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12 Steps to Quitting AJ
Grace and AJ are like Christmas lights—off and on, again and again. But their last breakup was devastating. It was enough to make Grace want to run him over in her pale pink Beetle. She even composed 12 steps to quitting him, which wasn’t easy because he admittedly was her first love—the boy she lost her heart to when she was still collecting Hello Kitty stationeries; the boy she never stopped loving since. But something happens that changes Grace’s life forever. Now it’s time for her to reevaluate everything she has going for her and make a decision. Is this the end of Grace’s life as she knows it? Or is she finally going to have the happy ending she so desperately needs?
142 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 6, 2010
The story seemed simple at first, and I half-expected it to be another story about a girl who can’t let go of the guy, who’d meet a new guy and she’d realize that she had the best guy all along. It wasn’t that — there wasn’t even another guy. There was a gay friend, another girl, and a whole lot of personal issues with Grace, and even a bit with AJ. It was a bit hard to really get into the story immediately, because the story wasn’t written in a chronological order. The story tends to jump from one time frame to another, but I think it’s quite effective because it gives us a view of how Grace thinks.
Grace definitely had issues, and while I didn’t agree on how she finally got over them (sort of), I thought AJ was a very nice male protagonist. AJ seems like a bad boyfriend at first, but he redeemed himself at the end very well, and he may just be the right person to offset Grace’s neurotic tendencies.
Overall, it’s a nice novel, one you’d like to lose yourself in for a couple of hours. 12 Steps to Quitting AJ reminded me that love isn’t really a step-by-step formula, it requires a lot of honesty for a relationship to work and loving someone is ultimately a decision to stick with them through thick and thin.
Grace definitely had issues, and while I didn’t agree on how she finally got over them (sort of), I thought AJ was a very nice male protagonist. AJ seems like a bad boyfriend at first, but he redeemed himself at the end very well, and he may just be the right person to offset Grace’s neurotic tendencies.
Overall, it’s a nice novel, one you’d like to lose yourself in for a couple of hours. 12 Steps to Quitting AJ reminded me that love isn’t really a step-by-step formula, it requires a lot of honesty for a relationship to work and loving someone is ultimately a decision to stick with them through thick and thin.
October 16, 2011
I bought “12 steps to quitting AJ” yesterday from Fully Booked. It was slashed half-price, obviously as a way to get rid of the back catalogue. As the book was a slim, I decidedly finished it for a day, after getting wasted with some of my male friends.
Ilogon’s language is clever and sharp but the story delves much into popular culture (and familiarity of it) and mostly back histories. That I believe was one of the weaknesses in the tale. If you write and put mostly analogies to pop culture and stuff, chances are, the readers are presented with a swamped out, watered down narrative; it's a means to achieve or showcase better or finer writing, which doesn't work for me. Story and plot wise, there’s not much depth, only fine writing. One could quickly finish it without hitches in 3 hours and most chapters showcase lists, more specific about relationships and the aspects thereof. Still, I lament at the thinness of the plot; I’m afraid I’d rather toss it off without much remembering its characters.
The novel starts off with a simple Jack and Jill analogy Grace told AJ as the latter struggles to manoeuvre her pink Beetle on a steep hill climb in Tagaytay, which culminated in a big rift. Cue in the friends Martin, Elise, the perceived “bitch” Veronica, and a whole lot more of characters to throw in and we have plenty of back stories to wade into. Plus the fact that there are some shockers along the way.
I’d recommend “12 Steps To Quitting AJ” if you want a quick, inspirational, and funny (or maybe not) novel to occupy you in a busy trip. Otherwise, it’s better to pick up plot-driven stories such as My Imaginary Ex (which was on sale as well, while supplies last.)
Ilogon’s language is clever and sharp but the story delves much into popular culture (and familiarity of it) and mostly back histories. That I believe was one of the weaknesses in the tale. If you write and put mostly analogies to pop culture and stuff, chances are, the readers are presented with a swamped out, watered down narrative; it's a means to achieve or showcase better or finer writing, which doesn't work for me. Story and plot wise, there’s not much depth, only fine writing. One could quickly finish it without hitches in 3 hours and most chapters showcase lists, more specific about relationships and the aspects thereof. Still, I lament at the thinness of the plot; I’m afraid I’d rather toss it off without much remembering its characters.
