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A review by pandaintheshelves
Professional Lola by E. P. Tuazon
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
So, I recently dove into "Professional Lola" by E. P. Tuazon, and let me tell you, it was quite the ride. It's like it cracked open a window into Filipino-American culture and invited me in 😊
I was pleasantly surprised at how deeply some of the stories resonated with me. Coming from a culture with similar (and, at the same time different) dynamics, they felt like some of my own family/friends stories.
But here's the kicker: it doesn't hold your hand through it all. There were moments when I had to hit up Google for some translations or cultural references, and yeah, a glossary at the end would've been nice. But you know what? I kinda liked it. It felt like the book was treating me like an adult, respecting my intelligence, and letting me figure things out on my own.
Now, let me tell you about the writing. It's beautiful, plain, and simple in a way that just pulls you in. Even if some of the plots didn't quite land for me, it made it worth the read.
I also gotta say some of the stories felt like they ended a bit abruptly, leaving me hanging like a cliffhanger in a Netflix series. But maybe that's on me. I haven't read short stories in a minute, so take this part with a grain of salt.
In the end, "Professional Lola" is a wild ride through the complexities of Filipino-American life. It's got heart, humor, and just a touch of magic sprinkled in. It touches on deep themes like being LGBTQIA+ in a society steeped in tradition, family dynamics, grief, and even internalized racism. So, if you're looking for a book that's gonna make you think, make you feel, and maybe even make you laugh a little, this one's for you. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Red Hen Press for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was pleasantly surprised at how deeply some of the stories resonated with me. Coming from a culture with similar (and, at the same time different) dynamics, they felt like some of my own family/friends stories.
But here's the kicker: it doesn't hold your hand through it all. There were moments when I had to hit up Google for some translations or cultural references, and yeah, a glossary at the end would've been nice. But you know what? I kinda liked it. It felt like the book was treating me like an adult, respecting my intelligence, and letting me figure things out on my own.
Now, let me tell you about the writing. It's beautiful, plain, and simple in a way that just pulls you in. Even if some of the plots didn't quite land for me, it made it worth the read.
I also gotta say some of the stories felt like they ended a bit abruptly, leaving me hanging like a cliffhanger in a Netflix series. But maybe that's on me. I haven't read short stories in a minute, so take this part with a grain of salt.
In the end, "Professional Lola" is a wild ride through the complexities of Filipino-American life. It's got heart, humor, and just a touch of magic sprinkled in. It touches on deep themes like being LGBTQIA+ in a society steeped in tradition, family dynamics, grief, and even internalized racism. So, if you're looking for a book that's gonna make you think, make you feel, and maybe even make you laugh a little, this one's for you. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Red Hen Press for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.