A review by joshlynjavier
Professional Lola by E. P. Tuazon

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

 and at the end of it, the aftermath is the same as it was before. the train goes from point a to point b before where we are and were we come from, before the mountains and the valleys and the sharp horizons sunk beyond our reach 

 what was art without its lights and darks? what was love without its contrasts 

 one day, it would return. one day, it would land 

these short stories offered glimpses into filipino american culture in a way i am yet to see replicated. each story hit home, landing somewhere in the vast ocean that separates or unites the philippines to america, depending on where you stand. 

i found the writing so simply beautiful, and the writing style and cadence often emphasized the complications we often bring to life, while simultaneously neglecting the significance we’re able to create. throughout, tuazon invites you to admire the rich beauty in our culture -- the love, joy, respect, care and humor we will always share for and with one another. he highlights the the beautiful storytelling culture and our connection to our spirituality, as well as the sacrifices we so willingly make everyday for those we love. the authentic elements of my culture were so tenderly and carefully interwoven into the empty spaces between family, friends, and interpersonally. 

but tuazon also suggests an analysis of our culture for some of its shortcomings: our lack of acceptance for the abundant lgbtq+ community, our passive aggression, and the survivor trauma that leads to holding on too tight to things we’re afraid to lose --manifested in objects, people, and beliefs. 

as a child of immigrants, there’s also an exploration of the yearning to understand our parents and the home they walked away from in exchange for our futures, and the continuous desire to understand what was left behind and translate their ambitions and fears.