The novel starts off with a simple Jack and Jill analogy Grace told AJ as the latter struggles to manoeuvre her pink Beetle on a steep hill climb in Tagaytay, which culminated in a big rift. Cue in the friends Martin, Elise, the perceived “bitch” Veronica, and a whole lot more of characters to throw in and we have plenty of back stories to wade into. Plus the fact that there are some shockers along the way.
I’d recommend “12 Steps To Quitting AJ” if you want a quick, inspirational, and funny (or maybe not) novel to occupy you in a busy trip. Otherwise, it’s better to pick up plot-driven stories such as My Imaginary Ex (which was on sale as well, while supplies last.)
December 9, 2011
Well.. I've read this book since 11 months ago, oh I've forgot but anyway I like this book, it's a good story anyway :D
April 30, 2020
The title failed the story. Sure, there was a list to ditch AJ, but what was the point?
Even though the title said 12 Steps to Quitting AJ, the story did not tell 'how to' quit the guy. Let's face it, the guy's almost perfect. The only problem with this was that Grace wasn't ready to get settled. I understood her in that part but the title just really frustrated me.
The story tackled more about how they fell in love, how they broke up, and how they made up.
Even though the title said 12 Steps to Quitting AJ, the story did not tell 'how to' quit the guy. Let's face it, the guy's almost perfect. The only problem with this was that Grace wasn't ready to get settled. I understood her in that part but the title just really frustrated me.
The story tackled more about how they fell in love, how they broke up, and how they made up.
April 27, 2018
Humorous. A witty and candid short read that wouldn't fail to amuse.
I read this book (seven years ago) without much expectation but was pleasantly surprised. I would definitely recommend this to young adults who want to start reading Filipino authors. There will definitely be something you could relate to in Grace's story. 🙂
I read this book (seven years ago) without much expectation but was pleasantly surprised. I would definitely recommend this to young adults who want to start reading Filipino authors. There will definitely be something you could relate to in Grace's story. 🙂
January 3, 2019
I really loved everything about this, except for (spoiler alert!) the whole “baby” thing. If it was written today, I don’t think it would work in the “Me Too” era. And...it’s a baby he made her have! I mean come on.
Getting past that...I actually really enjoyed the story. Really nice to finally read this, after so many years!
Getting past that...I actually really enjoyed the story. Really nice to finally read this, after so many years!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2020
One of my books that's read on repeat along with a couple other ones, story is light and easy to read with a couple of lines that will make you laugh cause us girls have our baliw days so it's pretty relatable 😉
November 30, 2010
Am I going to be a candidate as the most cold-hearted person if I tell you guys that I didn't laugh when I was reading this? Well, keep your answers to yourselves because somehow it made me laugh. Or maybe smile?
This is Faye Ilogon's first story--of all of her books (if there is any aside from it) that she's ever written--which I was able to read. 12 Steps to Quitting AJ's main character, Grace, totally have a lot of issues and I'm pretty sure that in some part of the book, she admitted it herself. She's such a complex character that's really hard to understand at times. Actually, a lot of times, I never really get her. And her supposedly leading man, AJ, seems to be a lot, and a much better character than she is.
I think that the message of the story that it wants to share to us is that even though it may seem to many people that guys make the mistakes most of the time, girls are not really that innocent, too. Or that they are actually the ones who make the mistakes and not the guys. Also, I think the author wants us to know that not every love story is a fairy tale; that mostly, there's no easy road to take to make a relationship work better; that love is about taking one step at a time, and the two of them must always bear in mind the consequences of every steps that they make.
It's a good read but far from those stories that I've read to which I gave a five-star-rating.
