Expat Scribe's Blog: Scribbles of an Eternal Expatriate, page 7
February 28, 2025
What does a sub have to do with cancer?
This book—Prayers and Po-Boys: A Cancer Survivor's Journey through Chemotherapy and Beyond by Larry Singleton—was yet another that my instinct “told” me to choose from a “lineup.” I went a step further and decided to include it in my Goodreads blog. This time, it wasn’t the cover that piqued my curiosity, even though I found myself trying to make out what looked like a photo of… was that a sandwich or a submarine? Whichever it was, I wondered: what did a sub have to do with cancer? The format I chose was an ebook, so with the cover on a thumbnail, I couldn’t know for sure.
It was the visual disconnect, or rather, the inappropriateness of the image vis-a-vis the topic of the book that prompted my selection. It didn’t help that the cover looked like a movie poster for a comedy. Ah, maybe it’s a satire.
As I perused the pages, it became apparent that the cover visual was apropos after all. My earlier misgivings about the image was influenced by what I assumed the term “po-boy” was. I thought it was a diminutive for “poor boys.” In a different context, I was correct. However, the po-boy Larry Singleton, the author, referred to was a specialty sandwich that originated from Louisiana during the Great Depression—1929, to be exact. The filling of the traditional kind was roast beef, but could also be ham or fried seafood. This was encased in French bread with its fluffy interior and crispy crust—a byproduct of New Orleans’ low humidity level. Apparently, there was a union strike that year and ex-streetcar conductors, who owned a local sandwich store, served the striking union workers subs. Those were the original po-boys.
A slice of history. Wow! Although that came from my own research and not from the book. So that’s one observation I had initially. It would have been better if the author defined the po-boy somewhere: possibly in the intro, chapter one, or a glossary. Not everyone is from New Orleans and would instantly know what it is, regardless of the screaming visual in front of the book. Either that, or it was a tactic by the author to reel in unsuspecting readers. Hook them until the reveal.
The latter may well be the truth—a testament to the charming personality of the author, who came across as a Miss Marple/Angela Lansbury-type. (Minus the sleuth background.)
A delightful aspect of this book is the author’s propensity for funny quips and comebacks. I think his sense of humor was the main reason (apart from faith and gastronomy) he was able to survive his ordeal so well. For instance, when the chaplain remarked that he didn’t see many people eat during a chemo session after seeing the author munch on a sandwich, Larry explained, “I’m trying to be the exception to that rule.”
And when the same guy asked one day why Larry wasn’t clutching a po-boy while receiving a chemo infusion, the author replied, “I go off the reservation sometimes, but I always come back.”
The author spoke of dark clouds too. I expected those. One harked back to Room 5, the venue of the dreaded chemotherapy session. It was the equivalent of my Room 101, a metaphor for my psychological torment, which I discussed in my techno-thriller, The Invisible Cyber Bully: What it's like to be watched 24/7. It was a reference to the torture chamber in George Orwell’s dystopian novel, 1984. Orwell’s version was a red zone where the antagonists subjected dissidents to their worst phobias and nightmares to break their resolve until they could no longer think for themselves, paving the way for the government to control their minds.
In a way, cancer patients going into Room 5 to receive their chemo infusion was like being sent to Room 101 to be tortured. There was a chapter where the chemo room held a different number, but for the most part, it remained the same throughout the book.
It was in chapter two that the reason for the cover image became apparent. (Or at least, during the first mention of the word “po-boy.”) I’ve decided to hold off on that reveal, so the next readers could discover it for themselves.
My second observation—and this is the peeve that knocked down a star from my rating: the author did not sufficiently portray his suffering as a cancer patient. Sure, he was a survivor and one of the fortunate folks who experienced the least amount of symptoms from the disease and its nasty treatment modality. He was also spared the agony of extreme nausea that typically prevented patients undergoing chemotherapy from eating. However, what (I assume) cancer patients would have expected from Larry’s book is the conveyance of the darkest hours of his suffering… sort of like a testament with which they could relate.
Also, there were a lot of unnecessary conversations. Like the hellos and good mornings exchanged with the staff. It was a waste of literary real estate. One instance would have been enough. What would have given this book more oomph was if Larry revealed the meatier parts of those heart-to-hearts.
He said that these people (and many others) had helped him a lot during his ordeal, yet he only conveyed the mundane pleasantries. I thought he would be detailing his in-depth, soul-wrenching conversations with them, but there was none of the sort—not even the ones he had with Chaplain Peavy, the hospital pastor.
Disappointing elements:
1. The author glossed over his experiences. The book seemed like it was generalized. A publication about cancer may denote that it’s a “doom-and-gloom” retelling, but readers who pick it up are interested to know what it's like to have the disease... not because they're being morbid but because they have a genuine, even urgent interest. It will also help to elicit empathy... not that all cancer patients are expecting such.
He could have gone into detail about what happens on a daily basis. He described the pain in one sentence, but that was it. The reader should be given a wider window as to what it's really like to suffer from a debilitating disease.
2. The chemo session visits were the same all throughout. Of course, there’s a routine. But it would have been more interesting if there was more detail in the events at the hospital.
3. He started explaining some medical stuff in the beginning of the book but didn't follow through. For instance, at the end of the book (page 63), he mentioned this scenario but did not explain further: “Ms. Theresa inserted the needle and checked my blood return. The return was good, and she hooked the first bag to the catheter.” In another scene, he mentioned an incident with a “port flush” but didn’t explain what it was. Authors should not leave it to their readers to research about what they’ve written if they could explain it right there and then.
People who don’t have cancer wouldn’t know about these procedures. If the author’s objective in writing this book is to make non-cancer patients understand what it's like to have cancer, he should explain in excruciating detail what having the disease entails. That said, he did remark that he got to write the book because a hospital staff member suggested he document his experiences.
Redemption
There were some light-hearted scenes in this book too. Defining moments, like the ringing of the bell, which signified the completion of a chemotherapy series. I assume that single sound was something all cancer patients looked forward to with every hospital visit. It was certainly a mark of victory for Larry.
Most of the stars from my rating came from the honest-to-goodness, no-frills delivery of the message of the author. It was engaging and forthright—qualities no doubt emanating from his personality.
I gained some valuable insights from this publication. I leave it to you, the next reader, to reap your own rewards.
It was the visual disconnect, or rather, the inappropriateness of the image vis-a-vis the topic of the book that prompted my selection. It didn’t help that the cover looked like a movie poster for a comedy. Ah, maybe it’s a satire.
As I perused the pages, it became apparent that the cover visual was apropos after all. My earlier misgivings about the image was influenced by what I assumed the term “po-boy” was. I thought it was a diminutive for “poor boys.” In a different context, I was correct. However, the po-boy Larry Singleton, the author, referred to was a specialty sandwich that originated from Louisiana during the Great Depression—1929, to be exact. The filling of the traditional kind was roast beef, but could also be ham or fried seafood. This was encased in French bread with its fluffy interior and crispy crust—a byproduct of New Orleans’ low humidity level. Apparently, there was a union strike that year and ex-streetcar conductors, who owned a local sandwich store, served the striking union workers subs. Those were the original po-boys.
A slice of history. Wow! Although that came from my own research and not from the book. So that’s one observation I had initially. It would have been better if the author defined the po-boy somewhere: possibly in the intro, chapter one, or a glossary. Not everyone is from New Orleans and would instantly know what it is, regardless of the screaming visual in front of the book. Either that, or it was a tactic by the author to reel in unsuspecting readers. Hook them until the reveal.
The latter may well be the truth—a testament to the charming personality of the author, who came across as a Miss Marple/Angela Lansbury-type. (Minus the sleuth background.)
A delightful aspect of this book is the author’s propensity for funny quips and comebacks. I think his sense of humor was the main reason (apart from faith and gastronomy) he was able to survive his ordeal so well. For instance, when the chaplain remarked that he didn’t see many people eat during a chemo session after seeing the author munch on a sandwich, Larry explained, “I’m trying to be the exception to that rule.”
And when the same guy asked one day why Larry wasn’t clutching a po-boy while receiving a chemo infusion, the author replied, “I go off the reservation sometimes, but I always come back.”
The author spoke of dark clouds too. I expected those. One harked back to Room 5, the venue of the dreaded chemotherapy session. It was the equivalent of my Room 101, a metaphor for my psychological torment, which I discussed in my techno-thriller, The Invisible Cyber Bully: What it's like to be watched 24/7. It was a reference to the torture chamber in George Orwell’s dystopian novel, 1984. Orwell’s version was a red zone where the antagonists subjected dissidents to their worst phobias and nightmares to break their resolve until they could no longer think for themselves, paving the way for the government to control their minds.
In a way, cancer patients going into Room 5 to receive their chemo infusion was like being sent to Room 101 to be tortured. There was a chapter where the chemo room held a different number, but for the most part, it remained the same throughout the book.
It was in chapter two that the reason for the cover image became apparent. (Or at least, during the first mention of the word “po-boy.”) I’ve decided to hold off on that reveal, so the next readers could discover it for themselves.
My second observation—and this is the peeve that knocked down a star from my rating: the author did not sufficiently portray his suffering as a cancer patient. Sure, he was a survivor and one of the fortunate folks who experienced the least amount of symptoms from the disease and its nasty treatment modality. He was also spared the agony of extreme nausea that typically prevented patients undergoing chemotherapy from eating. However, what (I assume) cancer patients would have expected from Larry’s book is the conveyance of the darkest hours of his suffering… sort of like a testament with which they could relate.
Also, there were a lot of unnecessary conversations. Like the hellos and good mornings exchanged with the staff. It was a waste of literary real estate. One instance would have been enough. What would have given this book more oomph was if Larry revealed the meatier parts of those heart-to-hearts.
He said that these people (and many others) had helped him a lot during his ordeal, yet he only conveyed the mundane pleasantries. I thought he would be detailing his in-depth, soul-wrenching conversations with them, but there was none of the sort—not even the ones he had with Chaplain Peavy, the hospital pastor.
Disappointing elements:
1. The author glossed over his experiences. The book seemed like it was generalized. A publication about cancer may denote that it’s a “doom-and-gloom” retelling, but readers who pick it up are interested to know what it's like to have the disease... not because they're being morbid but because they have a genuine, even urgent interest. It will also help to elicit empathy... not that all cancer patients are expecting such.
He could have gone into detail about what happens on a daily basis. He described the pain in one sentence, but that was it. The reader should be given a wider window as to what it's really like to suffer from a debilitating disease.
2. The chemo session visits were the same all throughout. Of course, there’s a routine. But it would have been more interesting if there was more detail in the events at the hospital.
3. He started explaining some medical stuff in the beginning of the book but didn't follow through. For instance, at the end of the book (page 63), he mentioned this scenario but did not explain further: “Ms. Theresa inserted the needle and checked my blood return. The return was good, and she hooked the first bag to the catheter.” In another scene, he mentioned an incident with a “port flush” but didn’t explain what it was. Authors should not leave it to their readers to research about what they’ve written if they could explain it right there and then.
People who don’t have cancer wouldn’t know about these procedures. If the author’s objective in writing this book is to make non-cancer patients understand what it's like to have cancer, he should explain in excruciating detail what having the disease entails. That said, he did remark that he got to write the book because a hospital staff member suggested he document his experiences.
Redemption
There were some light-hearted scenes in this book too. Defining moments, like the ringing of the bell, which signified the completion of a chemotherapy series. I assume that single sound was something all cancer patients looked forward to with every hospital visit. It was certainly a mark of victory for Larry.
Most of the stars from my rating came from the honest-to-goodness, no-frills delivery of the message of the author. It was engaging and forthright—qualities no doubt emanating from his personality.
I gained some valuable insights from this publication. I leave it to you, the next reader, to reap your own rewards.
February 16, 2025
Zap a cyberbully for free!
Hey-ho, denizens of Goodreads! I'm pleased to announce that
The Anti-Bully Manual: How to fight bullies the cyber way
is now FREE on Kindle Unlimited. Head over to solacejournal.com/anti-bully for the synopsis and a video trailer. Grab a copy here: books2read.com/anti-bullyI'm interested to know what you think of this book. Visit me at www.expatscribe.com or ping me at facebook.com/expatscribe. Cheerio!
January 26, 2025
The Day the Holy Spirit Compelled Me to Read a Book
A review of Ruth F. Whong’s novel, Detour to Agape
I’ve been receiving read-invites from book clubs for the past couple of years but haven’t committed to any due to an eternally busy schedule. However, as part of my New Year’s resolution, I accepted one. They asked me to choose a couple from a list. As I scrolled down to survey the selection in various genres by different authors, two covers called out to me before I even read their titles.
Detour to Agape (hereinafter referred to as D2A) by R.F. Whong was one of the books. Instinct told me to choose those two, despite their visuals not belonging to my preferred categories. I typically gravitate to images denoting thrillers, mystery, sci-fi, or espionage. Why this sudden 360 eschewing my beloved genres? It was so unlike me.
In hindsight, I realized that both covers’ color schemes were similar—earthy tones that would never elicit a second glance from me. Both books’ montage had the same components: two figures in the foreground surveying the landscape before them, their backs to the camera/reader.
A week after I read the book, instinct told me to look at a book in my Goodreads TBR shelf. Guess what the cover had in it? Two people looking at the horizon with their backs to the camera! Except the background was black. Eerie. It seems an external force is steering me toward these titles from three different authors and genres but with similar covers. Why? I’ll find out once I finish the other two. But first, D2A.
Thwarted Expectations
After I chose D2A, I proceeded to find out more about the book and its author. That’s when I discovered its category: Christian romance. Rats! Not my genre. Too late; commitment already nailed down. That’s when I read the reviews that threw me off.
Many of them were misleading. I thought I’d be reading a book in the same vein as these movies: Romancing the Stone, Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones, or Jewel of the Nile. So, having built up this excitement from reading those reviews, can you blame me if I expected something else: perhaps an illicit romp among sand dunes with villains ready to pounce, or a heart-stopping chase through crowded souks?
There were also warnings about rough language on human trafficking and kidnapping, but the few pockets of data the author revealed are common knowledge. Though unfortunate and devastating to the victims, the information was far from shocking.
Due to the repeated reference to human trafficking, I envisioned the book tackling situations akin to those in Jim Caviezel’s movie, Sound of Freedom. I also expected an intricate web of intrigue and scandal wherein the characters would be heavily entrenched in the horrors of the modern slave trade. But the tertiary characters who were assumed to be so, were only mentioned in passing.
Suggested Amendments
I hope the author won’t mind, but I’ve spotted some typos and one inconsistency. She can view this part of the review as a (positive) criticism or a huge favor because I charge a lot for editing and proofreading and she’s getting it free. :-) Note: The page numbers are variable depending on the user’s e-reader settings.
Typos:
Chapter 11, page 80 and chapter 13, pages 95 and 97: “Archaeologist” is in UK spelling—appropriate for readers from Europe, Britain, and their former colonies, not the US.
Chapter 11, page 83: The word “jews" should be capitalized. Names of ethnic and religious groups are proper nouns and should therefore be capitalized.
Chapter 12, page 87: “Are we at the top yet? I don’t think so” should be in two separate lines and paragraphs because two separate characters uttered them.
Chapter 13, page 95: The phrase “burned by fire” is redundant because burning is inherently caused by fire. Stopping at “burned” is more precise.
Chapter 13, page 96: The phrase “climbed up over the ramp (wall)” is redundant. The word “climbed” already implies an upward movement, so “up” is unnecessary. “Climbed over the wall” is more concise.
Chapter 13, page 96: “Interesting antidote from the book” should be “anecdote.”
Chapter 20, page 150: The phrase “trivial nonsenses” is not from a character’s direct quote, so it should be singular. “Nonsense” is a singular (non-count) noun. We shouldn’t use it in plural form.
Chapter 21, page 160: “Images about Yao and his childhood kept intruded her mind.” Replace “intruded” with “intruding.”
Chapter 23, page 170: “Nana’s eyes stretched wide” seems unwieldy. “Her eyes widened” or “Her eyes grew wide” are better alternatives, as they clearly convey the intended meaning without sounding awkward.
Chapter 23, page 171: “An inpatient knock interrupted them.” Replace “inpatient” with “impatient.”
Inconsistency:
In chapter 18, page 134, Shawn’s and Margie’s room is on the fourth floor. In chapter 20, page 147, it’s on the fifth level. There was no mention of them changing accommodation in the same building.
On the Religious Aspect
I suggest to Ms. Whong (and her fellow Christian writers) what I recommend to our Catholic priests who drone on with abstract religious doctrine during Sunday sermons: If you want your preaching to resonate with ordinary folks, banish ambiguity. Be specific. Present principles in terms they can relate to, particularly how the teachings you’re sharing can help them solve real-people problems.
As for skeptics, use science to convince them—different branches, if necessary. If you want to soften those with rigid beliefs, call on the powerhouses: quantum physics, astrophysics, nano engineering, biochemistry, even alternative medicine. Bible verses will only turn them off.
To convince non-believers to be receptive to the Christian viewpoint, it’s not enough to roll off Bible verses and expect them to embrace our dogma. I, for one, despite being a Christian, tune out when my friends from other denominations begin to cite them. My hearing literally shuts down the way my brain shrivels up when presented with calculus. Mind you, when I was a kid, my mother made me read the Bible cover to cover. So I know what they’re talking about.
Also, a sweeping statement like “God transcends time and space” won’t cut it anymore. That used to work in the old days, but it has become a scapegoat meant to gloss over impertinent spiritual queries. (Reference: chapter 16, page 119—Nana Lee: “Our God, who is beyond time and space, can exist in three persons simultaneously.”)
It reminds me of my mother’s go-to boilerplate adage: “God works in mysterious ways.” It was her standard reply for any question she couldn’t answer convincingly. Particularly: “If God is all loving and merciful, why does He allow poverty, crime, and natural disasters to devastate the very nations whose citizens are faithful to Him, yet allow developed countries (majority of whose residents don’t care for Him) to prosper?”
In the novel, Margie, a highly intelligent <spoiler>undercover cop/special agent</spoiler> who spoke four languages, dismissed a non-believer’s criticisms of historical events in the Bible with: “Sometimes, it’s better to admit our limits and simply believe.” This kind of dismissive statement, commonly spewed out by evangelists, is guaranteed to educe some eye-rolling… and worse, from many laypeople, indignation. (Reference: chapter 16, page 119—Margie: “Wow, you (Nana Lee) said it well. I’ve never heard such an outstanding explanation. For sure, God is far beyond us. We can’t try to use our limited mind to explain Him.”)
Another example: chapter 21, page 159: “Do you want to confess your sin to the Lord today?” These “invitations” are presumptive, disrespectful, and insulting. They will surely turn non-believers off and close minds to attempts at conversion.
The downside to direct evangelization is that non-Christians will automatically put roadblocks way ahead of you. When done indiscriminately and without diplomacy, spreading God’s word will seem like you’re imposing your beliefs on other people.
Years ago, I mailed my husband a book across the pond: Reverend Robert H. Schuller’s book, Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do! I wasn’t trying to convert him when I sent it. I just thought some much-needed advice from the book would help him tremendously in caring for his terminally ill father. A few pages in, however, he decided it wasn’t for him. He said it was “too religious.” He’s Anglican, by the way.
At a minimum, the author’s attempt at evangelization through D2A can spark debate. On a larger scale, it may lead to redemption and conversion, which, I assume, is the objective of Christian publications.
The Significance of Agape
The author never explained why she included the term “agape” in the title. I scoured the book for any mention but found none... at least in the digital edition. Being a fiction book, D2A understandably doesn’t have a glossary or bibliography, which could have referenced the term. But that was a prime opportunity for evangelization and she missed it. Why did she overlook this aspect? Did she ignore it on purpose? Christians would understand it, but others won’t. Heck, many Christians aren’t even aware of the term! For those who care to know, agape means “Christian love for others, corresponding to God’s love for humankind.”
Double Rating
I’ve given this book two ratings. On its story and plot, I gave it a 3.25 because it didn’t live up to my expectations. It’s not the writer’s fault. I blame it on the reviews. Perhaps the reviewers misunderstood its premise, didn’t read the entire book, formed assumptions based on the few chapters they read, or just followed suit based on reviews that were already there.
It’s like people forming opinions based on the thinking of the majority... the way so-called experts put Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye on a literary pedestal because their predecessors had waxed lyrical about it. But when you read the actual book, it offers nothing stellar. (Note to self: Brace for rotten tomatoes from JD’s fans.)
On the religious aspect, however, I gave this book a four because of its earnest attempt at indirect evangelization through the conveyance of its characters’ experiences. The sinners-turning-their lives-around route is nothing new, but it closely reflects what typically happens to converts in real life.
Prayer Ring
Potential readers may pick up D2A for its story. However, beyond the plot, the book’s noteworthiness is in its spotlight on a grave social malady: human trafficking, even if it only touches upon the subject and doesn’t do a deep dive.
I want this author to know there are groups worldwide, religious and lay, that pray for the end of this scourge, whose victims are mostly from impoverished nations. I’m a member of one of these groups. These people have the thankless (and often ridiculed) task of praying for solutions to hard-to-solve global problems. Many of us have been praying for years, some even decades. For a long time, our efforts seemed pointless and fruitless. However, we’ve seen major upheavals in recent years regarding problems like human trafficking.
For instance, in Southeast Asia, governments are now implementing in-depth scrutiny of offshore gaming corporations (e-casinos and such), many of which are storefronts for crimes like money laundering, human trafficking, and financial scamming.
One has already blocked them by enforcing a nationwide ban, despite these facilities being lucrative sources of tax revenue—and I mean millions of dollars. Every day, we learn from news broadcasts of rescues of individual and group victims, especially youth and people with special needs.
Some of us from the prayer rings are from mainstream media, so we have firsthand proof that these arrests and rescues are real. Many of our comrades in the trenches (investigative journalists, pro bono lawyers, and human rights advocates) have been harassed, tortured, abducted, jailed on trumped up charges, or murdered when information they uncovered directly impacted certain politicians, celebrities, other VIPs, government officials, and law enforcement agents.
So I appeal to the author to form a group like ours among her followers and networks to pray with us daily. We from the US and Canadian northwest are praying every day at 10 am, Pacific Time. Those awake at that time and who also want to put an end to human rights atrocities, please join us. Prayers can indeed move mountains, strike down religious barriers, and unite the digital divide.
The Hidden Value of This Book
Halfway through D2A, I realized why I was driven to choose it. I’ve indicated the primary reason above. Also, a vital part of it mentioned encounters to which only people with firsthand experiences of miracles could relate. I’m one of them.
I shared my strange experiences here: www.solacejournal.com/post/st-therese.
The author wrote about how the Holy Spirit can influence a person’s behavior, the outcome of events, and the salvation of lost souls. It also confirms the widely held acknowledgment among Catholics that the human instinct, although a lay term, is really the Holy Spirit speaking to us. This explains why, when we ignore what our gut tells us, bad things happen. (Though skeptics would simply chalk those up to coincidence.)
As this concept is intangible and cannot be proven by logic, it’s difficult for non-believers to grasp, much less accept. Though born a Catholic, I was a skeptic and questioned many aspects of religious dogma... until I became the recipient of inexplicable bouts of good fortune—the (celestial) sources of which I find awkward and challenging to convey to non-Christians.
Due to this impediment, the onerous task of helping others understand intangible concepts is left to Christian writers like Ruth Whong. I’m not one of them. However, because of her book, even though I don’t believe I’m worthy of joining their ranks, I’ll try to be one.
Image credits:
* Woman praying and dove: Arnie Bragg
* Chase: Cottonbro Studio
* Dollar in a cage: Cottonbro Studio
* Child reading Bible: Nappy
* People praying: Tima Miroshnichenko
I’ve been receiving read-invites from book clubs for the past couple of years but haven’t committed to any due to an eternally busy schedule. However, as part of my New Year’s resolution, I accepted one. They asked me to choose a couple from a list. As I scrolled down to survey the selection in various genres by different authors, two covers called out to me before I even read their titles.
Detour to Agape (hereinafter referred to as D2A) by R.F. Whong was one of the books. Instinct told me to choose those two, despite their visuals not belonging to my preferred categories. I typically gravitate to images denoting thrillers, mystery, sci-fi, or espionage. Why this sudden 360 eschewing my beloved genres? It was so unlike me.
In hindsight, I realized that both covers’ color schemes were similar—earthy tones that would never elicit a second glance from me. Both books’ montage had the same components: two figures in the foreground surveying the landscape before them, their backs to the camera/reader.
A week after I read the book, instinct told me to look at a book in my Goodreads TBR shelf. Guess what the cover had in it? Two people looking at the horizon with their backs to the camera! Except the background was black. Eerie. It seems an external force is steering me toward these titles from three different authors and genres but with similar covers. Why? I’ll find out once I finish the other two. But first, D2A.
Thwarted Expectations
After I chose D2A, I proceeded to find out more about the book and its author. That’s when I discovered its category: Christian romance. Rats! Not my genre. Too late; commitment already nailed down. That’s when I read the reviews that threw me off.
Many of them were misleading. I thought I’d be reading a book in the same vein as these movies: Romancing the Stone, Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones, or Jewel of the Nile. So, having built up this excitement from reading those reviews, can you blame me if I expected something else: perhaps an illicit romp among sand dunes with villains ready to pounce, or a heart-stopping chase through crowded souks?
There were also warnings about rough language on human trafficking and kidnapping, but the few pockets of data the author revealed are common knowledge. Though unfortunate and devastating to the victims, the information was far from shocking.
Due to the repeated reference to human trafficking, I envisioned the book tackling situations akin to those in Jim Caviezel’s movie, Sound of Freedom. I also expected an intricate web of intrigue and scandal wherein the characters would be heavily entrenched in the horrors of the modern slave trade. But the tertiary characters who were assumed to be so, were only mentioned in passing.
Suggested Amendments
I hope the author won’t mind, but I’ve spotted some typos and one inconsistency. She can view this part of the review as a (positive) criticism or a huge favor because I charge a lot for editing and proofreading and she’s getting it free. :-) Note: The page numbers are variable depending on the user’s e-reader settings.
Typos:
Chapter 11, page 80 and chapter 13, pages 95 and 97: “Archaeologist” is in UK spelling—appropriate for readers from Europe, Britain, and their former colonies, not the US.
Chapter 11, page 83: The word “jews" should be capitalized. Names of ethnic and religious groups are proper nouns and should therefore be capitalized.
Chapter 12, page 87: “Are we at the top yet? I don’t think so” should be in two separate lines and paragraphs because two separate characters uttered them.
Chapter 13, page 95: The phrase “burned by fire” is redundant because burning is inherently caused by fire. Stopping at “burned” is more precise.
Chapter 13, page 96: The phrase “climbed up over the ramp (wall)” is redundant. The word “climbed” already implies an upward movement, so “up” is unnecessary. “Climbed over the wall” is more concise.
Chapter 13, page 96: “Interesting antidote from the book” should be “anecdote.”
Chapter 20, page 150: The phrase “trivial nonsenses” is not from a character’s direct quote, so it should be singular. “Nonsense” is a singular (non-count) noun. We shouldn’t use it in plural form.
Chapter 21, page 160: “Images about Yao and his childhood kept intruded her mind.” Replace “intruded” with “intruding.”
Chapter 23, page 170: “Nana’s eyes stretched wide” seems unwieldy. “Her eyes widened” or “Her eyes grew wide” are better alternatives, as they clearly convey the intended meaning without sounding awkward.
Chapter 23, page 171: “An inpatient knock interrupted them.” Replace “inpatient” with “impatient.”
Inconsistency:
In chapter 18, page 134, Shawn’s and Margie’s room is on the fourth floor. In chapter 20, page 147, it’s on the fifth level. There was no mention of them changing accommodation in the same building.
On the Religious Aspect
I suggest to Ms. Whong (and her fellow Christian writers) what I recommend to our Catholic priests who drone on with abstract religious doctrine during Sunday sermons: If you want your preaching to resonate with ordinary folks, banish ambiguity. Be specific. Present principles in terms they can relate to, particularly how the teachings you’re sharing can help them solve real-people problems.
As for skeptics, use science to convince them—different branches, if necessary. If you want to soften those with rigid beliefs, call on the powerhouses: quantum physics, astrophysics, nano engineering, biochemistry, even alternative medicine. Bible verses will only turn them off.
To convince non-believers to be receptive to the Christian viewpoint, it’s not enough to roll off Bible verses and expect them to embrace our dogma. I, for one, despite being a Christian, tune out when my friends from other denominations begin to cite them. My hearing literally shuts down the way my brain shrivels up when presented with calculus. Mind you, when I was a kid, my mother made me read the Bible cover to cover. So I know what they’re talking about.
Also, a sweeping statement like “God transcends time and space” won’t cut it anymore. That used to work in the old days, but it has become a scapegoat meant to gloss over impertinent spiritual queries. (Reference: chapter 16, page 119—Nana Lee: “Our God, who is beyond time and space, can exist in three persons simultaneously.”)
It reminds me of my mother’s go-to boilerplate adage: “God works in mysterious ways.” It was her standard reply for any question she couldn’t answer convincingly. Particularly: “If God is all loving and merciful, why does He allow poverty, crime, and natural disasters to devastate the very nations whose citizens are faithful to Him, yet allow developed countries (majority of whose residents don’t care for Him) to prosper?”
In the novel, Margie, a highly intelligent <spoiler>undercover cop/special agent</spoiler> who spoke four languages, dismissed a non-believer’s criticisms of historical events in the Bible with: “Sometimes, it’s better to admit our limits and simply believe.” This kind of dismissive statement, commonly spewed out by evangelists, is guaranteed to educe some eye-rolling… and worse, from many laypeople, indignation. (Reference: chapter 16, page 119—Margie: “Wow, you (Nana Lee) said it well. I’ve never heard such an outstanding explanation. For sure, God is far beyond us. We can’t try to use our limited mind to explain Him.”)
Another example: chapter 21, page 159: “Do you want to confess your sin to the Lord today?” These “invitations” are presumptive, disrespectful, and insulting. They will surely turn non-believers off and close minds to attempts at conversion.
The downside to direct evangelization is that non-Christians will automatically put roadblocks way ahead of you. When done indiscriminately and without diplomacy, spreading God’s word will seem like you’re imposing your beliefs on other people.
Years ago, I mailed my husband a book across the pond: Reverend Robert H. Schuller’s book, Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do! I wasn’t trying to convert him when I sent it. I just thought some much-needed advice from the book would help him tremendously in caring for his terminally ill father. A few pages in, however, he decided it wasn’t for him. He said it was “too religious.” He’s Anglican, by the way.
At a minimum, the author’s attempt at evangelization through D2A can spark debate. On a larger scale, it may lead to redemption and conversion, which, I assume, is the objective of Christian publications.
The Significance of Agape
The author never explained why she included the term “agape” in the title. I scoured the book for any mention but found none... at least in the digital edition. Being a fiction book, D2A understandably doesn’t have a glossary or bibliography, which could have referenced the term. But that was a prime opportunity for evangelization and she missed it. Why did she overlook this aspect? Did she ignore it on purpose? Christians would understand it, but others won’t. Heck, many Christians aren’t even aware of the term! For those who care to know, agape means “Christian love for others, corresponding to God’s love for humankind.”
Double Rating
I’ve given this book two ratings. On its story and plot, I gave it a 3.25 because it didn’t live up to my expectations. It’s not the writer’s fault. I blame it on the reviews. Perhaps the reviewers misunderstood its premise, didn’t read the entire book, formed assumptions based on the few chapters they read, or just followed suit based on reviews that were already there.
It’s like people forming opinions based on the thinking of the majority... the way so-called experts put Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye on a literary pedestal because their predecessors had waxed lyrical about it. But when you read the actual book, it offers nothing stellar. (Note to self: Brace for rotten tomatoes from JD’s fans.)
On the religious aspect, however, I gave this book a four because of its earnest attempt at indirect evangelization through the conveyance of its characters’ experiences. The sinners-turning-their lives-around route is nothing new, but it closely reflects what typically happens to converts in real life.
Prayer Ring
Potential readers may pick up D2A for its story. However, beyond the plot, the book’s noteworthiness is in its spotlight on a grave social malady: human trafficking, even if it only touches upon the subject and doesn’t do a deep dive.
I want this author to know there are groups worldwide, religious and lay, that pray for the end of this scourge, whose victims are mostly from impoverished nations. I’m a member of one of these groups. These people have the thankless (and often ridiculed) task of praying for solutions to hard-to-solve global problems. Many of us have been praying for years, some even decades. For a long time, our efforts seemed pointless and fruitless. However, we’ve seen major upheavals in recent years regarding problems like human trafficking.
For instance, in Southeast Asia, governments are now implementing in-depth scrutiny of offshore gaming corporations (e-casinos and such), many of which are storefronts for crimes like money laundering, human trafficking, and financial scamming.
One has already blocked them by enforcing a nationwide ban, despite these facilities being lucrative sources of tax revenue—and I mean millions of dollars. Every day, we learn from news broadcasts of rescues of individual and group victims, especially youth and people with special needs.
Some of us from the prayer rings are from mainstream media, so we have firsthand proof that these arrests and rescues are real. Many of our comrades in the trenches (investigative journalists, pro bono lawyers, and human rights advocates) have been harassed, tortured, abducted, jailed on trumped up charges, or murdered when information they uncovered directly impacted certain politicians, celebrities, other VIPs, government officials, and law enforcement agents.
So I appeal to the author to form a group like ours among her followers and networks to pray with us daily. We from the US and Canadian northwest are praying every day at 10 am, Pacific Time. Those awake at that time and who also want to put an end to human rights atrocities, please join us. Prayers can indeed move mountains, strike down religious barriers, and unite the digital divide.
The Hidden Value of This Book
Halfway through D2A, I realized why I was driven to choose it. I’ve indicated the primary reason above. Also, a vital part of it mentioned encounters to which only people with firsthand experiences of miracles could relate. I’m one of them.
I shared my strange experiences here: www.solacejournal.com/post/st-therese.
The author wrote about how the Holy Spirit can influence a person’s behavior, the outcome of events, and the salvation of lost souls. It also confirms the widely held acknowledgment among Catholics that the human instinct, although a lay term, is really the Holy Spirit speaking to us. This explains why, when we ignore what our gut tells us, bad things happen. (Though skeptics would simply chalk those up to coincidence.)
As this concept is intangible and cannot be proven by logic, it’s difficult for non-believers to grasp, much less accept. Though born a Catholic, I was a skeptic and questioned many aspects of religious dogma... until I became the recipient of inexplicable bouts of good fortune—the (celestial) sources of which I find awkward and challenging to convey to non-Christians.
Due to this impediment, the onerous task of helping others understand intangible concepts is left to Christian writers like Ruth Whong. I’m not one of them. However, because of her book, even though I don’t believe I’m worthy of joining their ranks, I’ll try to be one.
Image credits:
* Woman praying and dove: Arnie Bragg
* Chase: Cottonbro Studio
* Dollar in a cage: Cottonbro Studio
* Child reading Bible: Nappy
* People praying: Tima Miroshnichenko
January 13, 2025
Join me in fighting cyberbullies!
Have you (or anyone you know) been cyberbullied? If so,
The Anti-Bully Manual: How to fight bullies the cyber way
by
Expat Scribe
is for you. It will suggest what to do when attacked. Includes tips on how to handle trolls, catfishers, doxers, flamers, zoom-bombers, and other denizens of the cyber underworld. Synopsis: solacejournal.com/anti-bullyGrab a copy here: books2read.com/anti-bully
Now available worldwide in print and ebook through leading retailers!
This handbook is a collection of six guides on anti-bullying prevention for kids, teens, parents, guardians, teachers, investigative journalists, other media personnel, and human rights advocates. It includes effective strategies for keeping digital assets, devices, cyber sessions, online activities, social media accounts, and videoconferences safe from cyberbullies. It has been updated to address the evolving landscape of online interactions.
This valuable resource also proposes recommendations and actionable solutions to policymakers to improve existing legislation on bullying, including cyberbullying.
Bonus: It has a special section listing organizations, campaigns, advocacies, and support groups dedicated to bullying prevention, plus free, compassionate, and confidential helplines, text lines, and web chats for victims of bullying and those with mental health issues.
Top benefits of this book:
* Empowerment: Gain the confidence to take control of your digital safety and well-being.
* Comprehensive Coverage: This book is a go-to resource for all ages, as it addresses the needs of children, teens, adults, parents, teachers, and professionals.
* Practical Advice: Filled with real-life examples, tips, and strategies you can implement immediately.
* Expert Insights: Benefit from the wisdom of seasoned professionals who dedicated their careers to combating cyberbullying.
Join the movement to create a safer, more altruistic online universe. The Anti-Bully Manual: How to fight bullies the cyber way is not just a guide; it’s a call to action. Fortify your cyber psyche with strategies, share what you learn, and remain steadfast in the fight against bullying. Reinforce the fortress surrounding your digital world today!
December 31, 2024
Last 2 days of Smashwords Year-End Sale
Happy New Year, denizens of Goodreads!
Thinking of a gift for the young people in your life? May I suggest a full-color, illustrated children’s ebook? December 31 and January 1 are the last two days to grab a copy of My Mother, the Good Witch Doctor: How Mom helped princesses with dyslexia at 50% off at the Smashwords Year-end Sale. Claim your discount here: smashwords.com/books/view/1515507.
Synopsis: This fairytale-inspired book is about a teenager recruited by the queen to save the princess because she thinks the teen’s mom is a witch. Like The Invisible Cyber Bully: What it's like to be watched 24/7, this publication has multiple underlying messages, including preserving the legacy of departed family members and busting myths about dyslexia.
Bonus: This book has a (non-fiction) section for parents and guardians of children with dyslexia that includes information on this learning disorder, plus tips on how to manage it.
Details and video trailer here: solacejournal.com/witchdoctor
Author link in bio: linktr.ee/expatscribe
Read free chapters before buying or borrow the ebook from a library here: books2read.com/witchdoctor
If this book has helped you in some way, please consider star-rating it and/or popping a review over at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and here at Goodreads. 😉 I'd appreciate it. Also, I invite you to connect with me on facebook.com/expatscribe and visit my website, www.expatscribe.com for updates, discounts, and links to the promotion of this book and my other publications. Thanks!
Thinking of a gift for the young people in your life? May I suggest a full-color, illustrated children’s ebook? December 31 and January 1 are the last two days to grab a copy of My Mother, the Good Witch Doctor: How Mom helped princesses with dyslexia at 50% off at the Smashwords Year-end Sale. Claim your discount here: smashwords.com/books/view/1515507.Synopsis: This fairytale-inspired book is about a teenager recruited by the queen to save the princess because she thinks the teen’s mom is a witch. Like The Invisible Cyber Bully: What it's like to be watched 24/7, this publication has multiple underlying messages, including preserving the legacy of departed family members and busting myths about dyslexia.
Bonus: This book has a (non-fiction) section for parents and guardians of children with dyslexia that includes information on this learning disorder, plus tips on how to manage it.
Details and video trailer here: solacejournal.com/witchdoctor
Author link in bio: linktr.ee/expatscribe
Read free chapters before buying or borrow the ebook from a library here: books2read.com/witchdoctor
If this book has helped you in some way, please consider star-rating it and/or popping a review over at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and here at Goodreads. 😉 I'd appreciate it. Also, I invite you to connect with me on facebook.com/expatscribe and visit my website, www.expatscribe.com for updates, discounts, and links to the promotion of this book and my other publications. Thanks!
October 30, 2024
Zap a bully for free!
Happy Halloween, denizens of Goodreads! Now's the time to snag my scary novel for free.
The ebook version of my psychological techno-thriller, The Invisible Cyber Bully: What it's like to be watched 24/7, is now FREE on Amazon's Kindle Unlimited.
Check it out here: www.books2read.com/expatscribe
Synopsis here: www.solacejournal.com/cyberbully
The ebook version of my psychological techno-thriller, The Invisible Cyber Bully: What it's like to be watched 24/7, is now FREE on Amazon's Kindle Unlimited.Check it out here: www.books2read.com/expatscribe
Synopsis here: www.solacejournal.com/cyberbully
October 16, 2024
Last 3 days on sale: Oct 17, 18 & 19
Expat Scribe's books, THE INVISIBLE CYBER BULLY and MY MOTHER, THE GOOD WITCH DOCTOR, are on sale at the Quezon City Public Library main branch—inside the Quezon City Hall complex, Philippines.
Book & author info: linktr.ee/expatscribe
The books are on exhibit upon invitation by the Bituen Foundation, which provides free books to poor kids through its Reading Caravan and holds Sustainability & 3Rs workshops.
Ask library staff for the Bituen Volunteers display area.
QC Library tel #: +63(0)2-8922-4060
Bituen Foundation info: facebook.com/bituen.org
#QuezonCityLibrary #BituenVolunteers
July 31, 2024
Last Day of Smashwords Sale
Last call, Denizens of Goodreads! Today, July 31, is the last day
My Mother, the Good Witch Doctor: How Mom helped princesses with dyslexia
is 50% off at the Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale. Claim your discount here: smashwords.com/books/view/1515507.
Synopsis: This fairytale-inspired illustrated children’s book is about a teenager recruited by the queen to save the princess because she thinks the teen’s mom is a witch. Like The Invisible Cyber Bully: What it's like to be watched 24/7 , this publication has multiple underlying messages, including preserving the legacy of departed family members and busting myths about dyslexia.
Bonus: This book has a (non-fiction) section for parents and guardians of children with dyslexia that includes information on this learning disorder, plus tips on how to manage it.
Details and video trailer here: solacejournal.com/witchdoctor
Read free chapters before buying or borrow the ebook from a library here: books2read.com/witchdoctor
If this book has helped you in some way, please consider star-rating it and/or popping a review over at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and here at Goodreads. 😉 I'd appreciate it. Also, I invite you to connect with me on facebook.com/expatscribe and visit my website, www.expatscribe.com for updates, discounts, and links to the promotion of this book and my other publications. Thanks!
#SWSale2024
#Smashwords
Synopsis: This fairytale-inspired illustrated children’s book is about a teenager recruited by the queen to save the princess because she thinks the teen’s mom is a witch. Like The Invisible Cyber Bully: What it's like to be watched 24/7 , this publication has multiple underlying messages, including preserving the legacy of departed family members and busting myths about dyslexia.
Bonus: This book has a (non-fiction) section for parents and guardians of children with dyslexia that includes information on this learning disorder, plus tips on how to manage it.
Details and video trailer here: solacejournal.com/witchdoctor
Read free chapters before buying or borrow the ebook from a library here: books2read.com/witchdoctor
If this book has helped you in some way, please consider star-rating it and/or popping a review over at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and here at Goodreads. 😉 I'd appreciate it. Also, I invite you to connect with me on facebook.com/expatscribe and visit my website, www.expatscribe.com for updates, discounts, and links to the promotion of this book and my other publications. Thanks!
#SWSale2024
#Smashwords
July 16, 2024
Witch Doctor Book on sale @Smashwords
Hello, Denizens of Goodreads!
Expat Scribe
here. I’m excited to announce that my illustrated children’s book,
My Mother, the Good Witch Doctor: How Mom helped princesses with dyslexia
, is now at 50% off (until July 31, 2024 only) at the Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale. Claim your discount here: smashwords.com/books/view/1515507.
Synopsis: This fairytale-inspired children’s book is about a teenager recruited by a queen to save her younger daughter because the protagonist’s deceased mother “cured” the older princess years before… allegedly with her witchcraft. Like The Invisible Cyber Bully: What it's like to be watched 24/7 , this one has multiple underlying messages, including preserving the legacy of departed family members and busting myths about dyslexia.
Bonus: This book has a (non-fiction) section for parents and guardians of children with dyslexia with information on this learning disorder, plus tips on how to manage it.
More details, photo, and video trailer here: solacejournal.com/witchdoctor
If you want to read a couple of chapters for free before buying, or prefer to borrow the ebook from an online library, check it out here: books2read.com/witchdoctor
If this book has helped you in some way, please consider star-rating it and/or popping a review over at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and here at Goodreads. 😉 I'd appreciate it. Also, I invite you to connect with me on facebook.com/expatscribe and visit my website, www.expatscribe.com for more updates (including discounts and future coupons) and links to the promotion of this book and my other publications. Thanks!
#SWSale2024
#Smashwords
Synopsis: This fairytale-inspired children’s book is about a teenager recruited by a queen to save her younger daughter because the protagonist’s deceased mother “cured” the older princess years before… allegedly with her witchcraft. Like The Invisible Cyber Bully: What it's like to be watched 24/7 , this one has multiple underlying messages, including preserving the legacy of departed family members and busting myths about dyslexia.
Bonus: This book has a (non-fiction) section for parents and guardians of children with dyslexia with information on this learning disorder, plus tips on how to manage it.
More details, photo, and video trailer here: solacejournal.com/witchdoctor
If you want to read a couple of chapters for free before buying, or prefer to borrow the ebook from an online library, check it out here: books2read.com/witchdoctor
If this book has helped you in some way, please consider star-rating it and/or popping a review over at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and here at Goodreads. 😉 I'd appreciate it. Also, I invite you to connect with me on facebook.com/expatscribe and visit my website, www.expatscribe.com for more updates (including discounts and future coupons) and links to the promotion of this book and my other publications. Thanks!
#SWSale2024
#Smashwords
December 30, 2023
The Man With No Arms and Legs Who Embraced Humanity
“When we pray for a miracle, sometimes, it doesn’t come true. But we can still be a miracle for someone else. If God can use a man without arms and legs to be His hands and feet, then He will certainly use any willing heart.”
Life Without Limbs, Existence Without Limits
Read about the awe-inspiring life story of Nick Vujičić here:
https://www.solacejournal.com/post/th...
Life Without Limbs, Existence Without Limits
Read about the awe-inspiring life story of Nick Vujičić here:
https://www.solacejournal.com/post/th...
Scribbles of an Eternal Expatriate
These are excerpts from blog posts I’ve published in the past. Each blog entry has a link to the entire article.
- Expat Scribe's profile
- 67 followers
