation; but it should be used clearly and with reserve. Linmark flashes so quickly, without warning, over and over, I often lose track of what he was talking about.I purchased the Kindle version, mostly because I can change Font size, but the book is laced with written, picture-postcards, and I was unable to read any of them. Later, I learned from our reading group that they added much humor and understanding to the book. For that reason, I would not recommend the Kindle version.Lastly, the author, during recollection of situations, events and people, rattles off an endless stream of "who's who" and "who's doing what" in his writing. This was far more fun for the author than the reader, in my opinion.J.V. Petretta, author

A story I could not put down. Well written. It really pulls you in and holds your attention. I can't get over the details and the characters. It's so fun and so real at the same time. I finished it and I'm craving more. I feel like I have unanswered questions. Nonetheless, a great read that I highly recommend.

Another book required for a class that i had to drop, new, hasn't been used by me once any takers?

Amazing book

This book was recommended by a friend who knows how much I love the Philippines. I searched Manila for a copy and was unsuccessful, so ordered it from Amazon,and got it when I returned home. I picked it up immediately after it arrived and could not put it down. The comedy, irony, and pain of a returning balikbayan was so gripping that I had to continue to see what would happen next. The last chapters with their renewed realizations brought tears to my eyes. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who knows about or is interested in what it is like for a Filipino kid, left behind in the Philippines by his parents to be OFW's in Hawaii, then plucked out of the only culture he knew to join them, is suddenly returned home as a young adult. The reaction to one's roots may be shocking or surprising, but it is very real.