This is Faye Ilogon's first story--of all of her books (if there is any aside from it) that she's ever written--which I was able to read. 12 Steps to Quitting AJ's main character, Grace, totally have a lot of issues and I'm pretty sure that in some part of the book, she admitted it herself. She's such a complex character that's really hard to understand at times. Actually, a lot of times, I never really get her. And her supposedly leading man, AJ, seems to be a lot, and a much better character than she is.
I think that the message of the story that it wants to share to us is that even though it may seem to many people that guys make the mistakes most of the time, girls are not really that innocent, too. Or that they are actually the ones who make the mistakes and not the guys. Also, I think the author wants us to know that not every love story is a fairy tale; that mostly, there's no easy road to take to make a relationship work better; that love is about taking one step at a time, and the two of them must always bear in mind the consequences of every steps that they make.
It's a good read but far from those stories that I've read to which I gave a five-star-rating.
April 17, 2015
Its more of a typical teen love story, mostly couples would relate to this book. After reading this, i have finally became open to local literature. i praise the author, Faye Ilogon for the charm, wit, informative contexts, and the "kiligness" as i read the whole story (i've read this already twice), from the timeline love story of the main characters, Top 3 Break Up Songs, Car Tiff Tips, cute Cebuano words, informative Betty-Veronica type of Girls, Time Flies Syndrome, humorous Pinay Flirtation Negotiables, Universal Classifications of Exes, Love Letter Guidelines and especially that last part, the ending that never fails to make me "kilig". I simply loved the whole context of this book, i'm usually into foreign-author-reading-kind, not from where i'm around, which is Filipino Local Literature. When a dear friend of mine gave me this book as a valentines gift because of the state-of-emotional being i'm in. Saying that this is the kind of book i would relate myself to. I was like, "this is local literature, i don't usually read this kind of stuff". But then again, i didn't want to let my friend down by being a racist into not reading this just because it's local literature. I thought at first i would really relate to it (as so what my friend says),so if you're the kind of person who dissess Filipino local literature, i recommend this book. it will change your mind (i hope) as it did on mine. :)
October 25, 2012
I bought this yesterday at National Bookstore, being sold half its original prize...and I'm in one of those moments when I buy books (and other stuff) impulsively and regret it after, you know?
So. I'm being kinda generous as of the moment, so I'll rate it with a 2.5 stars because there are parts in the story that made me laugh, and I have to admit that I can really count with my two hands the pinoy chick-lit books that I have read, so, even the story line is sort of clichéd, I have appreciated how it was uniquely presented. Supposedly, I'm planning on rating it with a three stars, 'till I'm reading the last two pages of the book. so, yep, that's my reason why. But, the secondary characters are funny, I wished there's more of Martin moments in the book. Or, better yet, a book for him. I will gladly read it.
So. I'm being kinda generous as of the moment, so I'll rate it with a 2.5 stars because there are parts in the story that made me laugh, and I have to admit that I can really count with my two hands the pinoy chick-lit books that I have read, so, even the story line is sort of clichéd, I have appreciated how it was uniquely presented. Supposedly, I'm planning on rating it with a three stars, 'till I'm reading the last two pages of the book. so, yep, that's my reason why. But, the secondary characters are funny, I wished there's more of Martin moments in the book. Or, better yet, a book for him. I will gladly read it.
May 24, 2012
Storywise, a typical fell-in-love-with-my-childhood-friend thing. With the addition of witty lists and charming characters however, the author created a charming story of a love-hate relationship which will make you wonder if the book title would be an accurate gauge in predicting the ending, or that the 12-step list will eventually be trashed and pave a way to a happy ending.
As for the author, she clearly has a know how of words - even a relationship with a thesaurus is possible for her. Witty lines, funny-but-true lists, and entertaining personalities (makes me want to have a 'Martin' friend too!). A light but worthy read.
As for the author, she clearly has a know how of words - even a relationship with a thesaurus is possible for her. Witty lines, funny-but-true lists, and entertaining personalities (makes me want to have a 'Martin' friend too!). A light but worthy read.
November 27, 2010
When I first saw this book from an issue of Cosmopolitan Philippines, I loved the cover and the title made me curious to read the book.
Fay Ilogon's writing was good and showed fine detail, enough for me to clearly picture out the situations that occured in the book but the story was somehow too simple. It was a good read but it didn't particularly land on my top favorites.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog:
The Blair Book Project @ www.theblairbookproject.blogspot.com
Fay Ilogon's writing was good and showed fine detail, enough for me to clearly picture out the situations that occured in the book but the story was somehow too simple. It was a good read but it didn't particularly land on my top favorites.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog:
The Blair Book Project @ www.theblairbookproject.blogspot.com
January 11, 2014
Well, I found out about this book when It was recommended on one of the back issues of FHM, so I got curious about the book then luckily my sister owns this book so I get it from her room. After reading the whole book I was bit disappointed because the whole story didn't justify the title it was just, flashbacks and histories, so in my opinion the title of the book should be different but anyway it was good after all.
June 6, 2015
This book somehow made me laugh. Especially the Jack and Jill scene. LOL.
I think the message of this book is to share to us that not all the times the guys are the ones who commit mistakes in a relationship. That sometimes it’s the girls. Also, the author wants us to know that every love story is not a fairy tale and there’s no easy way to make a relationship better. Love is about making a step at a time and that we should be aware about the consequences of every step that we make.
I think the message of this book is to share to us that not all the times the guys are the ones who commit mistakes in a relationship. That sometimes it’s the girls. Also, the author wants us to know that every love story is not a fairy tale and there’s no easy way to make a relationship better. Love is about making a step at a time and that we should be aware about the consequences of every step that we make.
July 4, 2010
A chick lit for Pinays that is light, funny and touching in the right places. It tells us that the men we love are not perfect but despite their shortcomings, despite misunderstandings, despite the skeletons in our closet and the ghosts in our past they are the ones we want to spend the rest of our lives with.
May 30, 2012
i like Aj's letter to Grace (at the last pages of the book) where he declares that nobody can love grace like he does,and there's also a part there where he said "I imagine you old,fat and toothless and i still find myself smiling and getting dirty thoughts". it actually moved me, i feel like if ever someone would write me a letter i want it as good as Aj's letter.
November 4, 2014
Thinking about it, I still don't know why I gave this book a 4 star when after maybe a year, I already can't remember the name of the female protagonist. The only think stuck on my mind right now is... Tagaytay, Pink MMDA fences, Mcdo Katipunan, University of San Carlos and the phrase.. "Love is like a bubblegum."
I should really read it again.
I should really read it again.
June 30, 2013
The novel narrates the love story of AJ and Grace, from their childhood days in UP Teacher's Village all the way to the present day where most of the events of this story take place. The story is also rich on flashbacks which gave readers the idea on everything revolving between AJ and Grace. A really good novel for someone who is a first-timer in the arena of novel writing.
February 14, 2013
Okay, I give this title 4stars just for the moments I've laughed myself stupid at a cafe while reading it. I really enjoyed the crazy anecdotes of the main character. And I loved that there were no wicked characters at all, just a bunch of cool, if not funny, people.
April 15, 2015
I like three things about this book. One, the author's name is Faye, and my name is Fay (I'm just a little biased, haha!). Two, I like the tips there, especially the "text tricks." And three, this book proved that when two people are meant to be together, love will always find a way.
May 2, 2015
Well... I didn't like it. The title is intriguing and also the cover. I started reading but I barely even finish it because
1) I don't like how it is written
2) So not my book type
3) I don't understand (like really)
I started all over again but in the end I cannot finish it.
1) I don't like how it is written
2) So not my book type
3) I don't understand (like really)
I started all over again but in the end I cannot finish it.
January 15, 2020
Refreshing read! Liked how the author chose to write the story in magazine form.
June 7, 2012
i thoroughly enjoyed it which surprised me. why? well, i didn't imagine that i would be laughing throughout the story. it was entertaining without being cheesy, much.
June 25, 2013
I gave it 5 star because i relate at the story... And i think I'm kinda Grace..hahahaha War Freak!! Especially to my boyfriend.. :))
December 2, 2013
gives me a right serene and nostalgia. I lije the 2 couple and their UP Teachers Village moments.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews