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Lemonade Revealed
FICTION: A boy is swept ashore on a faraway island into the embrace of three powerful men: a priest, a warrior, and a trader. Estranged, and tossing about in the undercurrents of abandonment, abuse, and betrayal, he finds sense in life, still.
NONFICTION: Peppered with dashes of metaphysics, phenomenology, existentialism, and a naturalist and pragmatic approach on the questions of "faith" and "hope," this little yellow book "offers philosophical contemplation on a sunny island" (Indie Reader):
"A relaxing, thoughtful read..." (Kirkus Reviews).
NONFICTION: Peppered with dashes of metaphysics, phenomenology, existentialism, and a naturalist and pragmatic approach on the questions of "faith" and "hope," this little yellow book "offers philosophical contemplation on a sunny island" (Indie Reader):
"A relaxing, thoughtful read..." (Kirkus Reviews).
- GenresLiterary Fiction
256 pages, Leather-finish bound
First published June 21, 2014
3 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Will Chluho
1 book3 followersWill "Chluho" majored in philosophy as an affiliate of Pontifical Urban University, Rome. He wrote "Lemonade Revealed," a novel based on Plato's doctrine of "Ideas." He had served, as a creative director, global brands such as BlackBerry, Mercedes-Benz, and Singapore Airlines. He wrote "SUPERTR1O," a nonfiction title that combines his 20-year branding practice, philosophical studies, and training in human development.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 9, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a copy of Lemonade Revealed via a Goodreads giveaway. All thoughts and opinions on the book are my own.
Lemonade Revealed follows the tales of 5 rather different characters on the Island of Ahio; Father Rene, spiritual, calm and knowledgeable but who needs to take regular breaks from his community for his own sanity; Barnett, a rather crooked trader overtaken by his own greed and exuberance; Ahiga, a fine warrior who lacks trust; Pahi'Umi'Umi, a hermit and outcast viewed as a threat by the rest of the Island and the boy, Iota, who washes up on the shore after a shipwreck with no memory of who he is or where he has come from.
I really wanted to love Chluho's 'little yellow book.' I'm not normally overly bothered by the outward appearance of a book (never judge a book by it's cover and all that..) but Lemonade Revealed left me expectant of something rather grand. It's 'bible like' binding and presentation definitely delivered a few wise words that will stick with me, but I don't think it quite lived up to it's appearance and the claims it made in the non-fiction part of it's blurb. For me, it just fell a little flat.
I think the main issue I had whilst reading Lemonade Revealed was that I just couldn't quite get into the story. Although Iota's amnesia and discovery of himself was interesting there was far too much skiting around characters and timelines for me to be able to properly connect with anyone. I found it very confusing and, at times, really didn't know if I was reading about present day or past events and I think it would really benefit the book if Chluho had been able to make these differences in time much clearer (italics for past events perhaps?)
The novel picked up a bit during the 2nd half of the book when Iota started his quest of discovery and knowledge about himself and his past life and I liked that the ending was left rather open, leaving me able to draw my own ideas of what may have happened to all of the characters and the Island of Ahio.
The storyline is broken up by rather a few philosophical and meaningful speeches by the characters (mainly Father Rene and Pahi). These are done cleverly and fit into the story well but hold enough weight for me, as the reader, to be able to take them out of the context of the book and apply them to myself and my own story. There were quite a few wise words said that still resonate now, even after finishing the book and having started another novel.
I'm a bit sad to give this book just two stars, because there was a good storyline within the pages...it just wasn't brought to life as well as it could have been, for me at least. Unfortunately, it just didn't capture me like it should have.
Lemonade Revealed follows the tales of 5 rather different characters on the Island of Ahio; Father Rene, spiritual, calm and knowledgeable but who needs to take regular breaks from his community for his own sanity; Barnett, a rather crooked trader overtaken by his own greed and exuberance; Ahiga, a fine warrior who lacks trust; Pahi'Umi'Umi, a hermit and outcast viewed as a threat by the rest of the Island and the boy, Iota, who washes up on the shore after a shipwreck with no memory of who he is or where he has come from.
I really wanted to love Chluho's 'little yellow book.' I'm not normally overly bothered by the outward appearance of a book (never judge a book by it's cover and all that..) but Lemonade Revealed left me expectant of something rather grand. It's 'bible like' binding and presentation definitely delivered a few wise words that will stick with me, but I don't think it quite lived up to it's appearance and the claims it made in the non-fiction part of it's blurb. For me, it just fell a little flat.
I think the main issue I had whilst reading Lemonade Revealed was that I just couldn't quite get into the story. Although Iota's amnesia and discovery of himself was interesting there was far too much skiting around characters and timelines for me to be able to properly connect with anyone. I found it very confusing and, at times, really didn't know if I was reading about present day or past events and I think it would really benefit the book if Chluho had been able to make these differences in time much clearer (italics for past events perhaps?)
The novel picked up a bit during the 2nd half of the book when Iota started his quest of discovery and knowledge about himself and his past life and I liked that the ending was left rather open, leaving me able to draw my own ideas of what may have happened to all of the characters and the Island of Ahio.
The storyline is broken up by rather a few philosophical and meaningful speeches by the characters (mainly Father Rene and Pahi). These are done cleverly and fit into the story well but hold enough weight for me, as the reader, to be able to take them out of the context of the book and apply them to myself and my own story. There were quite a few wise words said that still resonate now, even after finishing the book and having started another novel.
I'm a bit sad to give this book just two stars, because there was a good storyline within the pages...it just wasn't brought to life as well as it could have been, for me at least. Unfortunately, it just didn't capture me like it should have.
Read
December 6, 2021This title made me laugh. I couldn't help but think,
What deep dark secrets does lemonade have?
I also thought
is it a creative recipe book on making lemonade different ways?
Apparently, I guessed wrong
but you'll have to read other reviews to figure out what it's really about.
What deep dark secrets does lemonade have?
I also thought
is it a creative recipe book on making lemonade different ways?
Apparently, I guessed wrong
but you'll have to read other reviews to figure out what it's really about.
January 20, 2019
Easy and sensible reading. A simple and deep story full of symbols about how we grow up and connect all the important parts to reach our final goal and find our places in the universe.
October 31, 2020
3.5 stars. A feel-good book that has philosophical elements embedded.
August 8, 2014
Equal parts parable, adventure story, and quasi-theological discussion, Lemonade Revealed is both intriguing and sometimes aggravating.
The underlying mystery of the book, with a narrator that doesn't remember his past and washes up on the shore of an island which itself is going through some heavy political turmoil, is interesting and drives the interest of the book. The characters, on the other hand, somewhat detract from that mystery, in that two of the three heads of the island are rather two-dimensional. This flat characterization leads to some strange problems cropping up in the plot. Why, for instance, do the other two leaders accept the third's treachery, when it is clear from the beginning that they know he is not trustworthy? How is it that Iota alone is able to bring out the good sides of the leaders? It is not as if there are no other children on the island. How can the businessman actually just turn on everyone and then admit it as soon as he is suspected? So, I would not say that I feel like these characters behave like I imagine people really would, however, as archetypes for three central tenets: intellegence, discipline, and love, they play their parts.
I liked the plot of the novel, too, in its way, but it was not difficult to figure out where things were headed fairly early on in the book. In any case, I feel like this would be enjoyed by people in Iota's age range as a coming-of-age story that has a little more of an action element than many.
The underlying mystery of the book, with a narrator that doesn't remember his past and washes up on the shore of an island which itself is going through some heavy political turmoil, is interesting and drives the interest of the book. The characters, on the other hand, somewhat detract from that mystery, in that two of the three heads of the island are rather two-dimensional. This flat characterization leads to some strange problems cropping up in the plot. Why, for instance, do the other two leaders accept the third's treachery, when it is clear from the beginning that they know he is not trustworthy? How is it that Iota alone is able to bring out the good sides of the leaders? It is not as if there are no other children on the island. How can the businessman actually just turn on everyone and then admit it as soon as he is suspected? So, I would not say that I feel like these characters behave like I imagine people really would, however, as archetypes for three central tenets: intellegence, discipline, and love, they play their parts.
I liked the plot of the novel, too, in its way, but it was not difficult to figure out where things were headed fairly early on in the book. In any case, I feel like this would be enjoyed by people in Iota's age range as a coming-of-age story that has a little more of an action element than many.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2020
First off, I just want to say that I read this while cramming for finals so I didn't exactly read the book very in depth. If that makes any sense. I'm saying that little disclaimer because his book is very very philosophical and psychological that if you don't pay attention to what's going, it's really easy to get lost. That happened a couple time for me where I just had no clue what was happening because there are so many pieces of the story that require 100% engagement or you will miss the details. After you really give the story all your attention, it becomes super engaging and you're pulled into this story where a boy tries to find who he is after washing up on a sunny island. Despite the feelings of abandonment, a past of abuse, the lingering traces of betrayal, he manages to go above that and continue living life with a greater sense. Along with the engaging story of how the boy rises up again, the island which he washes upon, Ahio, is currently in a state of political turmoil and before you know it, you're also pulled into the mystery and intrigue that is surrounding the story. Overall, this little book can be aggravating, confusing, and you might feel the urge to just put it down BUT if you push through, the story really pulls you in and before you know it, you want more. I hope this isn't the last we see of Ahio and I really hope I can reread this after finals are done because I know I'm definitely going to find something that I missed the first time. :)
Read my reviews at:
http://extreemeobsessed.blogspot.com/
Read my reviews at:
http://extreemeobsessed.blogspot.com/
June 4, 2014
"Lemonade Revealed" is a complex book. Woven into the boy's story is a nice bit of social commentary, right and wrong, greed vs. sacrifice, and the like.
I spent part of the book wondering what the boy's name was, as he himself did not know. When he gets a crush on the daughter of one of his benefactors, he blurts out what he wants to drink in response to the girl's question of what is his name. "Lemonade," he declares! Hence the title.
As he becomes more accustomed to his new life, he gradually begins to find out about who he was before. He was named after a star, Iota Draconis, and the ship on which he was sailing with his mother (in search of his father) was wrecked.
I was a bit confused because the book started with the boy awakening after the accident, without his memory, and in the presence of three of the king's advisors (business, military and spiritual). Then about 2/3 the way through the book, the same scene takes place again. I was not clear on whether it was Iota's memory of the scene, or another group altogether.
"Lemonade Revealed" is an engaging story (what would you do if you awoke on an island with no memory). Chluho does a wonderful job of making the philosophical discussions part of the story and not something that is thrown in there for political correctness' sake. The Island of Ahio will not give up her secrets without effort on the part of the reader. I personally feel the story, while complete, is not 'over'.
This is a book you can read and re-read, and get something new (detail, insight, etc) each time.
I spent part of the book wondering what the boy's name was, as he himself did not know. When he gets a crush on the daughter of one of his benefactors, he blurts out what he wants to drink in response to the girl's question of what is his name. "Lemonade," he declares! Hence the title.
As he becomes more accustomed to his new life, he gradually begins to find out about who he was before. He was named after a star, Iota Draconis, and the ship on which he was sailing with his mother (in search of his father) was wrecked.
I was a bit confused because the book started with the boy awakening after the accident, without his memory, and in the presence of three of the king's advisors (business, military and spiritual). Then about 2/3 the way through the book, the same scene takes place again. I was not clear on whether it was Iota's memory of the scene, or another group altogether.
"Lemonade Revealed" is an engaging story (what would you do if you awoke on an island with no memory). Chluho does a wonderful job of making the philosophical discussions part of the story and not something that is thrown in there for political correctness' sake. The Island of Ahio will not give up her secrets without effort on the part of the reader. I personally feel the story, while complete, is not 'over'.
This is a book you can read and re-read, and get something new (detail, insight, etc) each time.
May 19, 2014
I’m very happy I had a chance to read this novel – the story and characters were intriguing and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The story centers on a young boy who washes a shore to a strange island has no idea who is he or where he came from; all he remembers is that he had a bag with him and it’s missing. When he arrives at this island, which he later finds out is named Ahio, he is greeted by three extremely different men who help him to find his way and act as father figures to this lost boy. The three men, Barnett, Father Rene, and Ahiga are at the most powerful and influential people on the island with their own set of skills however, they don’t always agree with how Ahio should be run.
Lemonade Revealed takes you on this boy’s journey to uncovering his past before the island, who has just lost all members of the royal family, erupts into chaos. This book started slow but after the first 50 pages, it really picked up and I flew through the pages. The writing in this novel is very profound and deeply philosophical – I would definitely recommend picking up a copy especially if you are looking for something a little bit different from your average read.
The story centers on a young boy who washes a shore to a strange island has no idea who is he or where he came from; all he remembers is that he had a bag with him and it’s missing. When he arrives at this island, which he later finds out is named Ahio, he is greeted by three extremely different men who help him to find his way and act as father figures to this lost boy. The three men, Barnett, Father Rene, and Ahiga are at the most powerful and influential people on the island with their own set of skills however, they don’t always agree with how Ahio should be run.
Lemonade Revealed takes you on this boy’s journey to uncovering his past before the island, who has just lost all members of the royal family, erupts into chaos. This book started slow but after the first 50 pages, it really picked up and I flew through the pages. The writing in this novel is very profound and deeply philosophical – I would definitely recommend picking up a copy especially if you are looking for something a little bit different from your average read.
March 12, 2014
Goodreads Winner
This little yellow book was filled with surprises. The first 40-50 pages were a bit slow admittedly, and it took me a while to understand the pattern that the chapters were written in but after the scene setting, and the character introduction the book really started to hit its stride.
I found the island very easy to imagine, the characters easy to understand and easy to relate to (although I struggled to understand what motivated the priest and the warrior to allow the merchant to carry on the way he did even though the book suggested they had an incline to what he was doing fairly on) but this minor blip didn't distract from the overall feel of the book which was excellent. The introduction of the "razor" added the mystery element the book sorely needed and it worked extremely well, although he appeared sparsely in the book he added gravity, and was probably my favourite character with his sensible philosophy.
Overall, once the book hits it stride, and the mystery begins to sink in, it becomes very hard to put down.
This little yellow book was filled with surprises. The first 40-50 pages were a bit slow admittedly, and it took me a while to understand the pattern that the chapters were written in but after the scene setting, and the character introduction the book really started to hit its stride.
I found the island very easy to imagine, the characters easy to understand and easy to relate to (although I struggled to understand what motivated the priest and the warrior to allow the merchant to carry on the way he did even though the book suggested they had an incline to what he was doing fairly on) but this minor blip didn't distract from the overall feel of the book which was excellent. The introduction of the "razor" added the mystery element the book sorely needed and it worked extremely well, although he appeared sparsely in the book he added gravity, and was probably my favourite character with his sensible philosophy.
Overall, once the book hits it stride, and the mystery begins to sink in, it becomes very hard to put down.
May 19, 2014
My Thoughts About The Book: I love odd books with odd stories and I really wanted to love this book, but to be honest it just left me feeling dry and empty. I found the book extremely confusing with the switches from past to present. I had a most difficult time getting past the first half of the book and getting into the story. By the time the novel picked up in the second half of the book I had already lost interest in the strange little story.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from TLC Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Thanks guys for allowing me this opportunity.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from TLC Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Thanks guys for allowing me this opportunity.
June 28, 2014
I’ve never read a book quite like Lemonade Revealed. It’s about a boy who lands ashore after a ship wreck and has no idea who he is. He’s met by 3 men who try to be a father figure to him, and he ends up thinking one of them might actually be his father.
The book is full of philosophical thoughts and has a bit of a religious tone. The story had an easy flow, but there were a few times I had to concentrate hard or I got lost and had to go back and re-read a few pages.
I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the envelope the book came it. It has a leather like cover that is bright yellow, the title is raised and is a nice fit for holding as it’s small.
This is one of those books that I’ll probably read again. It’s a lot more deep than my usual read and deserves a second, and maybe third, read. I’d also like to make sure I “got” everything the author was trying to convey.
The book is full of philosophical thoughts and has a bit of a religious tone. The story had an easy flow, but there were a few times I had to concentrate hard or I got lost and had to go back and re-read a few pages.
I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the envelope the book came it. It has a leather like cover that is bright yellow, the title is raised and is a nice fit for holding as it’s small.
This is one of those books that I’ll probably read again. It’s a lot more deep than my usual read and deserves a second, and maybe third, read. I’d also like to make sure I “got” everything the author was trying to convey.
March 12, 2014
I would rate Lemonade Revealed a 4 1/2 star. The story is captivating, the characters are well developed and the narrative does not get lost even with the frequent timeline changes. The story is well thought out and uplifting.
The good experience with the book starts with the plastic cover. The aesthetic aspect of it, (including the rounded edges) makes the reader feel special, in the sense that the author really takes pride in his book.)
The idea of a website that provides support for the book is also very interesting and I can't wait until it's up and running (It is being updated according to the landing page.)
I received this book free of charge through a goodreads.com giveaway.
The good experience with the book starts with the plastic cover. The aesthetic aspect of it, (including the rounded edges) makes the reader feel special, in the sense that the author really takes pride in his book.)
The idea of a website that provides support for the book is also very interesting and I can't wait until it's up and running (It is being updated according to the landing page.)
I received this book free of charge through a goodreads.com giveaway.
January 27, 2014
I received my copy of 'Lemonade Revealed' through the Goodread's first read giveaway and it was a sheer pleasure to read.
This is a literary work of art. It is thought provoking and magically well written. It isn't just the wonderful leather finished cover and rounded pages (to prevent dog ears)that make this book special but also the website and Facebook page that go hand in hand with the story providing wonderful pictures and quotes to provide you with the 'Lemonade Revealed experience'!
I would thoroughly recommend this book and, given the time, I would like to read it again myself as I'm sure there are a few lessons in life in there is like to revisit.
This is a literary work of art. It is thought provoking and magically well written. It isn't just the wonderful leather finished cover and rounded pages (to prevent dog ears)that make this book special but also the website and Facebook page that go hand in hand with the story providing wonderful pictures and quotes to provide you with the 'Lemonade Revealed experience'!
I would thoroughly recommend this book and, given the time, I would like to read it again myself as I'm sure there are a few lessons in life in there is like to revisit.
February 16, 2014
This is a fascinating read and deeply philosophical. At times confusing and and straightforward. The tale of the past and once future king was a startling read. The opening was unconventional and while illuminating as a flash of lightning momentarily lights a sky the story in this book confounded me until the end. I could follow the parts of the story as the happened but not until the end did have enough to piece it together. Even so I did not lose interest in the reading so overall a recommended read.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author via goodreads.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author via goodreads.
May 26, 2014
Firstly, the book itself is gorgeous, bright yellow leatherette cover with embossed text, it's a joy to pick up.
The story inside brings more delight, following a boy on his trip to discover who he is and how he came to be. To help him find his way he finds a variety of different father figures to guide him. They lead him to questions he never thought to ask and allow him to see his world through different view points and in turn you as a reader question your way of looking at the world around you. This is a great read and is intriguing and capturing in its own unique way.
The story inside brings more delight, following a boy on his trip to discover who he is and how he came to be. To help him find his way he finds a variety of different father figures to guide him. They lead him to questions he never thought to ask and allow him to see his world through different view points and in turn you as a reader question your way of looking at the world around you. This is a great read and is intriguing and capturing in its own unique way.
February 8, 2014
This was a free First Reads book.
This is a thought provoking tale of a young lad who washes ashore on an island that he doesn't know and meets three leaders who hold his future in their hands. I would say that it is part adventure and part spiritual philosophy. It took me a little while to really get involved in the story, but it went by quickly once I did. I absolutely loved the look and feel of the small edition that I won. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for something unique to spend some time on.
This is a thought provoking tale of a young lad who washes ashore on an island that he doesn't know and meets three leaders who hold his future in their hands. I would say that it is part adventure and part spiritual philosophy. It took me a little while to really get involved in the story, but it went by quickly once I did. I absolutely loved the look and feel of the small edition that I won. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for something unique to spend some time on.
February 3, 2014
Unusual book and interesting storyline. I found it took me a while to get into the book before I started to 'get into it'. I enjoyed the relationship between the main character and his three 'fathers'. However I felt that the author was trying to bring out a series of underlining ideas or messages, that I couldn't quite fathom. A delightful book to hold physically - great shape, colour and with great bookmark wrapped around book.
February 6, 2015
This little book is the type I will think about for years to come. It was very different . . . not at all my usual read. There are many messages to think about and characters to analyze. Looking for a book to ponder on? This just might be the right read for you. I can't really say I loved or disliked this book. I can say it will be with me for a long time and I will probably will give it a reread. Three stars.
April 2, 2014
Once I got the hang of how the story was going to evolve, I enjoyed reading about the boy finding himself on the island and the three fathers. I am not sure I fully understood all the reasoning behind the story though - but, on the surface, it was an enjoyable read. I loved the small yellow leather covered book - brilliant to carry around!
August 26, 2016
**won via Goodreads First Reads Giveaway **
Lemonade Revealed starts slowly with about 50 pages to set up the story. Then it takes on a light of its own. All in all a good book that deserves a re-read and will be looking for Will Chluho's next book!
July 10, 2014
I thought this was a sweet coming-of-age story but I'm sure I've only scratched the surface. I'm betting a reread will reveal more ... lemonade ;) Read my full review on my blog Guiltless Reading.
March 13, 2014
I received this book for free through Goodread First read. I enjoyed this story...starts out slow but picks up and is very entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews