Blog Archives
Adobo In The Land Of Milk and Honey
E.R. Escober’s Adobo in the Land of Milk and Honey is, at its heart, a story about identity, loss, and the complicated dance between assimilation and heritage. We follow Mirasol Mendoza Moreau, a sharp and ambitious Filipino-American executive who is sent to the Philippines to oversee the acquisition of a struggling fast-food chain, Pinoy Jubilee. What begins as a business assignment quickly becomes a deeply personal journey, forcing her to reckon with her late boyfriend’s absence, her mother’s silence about the homeland, and the messy, beautiful reality of a culture she has always kept at arm’s length.
Escober’s prose is remarkably vivid; rather than merely describing Manila, he immerses the reader in it. The airport scene, in which Mirasol is immediately enveloped by a wall of heat and commotion, vendors calling out, families embracing in noisy reunions, captures the overwhelming disorientation of arrival with striking immediacy. And later, the kalesa ride through Intramuros, Mirasol annoyed, Ramon smug, the horse nosing her shoulder, was both funny and strangely tender. I loved how Escober uses small, almost absurd details (like a horse drooling on a silk blouse) to pull Mirasol out of her polished New York shell. The writing has this knack for being sharp one moment and unexpectedly warm the next, which felt very true to the push and pull of identity crises.
What stood out most to me was how food served as the narrative’s foundation. The balut scene is a perfect example: Mirasol, determined to prove she isn’t just another “Fil-Am tourist,” dives into the duck embryo with salt and chili while Ramon watches like a judge at a reality show. It could have been written for laughs, but instead, it becomes a turning point, breaking down Ramon’s skepticism and showing Mirasol’s willingness to embrace discomfort. Later, when she eats Rosa’s adobo at the original Pinoy Jubilee, it isn’t just a meal, it’s an initiation into the heart of what the restaurant represents: family recipes, sacrifice, and tradition. Escober makes food not just symbolic, but alive, messy, and deeply emotional.
I felt conflicted about Ramon; his air of superiority often proved as frustrating for me as it was for Mirasol. His constant testing, comparing her to Olivia Rodrigo, making her ride a kalesa instead of a car, lecturing her about “real” Filipino culture, sometimes felt heavy-handed. But then Escober complicates him by revealing his own past heartbreak with another Fil-Am who “came back home” only to leave again. Suddenly, his sharp edges made sense. He wasn’t just gatekeeping culture; he was guarding against disappointment. That shift made him more compelling, and I found myself grudgingly rooting for the dynamic between him and Mirasol to thaw.
By the time I closed the book, I felt like I had been on the journey with Mirasol, not just through Manila’s crowded streets, but through the strange space of being between two worlds. Escober doesn’t sugarcoat it. The book is messy, emotional, and sometimes frustrating, but that’s exactly why it works. It’s not a polished postcard of the Philippines; it’s a story about finding pieces of yourself in unexpected places, whether in a noisy street market or in a bowl of perfectly braised adobo.
I’d recommend Adobo in the Land of Milk and Honey to anyone who enjoys stories about identity, grief, and rediscovery, especially second-generation immigrants who’ve ever felt the pull of a “homeland” that doesn’t quite feel like home. Even if you’ve never wrestled with cultural roots, the humor, the romance, and the sheer sensory detail make this a rich, rewarding read. It’s not just a business story. It’s not just a food story. It’s a story about being human and hungry, for meaning, for connection, and, for really good adobo.
Pages: 302 | ASIN : B0FHSZ95N7
James Dean: An American Icon
When I picked up James Dean: An American Icon, I expected another glossy tribute to the Hollywood rebel who burned bright and left too soon. What I got was a detailed and surprisingly intimate look at Dean’s rise, struggles, and enduring legacy. The book walks through his early years in Indiana, his faltering start in California, his transformative move to New York, and, of course, his brief but legendary Hollywood career with East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant. Brennan doesn’t shy away from Dean’s flaws, his mood swings, his stubbornness, his combative nature, but he also makes clear why Dean’s presence electrified audiences in a way that hasn’t quite been matched since.
Reading about James Dean’s close relationship with his mother, followed by the devastating impact of her death from cancer when he was only nine years old, carried a profound emotional weight. Brennan convincingly links this formative loss to Dean’s later restlessness and at times reckless ambition, and that connection resonated with me strongly. The scene in which Dean reads the 23rd Psalm to his dying mother was particularly affecting, leaving me in thoughtful silence. It served as a poignant reminder that behind the iconic figure of Hollywood’s brooding rebel was a young man who continued to long for stability throughout his life.
I also loved the sections about Dean’s relentless push to carve out an acting career in New York. Brennan captures his raw hunger in those years, washing dishes, living at the YMCA, and taking tiny roles just to keep himself afloat. The anecdote about Dean working as a stunt tester on Beat the Clock, practicing silly tasks until he mastered them, made me smile. It showed his obsessive streak but also his refusal to quit. And when Brennan describes Dean writing to his young cousin Marcus Jr., warning him not to draw prisons and weapons but to draw trees and animals instead, I saw a softer, gentler James that doesn’t usually make it into the legend.
Of course, the Hollywood chapters are the most exciting, and Brennan delivers them with energy. I especially enjoyed the behind-the-scenes glimpses of Rebel Without a Cause. The way Dean pushed against Nicholas Ray’s direction, the way he made a scene electric even when he ignored the script, it made me feel like I was there on set, watching history being made. Brennan also notes how critics dismissed him at first as a Marlon Brando knockoff, only to eat their words after Rebel and Giant. I found myself almost cheering for Dean while reading these pages. It’s hard not to admire someone who stayed true to his craft, even if it made him “difficult.”
By the end, I felt both inspired and a little hollow. Inspired because Dean really did change cinema, Brennan shows how he gave voice to young people’s discontent long before it was fashionable. Hollow because I couldn’t shake the thought of what roles he might have taken on had he lived past twenty-four. The chapter on his death is sobering, but the final chapter on his lasting impact balances it with hope, showing how his spirit still touches new generations.
I’d recommend James Dean: An American Icon to anyone who loves film history, but also to anyone curious about the messy, human side of stardom. It’s not just about the myth of James Dean, it’s about the boy, the actor, the rebel, and the artist. For me, it was both a celebration and a reminder that brilliance often comes with shadows.
Pages: 318 | ISBN : 1587906880
Class Action: What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You
In Class Action by Gail Ward, we meet Lennon Gallagher, a third-year law student and non-legacy, who is unexpectedly drawn into a cheating scheme that threatens to derail her entire academic career. Readers of Olmsted’s Miranda Quin Legal Twist series may recognize Lennon from an earlier story. For newcomers, both Lennon and Miranda will feel fresh, making this book an ideal entry point for new readers while still providing familiar faces for longtime fans.
Unlike legacy students who benefit from family connections and inherited expectations, Lennon’s path through law school is defined by her outsider status and determination to succeed on her own terms. When she becomes entangled in a cheating scheme, she is forced to grapple with difficult moral and ethical dilemmas, as well as the relentless pressures of academic competition and the challenges faced by those without institutional privilege or support. Through Lennon’s story, Olmsted examines the complexities of integrity, ambition, and the demanding realities of legal education. With the added strain of personal relationships, Lennon must decide not only what she truly wants for herself but also who she can trust.
Olmsted’s narrative deftly balances the tension between personal ambition and collective responsibility, illustrating how Lennon’s decisions reverberate not only through her own life but also impact her peers and the broader academic community. The depiction of law school culture, marked by late nights, fierce competition, and the ever-present temptation to cut corners, feels authentic and immediate. Readers will find themselves empathizing with Lennon’s struggle to maintain her principles while navigating a system that often rewards those willing to bend the rules.
Those who are interested in legal thrillers with some added romance and tension, look no further than Class Action by Gail Olmsted. The strong characters, the incredible intricacies, and the excellent storytelling are all ripe for the reading.
Pages: 255 | ASIN : B0FHZVT6JX
Bella and Bird Explore Anger
In my first-grade classroom, big feelings show up every day. Sometimes it’s over a broken crayon. Sometimes it’s because someone else got the last spot in line. That’s why Bella and Bird Explore Anger was such a breath of fresh air. It’s a story that understands what anger feels like for a child, how fast it can take over, and how confusing it can be to calm down.
The artwork is just beautiful. It’s soft, gentle, and full of heart. Every page feels like a quiet sketch brought to life with care and warmth. The pencil-like textures and warm colors give the story a calming feel. It’s all done in a way that matches the tone perfectly. It’s the kind of art that invites you to slow down and take a closer look.
What I loved most was how Bella and Bird talked to Henry with kindness and patience. They didn’t scold him or try to shut down his feelings. Instead, they explained things in a way that made sense. The tools they offered like counting to cool down and using an emotion wheel are things I could actually use in my classroom.
The pictures are warm and full of gentle humor. Bella feels like the wise teacher we all wish we could be every day, and Bird keeps things light just when it’s needed. As a teacher, I’m always looking for books that help kids grow in ways that matter beyond the ABCs. This one does exactly that. I’ll be keeping Bella and Bird Explore Anger close by.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FG5MSTNB
Split
Split, by Michael Swartz, is a haunting story about Ethan, a boy born with genetic chimerism, carrying two sets of DNA and the confusion, pain, and strength that come with it. The novel follows him through a gauntlet of bullying, identity crises, and family wounds, all while his body betrays him with asthma, and his mind struggles with the fear of becoming like his violent father. Along the way, friendships bloom, love steadies him, and the truth of his condition forces him to question who he really is and who he wants to become. It is both a coming-of-age tale and a raw look at survival when the world tells you that you are broken.
The writing is sharp and urgent, with scenes that left me squirming in discomfort, not because they were bad, but because they were so brutally real. The cafeteria humiliations, the suffocating asthma attacks, the relentless bullying, all of it dropped me straight back into the shaky insecurity of youth. Swartz doesn’t soften the edges. He makes you sit with the pain, and in that pain, I found a strange kind of beauty.
At the same time, there’s a tenderness here that surprised me. Moments with Mo and Aia glowed like little lanterns in the dark, and those relationships kept the story from sinking into despair. I loved how the book didn’t give easy answers about identity or fate. Ethan’s split nature felt like a metaphor for all of us who feel divided between who we are and who we’re supposed to be. I kept thinking about genetics versus choice, destiny versus defiance, and it made me restless in the best way. I didn’t agree with every decision Ethan made, but I understood them, and that made the story hit harder.
I would recommend Split to readers who want more than just a story, to anyone who likes books that dig under your skin and refuse to let go. Teenagers who feel out of place, adults still wrestling with family scars, and anyone who has ever carried the weight of being different will find something of themselves in these pages.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B0F9MWLMNY
No Books For Benjamin?
In No Books for Benjamin? by R.G. de Rouen, readers are introduced to an extraordinary little worm with an insatiable love for books. Benjamin isn’t your typical earth-dweller; he lives and works at none other than the Library of Congress, where he enjoys a daily feast of fresh stories and endless pages. Surrounded by the written word, his life couldn’t be more perfect, until a mysterious illness called The Purple Dots sweeps through the country, forcing libraries everywhere to close their doors indefinitely.
Suddenly, Benjamin is left heartbroken. No new books. No new stories. Just silence. Desperate to keep his passion alive, he consults Ms. Nicholas, the wise librarian, and together, with the help of both human and animal friends, they hatch a clever, collaborative plan. But what exactly is their idea? And will it be enough to bring books back into Benjamin’s life?
This delightful picture book is a heartfelt celebration of reading. Benjamin’s charm is undeniable, and children will instantly connect with his wide-eyed enthusiasm and boundless curiosity. He’s not only adorable, he’s inspiring. His determination to find a solution teaches young readers the value of teamwork and creative problem-solving.
What stands out most in de Rouen’s storytelling is his ability to deliver meaningful messages without ever being heavy-handed. The book playfully emphasizes the joy of collaboration and community, with Benjamin and his friends working together toward a common goal. Even the concept of “The Purple Dots” illness, while referencing a challenging event, is portrayed with humor and imagination that will spark giggles rather than fear.
De Rouen enriches the experience further by including a page of fascinating insect facts, tying the story to educational content in a seamless way. His website also features a treasure trove of engaging extras, printable bookmarks, coloring pages, and even a maze that extends the fun long after the last page is turned.
The illustrations by Uliana Barabash are a visual treat. Rendered in bold, full-page acrylic-style paintings, each image bursts with color and whimsy. Her attention to detail and affection for animals, plants, and nature shine through, adding depth and personality to every scene. It’s easy to get lost in the expressive characters and lush backgrounds she’s brought to life.
No Books for Benjamin? is a joyful, imaginative journey that celebrates books, friendship, and perseverance. Charming, educational, and beautifully illustrated, it’s a must-have for any child’s library.
ASIN : B0FQ3R91TG
Conflict & Peace: At Home with Jesus
When I first opened Conflict & Peace: At Home with Jesus, I expected a familiar retelling of biblical stories, but instead I found something far richer and more layered. The book walks through twelve figures ranging from Matthew and Mark to Constantine and Luther and explores how each shaped, struggled with, or even fractured the Christian story. Eric D. Hovee doesn’t shy away from pointing out contradictions, tensions, and the uneasy balance between faith and evidence. What emerges is less a polished theology and more a raw chronicle of pioneers wrestling with belief, doubt, politics, and power. The book argues that Christianity has always lived at the crossroads of conflict and peace, heresy and orthodoxy, struggle and hope.
The writing style surprised me. It’s not slick or overly academic, and that’s what makes it work. Hovee mixes scholarship with a kind of candid storytelling that feels personal and searching. He admits where his own faith has faltered, where scholarship has raised more questions than answers, and where interpretations may lean too heavily in one direction. I appreciated this honesty. The detail can be overwhelming at times, with deep dives into language debates or church history that slow down the flow, but even then, I never felt the effort was wasted. It gave weight to his central claim that truth isn’t always clean or easy.
What I liked most, though, was the emotional undercurrent. This isn’t just about doctrine, it’s about Hovee’s father, about legacy, about the ache of wanting faith to feel real in a world of contradictions. I felt that ache with him. When he points out Matthew’s overreach on prophecy, or the way Constantine’s empire-building warped Christianity, I didn’t just learn facts, I felt the tension of a man trying to reconcile devotion with doubt. The book left me inspired. It made me look at my own beliefs with sharper eyes and a softer heart.
I think Hovee’s work is best for readers who want faith that is not easy, neat, or dogmatic. It’s for Christians wrestling with the weight of history, skeptics curious about the roots of belief, and anyone who values honesty over certainty. If you want a book that stirs you, challenges you, and leaves you thinking long after you close it, then Conflict & Peace: At Home with Jesus is well worth the read.
Pages: 401 | ASIN : B0F5641XR1
The Hope of Heaven
Singing Through Fire shares with readers how your life took an unexpected turn when you developed a chronic illness, leading you to cross paths with a youth pastor facing terminal cancer, and falling in love even though you knew your time together was limited. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Singing Through Fire was important for me to write because I knew God was calling me to share my story to encourage other sufferers. Walking through illness and loss was never the path I would have chosen, but it became a place where God’s presence and grace shone most clearly. Writing the book was an act of obedience, a way to testify to His goodness even in seasons of deep suffering. My hope was simply to be faithful with the story He entrusted me with.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your perspective on God and faith?
One of the most life-changing truths someone shared with me was that our present suffering, as heavy as it feels, is not the end of the story. Scripture reminds us that the eternal glory awaiting us far outweighs the pain we endure now. That perspective shifted my focus from asking “why me?” to lifting my eyes toward the hope of Heaven. It doesn’t erase the grief, but it gives it meaning and frames it in light of eternity.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
The hardest part was returning to memories that were still raw with grief and pain. Writing about them meant reliving them, and at times I wondered if my heart could handle it. But the most rewarding part was seeing how God had been present through it all, and how He wove beauty and love even into suffering. Putting it on paper gave me perspective, gratitude, and a way to honor the people and moments that shaped my story.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I hope readers come away with the assurance that even in the darkest seasons, God has not abandoned them. Life may not unfold as we expect, and suffering may come in ways that feel unbearable, but God is still faithful. If my story encourages someone to hold on to hope and to trust His heart, even when His plan feels hidden, then the book will have done its work.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | YouTube | Instagram | Amazon
Enter Matthew Silverman: a witty, wise, and impossibly joyful youth pastor and professor facing terminal cancer. What begins with a few random encounters soon ignites an extraordinary, God-written love story that neither of them saw coming.
As their unlikely romance unfolds between medical crises, late-night laughter, and unexpected musical performances, Matthew’s unshakable faith challenges everything Lara thinks she knows about God’s goodness—and what it means to walk with Christlike faith, resilience, and joy in the face of overwhelming grief and suffering.
But with time against them, one question looms louder than the rest: What if this gift is only for a moment?
Surprisingly funny and spiritually rich, Singing Through Fire is a modern-day “Job meets Lucille Ball.” It explores what it means to suffer, love, and even laugh and make music while your life is burning down around you. It eloquently gives voice to the aching questions many sufferers quietly carry—then takes readers inside the breathtaking story of two people who found miraculous love and defiant joy amid heartbreaking loss.
It reveals how God can use even our deepest pain to write the most beautiful love stories—even on the cusp of eternity.
LITERARY TITAN 