A review by katonthejellicoe
A Woman Unboxed and Other Stories of Growing UP by Gayle Certeza

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

 "The first woman, just like all the generations of women after her - my grandmother, mother, me, and my sisters included - shifted the heavens with her feet firmly rooted on the earth." —Gayle Certeza, A Woman Unboxed and Other Stories Growing Up

This 178-page book is a collection of stories and anecdotes from the author's childhood, being raised by a strict grandmother in General Santos, to her adulthood, navigating life as a woman.

I had already set my expectations high for this book when Gerald highly recommended it in one of his reviews, but surprisingly, it went above and beyond. It was crafted with thoughtfulness and elegance, effortlessly balancing humor, angst, and drama. It explored topics such as feminism in religion, culture, career, marriage, and motherhood, among others.

Most remarkably (at least for me), this book took me down a personal memory lane. The author's childhood memories reminded me of my own younger days being raised by my lola (the house rules were endless!). As she navigated her growing years, it brought me back to a time when I was busy growing up, almost forgetting that my lola was aging. Her grief also resonated with me, reminding me of my own loss when I lost my lola in 2016. It was bittersweet, but the recollections were worth it.

In conclusion, I'd like to echo Gerald's review: this book is highly recommended. Go read it.