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Vince's Life
From the pages of Seventeen Philippines magazine comes the book that chronicles real college life: making the grade, forming friendships that will last the rest of your lives, charting your future, and falling in love possibly for the first time. For regular guy Vince Teves, every significant experience during the four years that would shape the rest of his life was worth remembering. This is his story.
142 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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493 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 25, 2015
Review posted on my blog,
Audrey's Bookcase
:
Initially, the material from Vince's Life was published as a monthly column in 'Seventeen' magazine in the Philippines. Judging by the title, it's quite obvious that the story is based on the real life of the author, Vince O. Teves. I picked up this book because, as I mentioned in another post, I'm so heavily invested in reading as many novels by Filipino authors as I can from this side of the world. I chose Vince's Life as my first venture into my own little personal reading challenge -- and by the end of it, I knew I made a really good choice.
This was a quick read; the Kindle edition came up to just around 150 pages. And as much as I love eBooks, I just wish I had a physical copy of the book. Pretty sure I've scoured the entire Internet thrice. It wasn't just because it was short that I managed to finish this (and the other two books that make up this trilogy) in one day. It was because I couldn't put it down. It reads like a journal where Vince chronicles his experiences as a teenager transitioning into adulthood. Right by his side are his ever-loyal and ever-entertaining friends to help him navigate and grow as individuals themselves. The core focus of the story, however, is his budding relationship with one of his good friends, Andrea. It's your typical "friends-into-lovers" storyline, but their journey is complicated with different situations that Teves writes with such sensitivity and sincerity. There was no shortage of cheesy lines and clichés -- I watcha lot too, too many Filipino soap operas everyday, I was kind of expecting it -- but despite that, the book was a simple and realistic look at the joys and hurdles of growing up.
Overall, what appealed to me most about this book was that it's categorized as "chick lit" but written from a male's perspective, and he pulls it off so well. Male or female, anyone can relate to his story and will walk away reminiscing about your own experiences. We all face the emotions and realities that line the pages of this book in one way or another, and that's a huge reason why I enjoyed this book as much as I did.
Initially, the material from Vince's Life was published as a monthly column in 'Seventeen' magazine in the Philippines. Judging by the title, it's quite obvious that the story is based on the real life of the author, Vince O. Teves. I picked up this book because, as I mentioned in another post, I'm so heavily invested in reading as many novels by Filipino authors as I can from this side of the world. I chose Vince's Life as my first venture into my own little personal reading challenge -- and by the end of it, I knew I made a really good choice.
This was a quick read; the Kindle edition came up to just around 150 pages. And as much as I love eBooks, I just wish I had a physical copy of the book. Pretty sure I've scoured the entire Internet thrice. It wasn't just because it was short that I managed to finish this (and the other two books that make up this trilogy) in one day. It was because I couldn't put it down. It reads like a journal where Vince chronicles his experiences as a teenager transitioning into adulthood. Right by his side are his ever-loyal and ever-entertaining friends to help him navigate and grow as individuals themselves. The core focus of the story, however, is his budding relationship with one of his good friends, Andrea. It's your typical "friends-into-lovers" storyline, but their journey is complicated with different situations that Teves writes with such sensitivity and sincerity. There was no shortage of cheesy lines and clichés -- I watch
Overall, what appealed to me most about this book was that it's categorized as "chick lit" but written from a male's perspective, and he pulls it off so well. Male or female, anyone can relate to his story and will walk away reminiscing about your own experiences. We all face the emotions and realities that line the pages of this book in one way or another, and that's a huge reason why I enjoyed this book as much as I did.
April 24, 2017
I liked this book for its honesty. I discovered its "episodes" from a local magazine printed monthly, and I just liked it since then. I loved it even more when they compiled the whole thing into a book, because then I'd be able to start where Vince's life really began. With Andrea.
I adored its honesty, how it feels like climbing inside a man's head (a man madly in love, that is). It's a short cliff-hanger, and I have yet to read the second and third installment maybe because I'm already happy with how it ended. Plus, sequels always ruin the original in my opinion.
I adored its honesty, how it feels like climbing inside a man's head (a man madly in love, that is). It's a short cliff-hanger, and I have yet to read the second and third installment maybe because I'm already happy with how it ended. Plus, sequels always ruin the original in my opinion.
August 2, 2012
The truth is i've read this book a million times.
I first read the chapters of the book from Seventeen Magazine then I found out that they turned it into a novel.
this book is great. Everytime i read this book at night. I still got teary eyed on the part where (ok?) he and Andrea will end their relationship. You know the long distance thingy. I don't know who Vince is but i feel that he is true.
An honest and true Story. I admire him for his guts to write his story.
VINCE: I will wait even there is nothing left to wait for.
(cry.cry.cry)
I can't even say anything in this review. Just that i loved it. And im glad i've already bought the sequel. And again it warmed my heart.
I first read the chapters of the book from Seventeen Magazine then I found out that they turned it into a novel.
this book is great. Everytime i read this book at night. I still got teary eyed on the part where (ok?) he and Andrea will end their relationship. You know the long distance thingy. I don't know who Vince is but i feel that he is true.
An honest and true Story. I admire him for his guts to write his story.
VINCE: I will wait even there is nothing left to wait for.
(cry.cry.cry)
I can't even say anything in this review. Just that i loved it. And im glad i've already bought the sequel. And again it warmed my heart.
May 5, 2012
I really really like this book. There is so much good in this short and quick read. I remember reading it when I was in high school and I truly loved it. It made me sad, it made me feel pain of loving someone and wait but in the end, it was just hopeless. I am very desperate to read this again. My copy got lost and I cannot find another copy anymore. I really hope this will be reprinted or be made available somehow. I hope the writer will write more of this.
July 23, 2012
I remember reading this in high school I think, or maybe earlier of my college days. This is totally adored by my best friend and after reading it, so was I. It was a short read and as a girl, I really wanna see from a man's point of view. Short read, but very much interesting and the ending, well, I say many can relate to it. Definitely a bittersweet read!
May 25, 2010
Great book!
July 7, 2010
the very first book that i read....
October 14, 2010
: a very inspiring novel.. reflects the reality of life. . . :)
December 9, 2010
I read this in high school. It sounded like a hip, coming-of-age book. But listening to Vince whine and whine and whine the whole time is just exhausting.
August 18, 2011
Who does like sad endings? Good thing it has a sequel. :)
August 30, 2011
A lot of fun to read! It's quirky, interesting, and almost everyone can relate to the story. :)
August 30, 2011
A fun book which anyone can easily relate to. Facts of life. Love it!
November 7, 2024
Vince’s Life is like reading someone’s private diary—full of honesty, awkwardness, and those little moments that define growing up. Teves captures the excitement and heartbreak of first love in a way that’s nostalgic and utterly relatable. I loved the scene where Vince and his best friend have a heart-to-heart conversation about love and moving on. It’s one of those books that makes you feel seen, especially if you’ve been through the ups and downs of young love.
Want to read
September 14, 2024I have read this book once way back and I loved it. where can i get a copy? i just borrowed from before.
August 22, 2014
Full review posted on my blog, Blackplume
Vince’s Life is classified as a chick lit but surprisingly written by a male author using a point of view of a male character, which I think is one of the selling factor of this book and the other two of Vince’s Life series. From what I gather, Vince’s life is a true story by the author with a pen name of Vince O. Teves. It is originally published as a monthly article in the pages of Seventeen magazine which later on compiled, edited and turned into a book.
In a nutshell, the story tells Vince’s four years life in college where he experience friendships, love and other usual college life experiences. It focus on his relationship with her best friend turned girl friend, Andrea. From his struggle to make the first move, to staying together in-spite of all the difficulties and trying to make their relationship last.
The book is written like a journal entry where Vince chronicles his life. A typical and true story of a real guy who is brave enough to write the four years of his life and share it to every readers of a magazine. Even if he did not use the real names of the characters involved in his story, everything still sounds real and true. Vince’s voice carry a feel of sincerity which makes it easy to care for him. He is a sensitive and honest guy who like everyone else experience the ups and downs of life. I think he is the most sensitive guy I encounter reading that is close to real. His sensitivity is beyond my perspective for a guy, which simply proves that man and women are equal when in love. That they are both capable of doing silly and unpredictable things for the sake of love.
Continue reading here
Vince’s Life is classified as a chick lit but surprisingly written by a male author using a point of view of a male character, which I think is one of the selling factor of this book and the other two of Vince’s Life series. From what I gather, Vince’s life is a true story by the author with a pen name of Vince O. Teves. It is originally published as a monthly article in the pages of Seventeen magazine which later on compiled, edited and turned into a book.
In a nutshell, the story tells Vince’s four years life in college where he experience friendships, love and other usual college life experiences. It focus on his relationship with her best friend turned girl friend, Andrea. From his struggle to make the first move, to staying together in-spite of all the difficulties and trying to make their relationship last.
The book is written like a journal entry where Vince chronicles his life. A typical and true story of a real guy who is brave enough to write the four years of his life and share it to every readers of a magazine. Even if he did not use the real names of the characters involved in his story, everything still sounds real and true. Vince’s voice carry a feel of sincerity which makes it easy to care for him. He is a sensitive and honest guy who like everyone else experience the ups and downs of life. I think he is the most sensitive guy I encounter reading that is close to real. His sensitivity is beyond my perspective for a guy, which simply proves that man and women are equal when in love. That they are both capable of doing silly and unpredictable things for the sake of love.
Continue reading here
August 23, 2017
It’s always fresh to see first love through the eyes of a guy, not just because I’m female, but it is just rare to have our own male writers pour their feelings out in print. Sure, parts of it were predictable but there were several shining moments as well, and I'd love to find out how Vince will get his happy ever after.
I received copies of this trilogy from Summit Books in exchange for an honest review. Read my review of the second book here, and of the third book here.
I received copies of this trilogy from Summit Books in exchange for an honest review. Read my review of the second book here, and of the third book here.
September 7, 2013
I have to admit that the number 1 reason why I bought and got attracted to this book is because of the title and the name of the author. I never though I’d it like this much, it’s just so realistic.. the scenarios, the setting and most of all the feelings. It made me reminisce all the things that happened in the past years. And I can’t believe that I am almost half-way through graduating from college as well. I’ve met a lot of people and became friends with each and every one.
All in all, the book is a mix of emotions and painful truths. Vince’s Life will make you remember and laugh at the things that happened in the past years and how you’ll go through a lot of things.
All in all, the book is a mix of emotions and painful truths. Vince’s Life will make you remember and laugh at the things that happened in the past years and how you’ll go through a lot of things.
February 14, 2013
Being the hopeless romantic that I am, I gave the book three stars because somehow I secretly hope that guys thinks like Vince. But in reality, they don't! And that's what frustrating in this book because it's to good to be true, even though according to the foreword it's based on the main character's life, still I think that his story was twisted into some commercialized shit where in it is designed to get girls all giddy and excited to find someone like Vince. In general, it is a light read and I can somehow relate with Vince's feelings and I felt like I was equally sad at the end.
July 27, 2013
3.5 out of 5 stars, actually. I've read this book when I was in high school (way back early 2000s). The story's good but I was looking for something towards its ending then. Nonetheless this novel is somewhat refreshing because you are going to see first love through a guy's eyes/perspective. Well. it will make you realize that unrequited love freakin sucks. As per its second and third book (apparently it became a series) I haven't read those yet. ;)
October 13, 2013
"It felt good to be leaving something behind instead of being left behind." <--- this line is simple but you can feel every emotions a person having when it was delivered. It is really hard to let go and just moved on. I just hoped that eventually they both end up with a happy life with someone else. Or if fantasies prevail, they can still end up together.
May 6, 2012
I really liked this book. It was so sad and beautiful at the same time, two criteria I always look for a good book. It is short to be read in one sitting but the memory will haunt you forever. Definitely a great read!
November 29, 2012
Ah, I'm so in love with Vince and Andrea's story. It's the perfect story about college, life, love, and all the things we should learn. It's funny, it's real, it's heartbreaking, it's depressing. It's utterly beautiful. I've read it over and over but it still gets to me.
January 13, 2013
I really enjoyed the book. I first read it in high school where it felt so relevant during the time. I just recently reread it and the same heart break resurfaced.
For a Seventeen girl magazine book this literary piece is worth it.
For a Seventeen girl magazine book this literary piece is worth it.
March 27, 2013
This is one of my favorite book way back in College. finished reading the last sequel 2 years ago.
Each one of us can relate to one of the characters. Bitter sweet.. just don't know if I'm the Andrea or the Vince. yay!
Each one of us can relate to one of the characters. Bitter sweet.. just don't know if I'm the Andrea or the Vince. yay!
July 16, 2016
The story is good but it is quite a mainstream. A typical teenage love story which is entertaining somehow. I expected a kind of twist but have found a story which is entirely centered in romance. Still, I'm looking forward to read the continuation of the story.
January 10, 2017
Vince's Life will remind you of a lot of first: first crush, first love, first kiss, first heartbreak, etc. It brought me back to those days of being reckless. I missed my college friends while reading this one.
June 8, 2012
I'm impressed Vince Teves!!! This is the first Filipino-made book that I've read. And I say, it's awesome.
October 14, 2012
He works in an ad agency. He hasn't moved on yet from his past girlfriend. He meets her again. But...
December 4, 2012
This book is something I read over and over and over again. Vince is extremely honest and it just cuts through.
July 17, 2015
Dearest Vince,
Thank you for sharing your life. :)
Thank you for sharing your life. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews