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Chic Manila #6
Welcome to Envy Park
Moira Vasquez is a doer. A planner. A get-up-and-goer. At twenty-two, she left her hometown to work in Singapore, to satisfy a need to travel as well as give her savings account a boost. Five years later and she's back in Manila, with a shiny new apartment to her name, but no job, no career, no boyfriend. She meets Ethan Lorenzo, the quiet hunk of an IT consultant on the ninth floor of her condo building, and he's a welcome distraction during this period of having absolutely nothing going on in her life.
But she has a plan - of course she does - and this is just a short layover on the way to the next country, the next job, the next big thing. Or will she be missing out on something great that's already there?
But she has a plan - of course she does - and this is just a short layover on the way to the next country, the next job, the next big thing. Or will she be missing out on something great that's already there?
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2013
4 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Mina V. Esguerra
47 books595 followersMina V. Esguerra writes contemporary romance and young adult novellas. She has a bachelor's degree in Communication and a master's degree in Development Communication, put to good use in her work as trainer and content management consultant. Mina lives in Metro Manila, Philippines, with her husband and daughter.
She finds inspiration in the lives and experiences of other people, so the answer to "Is this story based on you?" is always, always "No."
She finds inspiration in the lives and experiences of other people, so the answer to "Is this story based on you?" is always, always "No."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 10, 2016
A story about quarter-life-crisis ha! Everyone of us one way or another has dealt with this so called crisis. And i bet you all of us has a moira inside of us. Welcome to Envy Park was my first Mina Esguerra read and honestly i enjoyed it, i love it. Story was good i love the complexity of the story to its characters. Really i envied most of the characters but we all know they each have their own monsters to deal in life. Moira, moira, moira oh goodness you are so lucky living the life you have always planned for yourself but why do you always wanted to leave? But in the end you finally found what you really wanna do with your life, staying for once. And then there's this beautiful guy Ethan Aha! I adore him, i love him. He's beautiful and i am so glad he has decide what's best for him and not doing what others tell him to do. Always a Leaf in the wind.
I'm looking forward to read Mina Esguerra's other books. I enjoyed every minute of Moira and Ethan's story. This coming of age book was definitely worth 4 stars in here.
I'm looking forward to read Mina Esguerra's other books. I enjoyed every minute of Moira and Ethan's story. This coming of age book was definitely worth 4 stars in here.
Read
April 1, 2018There's probably a lit crit word for "novel that sums up how people feel at a particular stage of life" and it's probably German. Assume I know it and used it. This romance is one of them, anyway, about twentysomethings moving through the stages of bafflement with life, realising there is no "meant to do", comparing their lives to those of others, struggling with changing plans and desires, or even with *having* wants rather than drifting or refusing. Vivid reminder of my own 20s. *clings to being 40s*
Moira, as always with this author, is unapologetically flawed which is to say human. Her narrative is incredibly real, not all her problems get solved, but her progress is engaging (and explicitly not dependent on the guy). And it's lovely to have a hero who is basically quite passive and not an active throwing-his-weight-around type, and that's *fine*, it's how he is, and his taking charge of his own life is a matter of fine tuning his needs, not becoming an alpha male.
Another cracker in the Chic Manila series and I only have one left now, argh.
Moira, as always with this author, is unapologetically flawed which is to say human. Her narrative is incredibly real, not all her problems get solved, but her progress is engaging (and explicitly not dependent on the guy). And it's lovely to have a hero who is basically quite passive and not an active throwing-his-weight-around type, and that's *fine*, it's how he is, and his taking charge of his own life is a matter of fine tuning his needs, not becoming an alpha male.
Another cracker in the Chic Manila series and I only have one left now, argh.
August 27, 2017
HAPPINESS QUADRANT!
First, read this book in physical form (trade paperback) published here in the Philippines locally. This month (August 2017) I finished rereading it in e-book (epub) format. I like it alot because of the novelty of using these quadrants which illustrates how the main character rates the quality of lives of anyone. Very nice!
It is a New Adult/romance but i will still recommend it with the main character and her quirk. I still enjoyed it alot in e-book format but i wish it was published in epub 3 format to preserve the original quality of the physical book.
Now, you may asked where is my original physical copy and why buy the e-book? Well, I lent the paperback to my co-worker who, i thought, will benefit from reading it; now, i bought the e-book because i like it alot and purchased it as my first e-book purchase on my Kobo Aura H20 edition 1 (my e-reader). I put this review as i put the same review on my Kobo (Happiness Quadrant!). But modified and longer here at Goodreads.
First, read this book in physical form (trade paperback) published here in the Philippines locally. This month (August 2017) I finished rereading it in e-book (epub) format. I like it alot because of the novelty of using these quadrants which illustrates how the main character rates the quality of lives of anyone. Very nice!
It is a New Adult/romance but i will still recommend it with the main character and her quirk. I still enjoyed it alot in e-book format but i wish it was published in epub 3 format to preserve the original quality of the physical book.
Now, you may asked where is my original physical copy and why buy the e-book? Well, I lent the paperback to my co-worker who, i thought, will benefit from reading it; now, i bought the e-book because i like it alot and purchased it as my first e-book purchase on my Kobo Aura H20 edition 1 (my e-reader). I put this review as i put the same review on my Kobo (Happiness Quadrant!). But modified and longer here at Goodreads.
January 23, 2014
Sweet! I can really get into this story. It's a light-hearted coming of age story about a young woman at the cross roads of her life. She's made a plan, but doesn't remember why she has to carry it out. Temporarily unemployed, she meets a hunky stranger at her apartment complex who is also sort of transient. He's neither coming nor going and is sort of a passive guy who lets things happen to him.
Moira soon realizes that she too, is letting things happen to her by her short timer mentality. After the initial attraction, the two kind of drift apart, and I was feeling that their time apart was too long. Those parts dragged for me, but near the end, Moira makes a move and sparks ignite and the story comes to a pleasing conclusion with all wrongs righted and the families happy ever after.
I'm kind of hooked on light, easy to read novellas, with easy to like heroines and hot, sweet heroes. This book hits the mark and gives me a fun story without major angst.
Moira soon realizes that she too, is letting things happen to her by her short timer mentality. After the initial attraction, the two kind of drift apart, and I was feeling that their time apart was too long. Those parts dragged for me, but near the end, Moira makes a move and sparks ignite and the story comes to a pleasing conclusion with all wrongs righted and the families happy ever after.
I'm kind of hooked on light, easy to read novellas, with easy to like heroines and hot, sweet heroes. This book hits the mark and gives me a fun story without major angst.
November 4, 2014
Oh boy, I think I just read my favorite Mina Esguerra book.
This is the perfect quarter life crisis novella. Fit for all those people trying to evade it like meee.
However, I know now why it's entitled Envy Park. You just can't help but be a green eyed monster after reading about Moira's life. Hot boys, a true friend, cool acquaintances, posh apartment, flowing opportunities and various employment offers in a country with the highest jobless rate in SE Asia!
This is the perfect quarter life crisis novella. Fit for all those people trying to evade it like meee.
However, I know now why it's entitled Envy Park. You just can't help but be a green eyed monster after reading about Moira's life. Hot boys, a true friend, cool acquaintances, posh apartment, flowing opportunities and various employment offers in a country with the highest jobless rate in SE Asia!
April 23, 2019
3.5 stars, rounding down
I’ll pretty much always love anything Mina writes, so think of my rating as a sliding scale based on her other books. This is one of the last remaining Chic Manila books I hadn’t read yet, and this is such a strong series. I feel like I didn’t quite connect with these characters as much. I liked that Moira had lived in Singapore and had this life plan sort of mapped out but still left a lot of things up in the air. And I liked that Ethan was her opposite. I think I wanted a bit more of the romance here. Overall, while not the best in the series, this was still a great book and I’m a huge fan.
I’ll pretty much always love anything Mina writes, so think of my rating as a sliding scale based on her other books. This is one of the last remaining Chic Manila books I hadn’t read yet, and this is such a strong series. I feel like I didn’t quite connect with these characters as much. I liked that Moira had lived in Singapore and had this life plan sort of mapped out but still left a lot of things up in the air. And I liked that Ethan was her opposite. I think I wanted a bit more of the romance here. Overall, while not the best in the series, this was still a great book and I’m a huge fan.
January 13, 2014
Ever since I reached my mid-20's, or at least, ever since I started experiencing the so-called "quarter-life crisis", I started categorizing some of the books I read into a "QLC" category. This list includes Astigirl by Tweet Sering, and Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist, both of which are non-fiction. After reading Mina V. Esguerra's
Welcome to Envy Park,
I finally had a fiction book in that QLC books list.
Moira Vasquez is on a break, and she's taking this break in her brand new condo in NV Park after five years of working and saving in Singapore. And this break it meant: no job, no boyfriend, but with some plans on where she's jetting off next. She has no plans of staying too long, really, even if Ethan, the cute guy who lives in the same building is proving to be a really good distraction. Moira is convinced that she's home for a quick stopover, but what if what she needs is already right in front of her?
Welcome to Envy Park didn't feel like the usual contemporary romance that I've known Mina for. Somehow, this book feels a little bit more mature and perhaps it's because the romance felt like a side story to what Moira was going through. I admit that I'm not a Moira. I'm not the type of person who'd shake things up just because (until lately, anyway). I tend to become comfortable, and just settle there until the restlessness finally hits me and I drag myself up. I never thought of working abroad, and until now I still don't think about it, but I do admire Moira for her guts to do it, and to keep on doing it. It takes a certain kind of personality, I guess, to be willing to uproot yourself every time.
But you can't always uproot yourself, right? At some point in your life, you have to start thinking of settling down (I got that feeling when I turned 27. Then things happened, and now I felt the need to uproot myself again, heh), and this is basically Moira's story. I liked how Moira was exposed to so many people in the book and how she observed them, and how she compared her life to them with her lists. Her voice is fun and fresh and her struggles with her thoughts, her career, her family and her love life felt true, like it's something someone her age experiences.
The story flowed easily, although it may not be as gripping as other romance novellas are -- perhaps it's because again, it really didn't feel like one for me. I thought it was more about self-discovery, and yeah, a certain kind of coming of age, and romance just happened to come with it all. And isn't that how it really often happens in real life?
Welcome to Envy Park is a book about choices, how it makes us, how it affects the people around us, and the things that come with it. It's a bit different from Mina's other books, but it's a good one. Definitely for people my age who are thinking of making major decisions in life (don't worry, you're not alone!). :)
--
* Also posted at I Like it Dog-Eared
Moira Vasquez is on a break, and she's taking this break in her brand new condo in NV Park after five years of working and saving in Singapore. And this break it meant: no job, no boyfriend, but with some plans on where she's jetting off next. She has no plans of staying too long, really, even if Ethan, the cute guy who lives in the same building is proving to be a really good distraction. Moira is convinced that she's home for a quick stopover, but what if what she needs is already right in front of her?
Welcome to Envy Park didn't feel like the usual contemporary romance that I've known Mina for. Somehow, this book feels a little bit more mature and perhaps it's because the romance felt like a side story to what Moira was going through. I admit that I'm not a Moira. I'm not the type of person who'd shake things up just because (until lately, anyway). I tend to become comfortable, and just settle there until the restlessness finally hits me and I drag myself up. I never thought of working abroad, and until now I still don't think about it, but I do admire Moira for her guts to do it, and to keep on doing it. It takes a certain kind of personality, I guess, to be willing to uproot yourself every time.
But you can't always uproot yourself, right? At some point in your life, you have to start thinking of settling down (I got that feeling when I turned 27. Then things happened, and now I felt the need to uproot myself again, heh), and this is basically Moira's story. I liked how Moira was exposed to so many people in the book and how she observed them, and how she compared her life to them with her lists. Her voice is fun and fresh and her struggles with her thoughts, her career, her family and her love life felt true, like it's something someone her age experiences.
The story flowed easily, although it may not be as gripping as other romance novellas are -- perhaps it's because again, it really didn't feel like one for me. I thought it was more about self-discovery, and yeah, a certain kind of coming of age, and romance just happened to come with it all. And isn't that how it really often happens in real life?
Welcome to Envy Park is a book about choices, how it makes us, how it affects the people around us, and the things that come with it. It's a bit different from Mina's other books, but it's a good one. Definitely for people my age who are thinking of making major decisions in life (don't worry, you're not alone!). :)
--
* Also posted at I Like it Dog-Eared
July 2, 2017
Já fazia mais de um mês que não lia nada de Chic Manila E JÁ ESTAVA DESESPERADA DE SAUDADES! Então, voltei pra essa série maravilhosa (um pouco triste porque agora só faltam 3 livros pra eu acabar aaaaaa).
MAS ENTÃO, COMO EU AMO ESSA AUTORA, SABE!!! Vou dizer que esse livro eu nem amei tanto (mas eu duvido muito que vou amar algum outro como amei Better At Weddings ou Iris), mas é praticamente impossível não gostar muito de tudo que a Mina escreve. Eu adoro o que ela faz com as personagens e como ela trabalha bem várias histórias e aaaaa, amo.
Na real, Welcome to Envy Park tá mais pra 3,5 estrelas. Ou 3,75. Sei lá.
Eu gostei muuuuito da Moira (que eu já tinha encontrado em outras novellas e já gostava muito confesso), mas até aí nenhuma novidade, porque não tem nenhuma protagonista da Mina que eu não adorei. A Moira é essa pessoa livre que acabou de voltar pra Manila e já tá pensando em sair do país de novo pra trabalhar com sabe deus lá o quê. É bem fácil se relacionar com a protagonista, essa mulher de vinte e sete anos que tá desempregada, acorda dez da manhã todo dia e faz listas sobre a vida dos outros porque a Moira é meio intrometida mesmo (isso eu já tinha percebido em What You Wanted, amei muito, sou a própria Moira perguntando pra Andrea sobre a vida amorosa dela).
Também é muito bacana de ver a amizade dela com o Ethan se desenrolar. Tem uns capítulos sem intervenção nenhuma da narradora, só os diálogos dos dois e é fácil ver como os dois vão se tornando amigáveis e vão se conhecendo aos poucos. Eu gostei muito do casal, mas ainda senti que poderia ter gostado mais se tivesse tido mais cenas deles juntos . E o final pareceu um pouco rápido demais (e um tantinho dramático, rs), mas podia ser pior .
Apesar disso, eu ainda consegui gostar muito da leitura (e, mais uma vez, quase virei a noite lendo). Gostei muito do desenvolvimento da Moira e como ela foi fazendo amigos no condomínio (inclusive, eu adoro como nesse livro a gente conhece mais e mais desse lugar maravilho que, confesso, queria morar). O desenvolvimento da Moira é a+ e por esse motivo não tinha como dar uma nota baixa pra essa novela.
MAS ENTÃO, COMO EU AMO ESSA AUTORA, SABE!!! Vou dizer que esse livro eu nem amei tanto (mas eu duvido muito que vou amar algum outro como amei Better At Weddings ou Iris), mas é praticamente impossível não gostar muito de tudo que a Mina escreve. Eu adoro o que ela faz com as personagens e como ela trabalha bem várias histórias e aaaaa, amo.
Na real, Welcome to Envy Park tá mais pra 3,5 estrelas. Ou 3,75. Sei lá.
Eu gostei muuuuito da Moira (que eu já tinha encontrado em outras novellas e já gostava muito confesso), mas até aí nenhuma novidade, porque não tem nenhuma protagonista da Mina que eu não adorei. A Moira é essa pessoa livre que acabou de voltar pra Manila e já tá pensando em sair do país de novo pra trabalhar com sabe deus lá o quê. É bem fácil se relacionar com a protagonista, essa mulher de vinte e sete anos que tá desempregada, acorda dez da manhã todo dia e faz listas sobre a vida dos outros porque a Moira é meio intrometida mesmo (isso eu já tinha percebido em What You Wanted, amei muito, sou a própria Moira perguntando pra Andrea sobre a vida amorosa dela).
Também é muito bacana de ver a amizade dela com o Ethan se desenrolar. Tem uns capítulos sem intervenção nenhuma da narradora, só os diálogos dos dois e é fácil ver como os dois vão se tornando amigáveis e vão se conhecendo aos poucos. Eu gostei muito do casal, mas ainda senti que poderia ter gostado mais se tivesse tido mais cenas deles juntos . E o final pareceu um pouco rápido demais (e um tantinho dramático, rs), mas podia ser pior .
Apesar disso, eu ainda consegui gostar muito da leitura (e, mais uma vez, quase virei a noite lendo). Gostei muito do desenvolvimento da Moira e como ela foi fazendo amigos no condomínio (inclusive, eu adoro como nesse livro a gente conhece mais e mais desse lugar maravilho que, confesso, queria morar). O desenvolvimento da Moira é a+ e por esse motivo não tinha como dar uma nota baixa pra essa novela.
January 2, 2015
Also posted in It's A Wonderful Bookworld.
This is my most favorite Mina Esguerra book to date. I loved how Moira was able to finally make wise choices and to set her priorities right. Moira and I aren’t exactly alike but I can relate with how she wanted to plan out her life — and to consistently work towards achieving her goal. I was that, once, when I was younger, but as I’ve grown older, I realized that life cannot be put inside a box and that changes will always come and shake us. This where I’ve learned to be flexible and unresistant to change, and as long as I keep my values and am aware of what really matters most in life (i.e. relationships, people), then I must learn to embrace change. And I’m glad that Moira was able to realize this.
Plus factor: Ethan, the love interest, is an IT guy and of course, I have to squee. :P
Favorite quote:
This is my most favorite Mina Esguerra book to date. I loved how Moira was able to finally make wise choices and to set her priorities right. Moira and I aren’t exactly alike but I can relate with how she wanted to plan out her life — and to consistently work towards achieving her goal. I was that, once, when I was younger, but as I’ve grown older, I realized that life cannot be put inside a box and that changes will always come and shake us. This where I’ve learned to be flexible and unresistant to change, and as long as I keep my values and am aware of what really matters most in life (i.e. relationships, people), then I must learn to embrace change. And I’m glad that Moira was able to realize this.
Plus factor: Ethan, the love interest, is an IT guy and of course, I have to squee. :P
Favorite quote:
“But you know, things happen. People change. You shouldn’t force yourself to stick to something if your circumstances change, and maybe you need someone else to remind you of it.”
September 11, 2016
I'm like Moira in a lot of ways; it's creepy. It's like seeing myself in a fictional character's point of view.
And then there's Ethan. I like him.
He was a leaf in the wind. Then he became a tree. He learned to decide on his own, and not let people interfere with his decisions.
I've never highlighted any of my books before but reading this made me want to highlight the entire book.
It was as if I was reading my own diary.
It's funny how Moi and I have the same thoughts and actions.
Amazing story.
It's full of humor and wit.
The plot twist? I didn't expect it.
Brilliant.
And then there's Ethan. I like him.
He was a leaf in the wind. Then he became a tree. He learned to decide on his own, and not let people interfere with his decisions.
I've never highlighted any of my books before but reading this made me want to highlight the entire book.
It was as if I was reading my own diary.
It's funny how Moi and I have the same thoughts and actions.
Amazing story.
It's full of humor and wit.
The plot twist? I didn't expect it.
Brilliant.
January 4, 2014
The "finding yourself" theme of this story resounded a lot more to me than its romance aspect. As a fan of the author's work, I've always liked her character development and the way the narrative flowed so easily. I liked this story more for the insights on making decisions and finding one's place especially in a very traditional culture set-up in the Philippines. Initially I wanted to have more swoon factor to the romance between the main character and her love interest, but the story in itself can stand on its own without the romance plot.
September 23, 2018
It might feel like the universe is picking on you exclusively, but really, life crises happen to millions of people all over the world. Even in the literary world. Take Mina V. Esguerra’s Welcome to Envy Park for example.
Read the rest of my review on Bookbed.
Read the rest of my review on Bookbed.
December 10, 2016
I didn't like this one as much, largely because I couldn't connect to the circumstances of it. The heroine buys property somewhere she doesn't intend to stay and then gets mad when someone else wants to rent it? Why was she buying property she couldn't afford at all? It was just odd.
June 19, 2017
The book that hits me so hard a million times and gives me after thoughts about life. Don’t worry, it’s not a negative thought, it’s a mere fact that how unsurprisingly good it is. It feels bittersweet.
The story is about Moira Vasquez who is unemployed right after she got home from Singapore for 5 years. She met a lot of struggles in the Philippines – her not-so-good relationship to her mother, her friends who is successful on their own career, and even met strangers that shared stories with.
What struck me the most about this book is that “as a Filipino we have this notion that once you worked abroad you can be successful and to be able to help your family financially”. Though not everyone wants to work abroad. Moira’s character is so good, I’m emotionally invested on her. This book gives me strong feelings and I haven’t read any book that I could fully connect with the story not until I read this book. Second, is that it also shows what it feels like when you’re trap in your own world or should I say quarter-life crisis. Her friends are also struggling with their own decisions in life. Third, is that “I like how the story develops”. From the beginning up to end gives me a lot of feels.
The romance in the book, well, it exceeds my expectations. I love how the development of romance between Ethan and Moira and how it reaches maturity.
You see I’ve read countless romance books and sometimes I loved them or not but this book is a perfect book for me because of how it opens up my eyes and the characters are so great that I loved all their imperfections.
To my friends outside of the Philippines, if you are curious about our culture you should read this.
Read this if…….
you think you’re quite unsure about your life.
Setting…
Manila, Philippines
Have you read this book? If not, what do you think of the themes of this book? If yes, what important lesson you’ve learned?
The story is about Moira Vasquez who is unemployed right after she got home from Singapore for 5 years. She met a lot of struggles in the Philippines – her not-so-good relationship to her mother, her friends who is successful on their own career, and even met strangers that shared stories with.
What struck me the most about this book is that “as a Filipino we have this notion that once you worked abroad you can be successful and to be able to help your family financially”. Though not everyone wants to work abroad. Moira’s character is so good, I’m emotionally invested on her. This book gives me strong feelings and I haven’t read any book that I could fully connect with the story not until I read this book. Second, is that it also shows what it feels like when you’re trap in your own world or should I say quarter-life crisis. Her friends are also struggling with their own decisions in life. Third, is that “I like how the story develops”. From the beginning up to end gives me a lot of feels.
The romance in the book, well, it exceeds my expectations. I love how the development of romance between Ethan and Moira and how it reaches maturity.
You see I’ve read countless romance books and sometimes I loved them or not but this book is a perfect book for me because of how it opens up my eyes and the characters are so great that I loved all their imperfections.
To my friends outside of the Philippines, if you are curious about our culture you should read this.
Read this if…….
you think you’re quite unsure about your life.
Setting…
Manila, Philippines
Have you read this book? If not, what do you think of the themes of this book? If yes, what important lesson you’ve learned?
July 17, 2025
The quote that perhaps best captured the difference between Moira and Ethan: "I wasn’t a leaf in the wind. I was the wind."
Moira is the wind in that she makes things happen. Ethan is the leaf in that he lets things happen. These divergent life perspectives lead them to the same life precipice: Ethan is on his way out of Manila to San Francisco; Moira is on her way out of Manila to somewhere in Asia.
The wind vs. leaf situation also leads Moira and Ethan to find themselves in a complicated relationship. Ethan kisses Moira and asks her to just go with it. Moira enjoys the kiss and enjoys Ethan's company, but ultimately, she thinks, um, no, I have a life plan, and that requires leaving.
Moira's inclination to plan is interestingly bound up with her inclination to assess people. This novel features literal assessments of people's lives, as Moira formulates plus/minus lists of her friends' and acquaintances life/career/relationship situations. Of course, self-assessment is always more difficult, and so it entails Moira concluding at one point that Ethan is NOT part of the life plan and, at another point, that she wants to bone Ethan regardless.
I liked both Moira and Ethan. Moira, because I totally get how life planning can interfere with actual living. Ethan, because there's something about his passivity that is very familiar to me (and reminds me a lot of my own life partner, to be honest).
Moira is the wind in that she makes things happen. Ethan is the leaf in that he lets things happen. These divergent life perspectives lead them to the same life precipice: Ethan is on his way out of Manila to San Francisco; Moira is on her way out of Manila to somewhere in Asia.
The wind vs. leaf situation also leads Moira and Ethan to find themselves in a complicated relationship. Ethan kisses Moira and asks her to just go with it. Moira enjoys the kiss and enjoys Ethan's company, but ultimately, she thinks, um, no, I have a life plan, and that requires leaving.
Moira's inclination to plan is interestingly bound up with her inclination to assess people. This novel features literal assessments of people's lives, as Moira formulates plus/minus lists of her friends' and acquaintances life/career/relationship situations. Of course, self-assessment is always more difficult, and so it entails Moira concluding at one point that Ethan is NOT part of the life plan and, at another point, that she wants to bone Ethan regardless.
I liked both Moira and Ethan. Moira, because I totally get how life planning can interfere with actual living. Ethan, because there's something about his passivity that is very familiar to me (and reminds me a lot of my own life partner, to be honest).
June 16, 2018
Disappointing. The beginning was strong and full of chemistry, I kinda understood the heroine's quarter-life crisis, and I like the large colourful cast of characters.
But the story never quite fully gripped me. The romance barely sizzled -- I thought there ended up being more chemistry with her friend JM than with the actual love interest Ethan. The decisions both made at the end made sense, but didn't really feel high stakes.
I also found it hard to relate to a 27/28 (?) year old who could already afford to buy her own condo and take several months off work, yet still calls herself "a bum", whines about her mom finding her tenants and then most egregiously, seems completely oblivious to her own privilege.
I can understand how her personality led her to make lists of people's pros and cons in their lives, but it honestly felt a bit judgey to me, like who is she to say how personally fulfilled her neighbours are? And how can she think her BFF is somehow less accomplished than her simply because she never worked abroad?
The ending felt a bit flat to me as well. Characters were brought in, and a nominal emotional response was had, but overall, there was little emotional impact.
I had high hopes for this one, because of the amazing cover and the really good Kindle sample, but it just didn't work for me.
But the story never quite fully gripped me. The romance barely sizzled -- I thought there ended up being more chemistry with her friend JM than with the actual love interest Ethan. The decisions both made at the end made sense, but didn't really feel high stakes.
I also found it hard to relate to a 27/28 (?) year old who could already afford to buy her own condo and take several months off work, yet still calls herself "a bum", whines about her mom finding her tenants and then most egregiously, seems completely oblivious to her own privilege.
I can understand how her personality led her to make lists of people's pros and cons in their lives, but it honestly felt a bit judgey to me, like who is she to say how personally fulfilled her neighbours are? And how can she think her BFF is somehow less accomplished than her simply because she never worked abroad?
The ending felt a bit flat to me as well. Characters were brought in, and a nominal emotional response was had, but overall, there was little emotional impact.
I had high hopes for this one, because of the amazing cover and the really good Kindle sample, but it just didn't work for me.
May 26, 2019
This is the first book I read from this author and it was a great introduction to the author and her style of writing.
Welcome to Envy Park revolves around the story of female character trying to find her way while being an adult. Being in new places, new people are nice but a distraction from facing what really matters and facing a problem head on. Put this on top of exploring a love interest different from her beliefs but somehow compliments it.
From someone who is a digital nomad, I can certainly relate to her. I wish I was more extroverted to explore my neighbors and have relationships with them. As the author signed my book, she wished I'd find my own hot neighbor.
It was a quick read and more into the adult side with implied behind closed door sex scenes. The POV is straight, refreshing and still sizzling. I'd definitely would read more from this author.
Welcome to Envy Park revolves around the story of female character trying to find her way while being an adult. Being in new places, new people are nice but a distraction from facing what really matters and facing a problem head on. Put this on top of exploring a love interest different from her beliefs but somehow compliments it.
From someone who is a digital nomad, I can certainly relate to her. I wish I was more extroverted to explore my neighbors and have relationships with them. As the author signed my book, she wished I'd find my own hot neighbor.
It was a quick read and more into the adult side with implied behind closed door sex scenes. The POV is straight, refreshing and still sizzling. I'd definitely would read more from this author.
November 21, 2013
Originally posted here.
I think it’s pretty clear by now that I’m a Mina V. Esguerra fangirl. I grab copies of her novellas and short stories when they’re released and I try to read and review them as soon as I could. The early chapters of Welcome to Envy Park were uploaded to Wattpad so I was able to sample part of the story. I was really looking forward to reading this particular title because it’s about a Filipino lady in her mid-twenties who worked in Singapore for five years and is now back in Manila, trying to figure out what her next move is. I think Welcome to Envy Park’s cover looks pretty good. I like how bright and happy the colors are. I think it’s a great idea for Mina to partner with Filipino fashion bloggers for her book covers. I think the outfit that the girl is wearing is cute and girly although I don’t really picture Moira wearing something like that.
I’m glad that Mina gave us a character who has lived and worked abroad because that’s such a common occurrence for Filipinos. I’m proof of that. I think half of my friends are currently studying or working abroad and I’m not sure when they’re planning to go home or if they’d rather settle down outside the country. I could totally relate to Moira because of the similarities in our working experience and because we’re about the same age. Her descriptions of what her life was like in Singapore is pretty accurate, although I was hoping it included more details. I would have wanted to know what her hobbies were, where she hung out, what her favorite restaurants or dishes were, etc. But maybe I'm just curious about those things because I'm currently based in Singapore. I feel like I could be friends with Moira, we would have conversations about OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) life while trying out new restaurants. Once she's back in Manila, it was expected that she’d compare herself to her friends who stayed back home and here’s a section of the book that I really liked:
You got that right, sister. Living independently, away from the support system of family and friends, is definitely good for emotional maturity and growth but it’s damn hard. It’s the second most difficult experience of my life, the first was when my dad passed away. I can't believe that in the five years that she was away, Moira only came home for Christmas visits. I think I wouldn't last here if I didn't get to go home three or four times a year. I liked that Moira was also not sure about her career plans, that she was still trying to decide what to do next. I’m also at that stage in my life and I believe most of my friends are also like that – in the process of understanding in what direction our career should go or figuring out what our calling is. The one big difference between me and Moira is that’s she’s a doer and I’m more of a go with the flow type of person, which makes me more like Ethan in that regard. I didn’t really plan to move to Singapore, the opportunity presented itself and I knew it would be stupid not to take it. Anyway, I liked how Moira and Ethan got to know each other through their gym sessions and food trips. I always enjoy reading Mina's books because of the romance and while I have no complaints about how Moira and Ethan's relationship developed, I would have loved to see more swoon-worthy scenes. That's a minor quibble because I enjoyed it overall. What I really liked was that while Welcome to Envy Park is a light and fun romance, it still makes you think about life choices - why people choose to work abroad and why others would rather stay in the Philippines. I will definitely be recommending this title to my friends because I feel like they would be able to connect with the story, regardless of what their choices are. There's just something about Mina's novellas that make it easy for me to both read and review them. In my dashboard, there are several other drafts of reviews for other books that I've read but here I am talking about Welcome to Envy Park.
My reviews of Mina's other books:
My Imaginary Ex
Fairy Tale Fail
Love Your Frenemies
No Strings Attached
That Kind of Guy
Interim Goddess of Love
Queen of the Clueless
Icon of the Indecisive
Young and Scambitious
I think it’s pretty clear by now that I’m a Mina V. Esguerra fangirl. I grab copies of her novellas and short stories when they’re released and I try to read and review them as soon as I could. The early chapters of Welcome to Envy Park were uploaded to Wattpad so I was able to sample part of the story. I was really looking forward to reading this particular title because it’s about a Filipino lady in her mid-twenties who worked in Singapore for five years and is now back in Manila, trying to figure out what her next move is. I think Welcome to Envy Park’s cover looks pretty good. I like how bright and happy the colors are. I think it’s a great idea for Mina to partner with Filipino fashion bloggers for her book covers. I think the outfit that the girl is wearing is cute and girly although I don’t really picture Moira wearing something like that.
I’m glad that Mina gave us a character who has lived and worked abroad because that’s such a common occurrence for Filipinos. I’m proof of that. I think half of my friends are currently studying or working abroad and I’m not sure when they’re planning to go home or if they’d rather settle down outside the country. I could totally relate to Moira because of the similarities in our working experience and because we’re about the same age. Her descriptions of what her life was like in Singapore is pretty accurate, although I was hoping it included more details. I would have wanted to know what her hobbies were, where she hung out, what her favorite restaurants or dishes were, etc. But maybe I'm just curious about those things because I'm currently based in Singapore. I feel like I could be friends with Moira, we would have conversations about OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) life while trying out new restaurants. Once she's back in Manila, it was expected that she’d compare herself to her friends who stayed back home and here’s a section of the book that I really liked:
Maybe it was the tequila buzz, but I really did think that I had come out ahead. Surely the lessons in independence that leaving home provided a person counted for something. Counted for more, at least, in terms of emotional growth, and maturity, because those years were the most difficult and humbling of my life so far.
You got that right, sister. Living independently, away from the support system of family and friends, is definitely good for emotional maturity and growth but it’s damn hard. It’s the second most difficult experience of my life, the first was when my dad passed away. I can't believe that in the five years that she was away, Moira only came home for Christmas visits. I think I wouldn't last here if I didn't get to go home three or four times a year. I liked that Moira was also not sure about her career plans, that she was still trying to decide what to do next. I’m also at that stage in my life and I believe most of my friends are also like that – in the process of understanding in what direction our career should go or figuring out what our calling is. The one big difference between me and Moira is that’s she’s a doer and I’m more of a go with the flow type of person, which makes me more like Ethan in that regard. I didn’t really plan to move to Singapore, the opportunity presented itself and I knew it would be stupid not to take it. Anyway, I liked how Moira and Ethan got to know each other through their gym sessions and food trips. I always enjoy reading Mina's books because of the romance and while I have no complaints about how Moira and Ethan's relationship developed, I would have loved to see more swoon-worthy scenes. That's a minor quibble because I enjoyed it overall. What I really liked was that while Welcome to Envy Park is a light and fun romance, it still makes you think about life choices - why people choose to work abroad and why others would rather stay in the Philippines. I will definitely be recommending this title to my friends because I feel like they would be able to connect with the story, regardless of what their choices are. There's just something about Mina's novellas that make it easy for me to both read and review them. In my dashboard, there are several other drafts of reviews for other books that I've read but here I am talking about Welcome to Envy Park.
My reviews of Mina's other books:
My Imaginary Ex
Fairy Tale Fail
Love Your Frenemies
No Strings Attached
That Kind of Guy
Interim Goddess of Love
Queen of the Clueless
Icon of the Indecisive
Young and Scambitious
September 5, 2017
Another fantastic book by Mina!!
"I had a plan, all right? I didn't need to share it with everyone. And the lack of sharing didn't give anyone the right to make one for me."
This was a lot of fun to read because I related to Moira on a personal level. She's at a crossroads in her life and that is something I'm sure all of us can relate to, especially me in my 20s. I felt the same things she felt and her story gave me a lot of hope. And the romance was the icing on the cake! Always recommend Mina's books to every romance lover. ;)
"I had a plan, all right? I didn't need to share it with everyone. And the lack of sharing didn't give anyone the right to make one for me."
This was a lot of fun to read because I related to Moira on a personal level. She's at a crossroads in her life and that is something I'm sure all of us can relate to, especially me in my 20s. I felt the same things she felt and her story gave me a lot of hope. And the romance was the icing on the cake! Always recommend Mina's books to every romance lover. ;)
September 23, 2019
ehhhh i just think this authors writing is not for me? or the type of stories or something - i feel like they're too simple/short/idk? they're not actually bad, and i picked this one up bc i was in need of something quick and easy. they're just not,,, the kind of quick reads i actually want? i should just let this one go
January 5, 2021
Light-hearted, low-angst, lots-of-feels! Might be my next comfort book aka the book I come back to when I feel or want to feel a certain way. I loved how much I related to this, especially after “moving” to Manila for work just last year. Made me feel like I was going through Moira’s journey. Just waiting for my 9J now hehehe
April 11, 2020
I also had a feeling that we would be talking about big things like life, and the future, and our hopes and dreams. It was why I made margaritas.
Wow, Moira was inspiring with her extreme planning skills.
Wow, Moira was inspiring with her extreme planning skills.
December 16, 2022
moira's quarter life crisis...oddly relatable lol; the pandemic has me feeling stuck lately. i too am torn between change for the sake of it and valuing what i have! no hot boyfriend or property tho so she's winning there
4 stars
4 stars
December 19, 2017
Very entertaining!
September 20, 2024
Rating: 3.5⭐️
June 28, 2015
This review first appeared on Thoughts and Pens.
First sentence after reading Welcome to Envy Park: Did you just confront me, book?!
After reading four novels written by Mina Esguerra, I know I was hooked. Of course, there were disappointments along the way but they were negligible. I intend to read all of Mina’s books because they have now become my comfort reads. So when Ms Mina announced that she will be releasing a new novel titled “Welcome To Envy Park,” I immediately pre-ordered it and by golly, it was really cheap for such a great read.
Welcome to Envy Park narrates the story of Moira who has an obsessive compulsive disorder for organizing things and most of all, organizing her life. She took pro-activeness to a different level. At the age of 27, she already owned a new apartment but she has no job, no career and no boyfriend.
To be honest, Moira is my exact opposite. I love spontaneity. Like Ethan, I am a leaf in the wind and I would gladly sing a Que Sera Sera with him. I do have friends IRL that are precisely like Moira and kudos to Mina for portraying her so well. Though I was sometimes irked with Moira’s actions, I understand her completely. Organizing makes her contented and alive although sometimes from my point of view, her every day life is really tiring having to think of all the minute and sometimes mundane details of life. But she gave me a lesson or two here: If you strive, strive to win or it’s perfectly alright to be OC when it’s productive.
Aside from the above, Moira’s struggles regarding her career are a mirror of mine. I have lots of plans. I have discontentments. It’s like I want this and I want that never deciding what is it that I really want. And it’s really refreshing to know that with all of Moira’s planning, she can also be blind and indecisive. At least, I can finally say that there’s nothing wrong with me.
I also love Ethan. I can see a lot of myself in him. He’s a very passive guy who just goes with the flow. And yet at the end, he finally stood up to fight for what he really wanted. *Swoon* His decision somewhat surprised me because I really thought that he’s gonna go and settle for an LDR with Moira. But well, he came through.
Welcome to Envy Park is a mixed blend of romance, self-discovery and finding contentment about what you have at the moment. I can totally relate with this book especially that I am at the stage of my life where I am asking myself, “What do I really want?” So far, this is the first Mina book that was really wrapped nicely. And I was satisfied that all the ingredients were in equal amounts. The previous Mina books that I read have ended abruptly and left me screaming for moooore.
If you’re also lost and still trying to find yourself under the sun, then this book is for you. Uhm, no…This is actually for everyone! Weeeeeeeeee! Another badge to add to my growing page of all-time favorites. I am also thankful that this book got me out from a horrible reading slump.
First sentence after reading Welcome to Envy Park: Did you just confront me, book?!
After reading four novels written by Mina Esguerra, I know I was hooked. Of course, there were disappointments along the way but they were negligible. I intend to read all of Mina’s books because they have now become my comfort reads. So when Ms Mina announced that she will be releasing a new novel titled “Welcome To Envy Park,” I immediately pre-ordered it and by golly, it was really cheap for such a great read.
Welcome to Envy Park narrates the story of Moira who has an obsessive compulsive disorder for organizing things and most of all, organizing her life. She took pro-activeness to a different level. At the age of 27, she already owned a new apartment but she has no job, no career and no boyfriend.
To be honest, Moira is my exact opposite. I love spontaneity. Like Ethan, I am a leaf in the wind and I would gladly sing a Que Sera Sera with him. I do have friends IRL that are precisely like Moira and kudos to Mina for portraying her so well. Though I was sometimes irked with Moira’s actions, I understand her completely. Organizing makes her contented and alive although sometimes from my point of view, her every day life is really tiring having to think of all the minute and sometimes mundane details of life. But she gave me a lesson or two here: If you strive, strive to win or it’s perfectly alright to be OC when it’s productive.
Aside from the above, Moira’s struggles regarding her career are a mirror of mine. I have lots of plans. I have discontentments. It’s like I want this and I want that never deciding what is it that I really want. And it’s really refreshing to know that with all of Moira’s planning, she can also be blind and indecisive. At least, I can finally say that there’s nothing wrong with me.
I also love Ethan. I can see a lot of myself in him. He’s a very passive guy who just goes with the flow. And yet at the end, he finally stood up to fight for what he really wanted. *Swoon* His decision somewhat surprised me because I really thought that he’s gonna go and settle for an LDR with Moira. But well, he came through.
Welcome to Envy Park is a mixed blend of romance, self-discovery and finding contentment about what you have at the moment. I can totally relate with this book especially that I am at the stage of my life where I am asking myself, “What do I really want?” So far, this is the first Mina book that was really wrapped nicely. And I was satisfied that all the ingredients were in equal amounts. The previous Mina books that I read have ended abruptly and left me screaming for moooore.
If you’re also lost and still trying to find yourself under the sun, then this book is for you. Uhm, no…This is actually for everyone! Weeeeeeeeee! Another badge to add to my growing page of all-time favorites. I am also thankful that this book got me out from a horrible reading slump.
November 22, 2013
*Review originally posted on my blog.*
The story introduces us to Moira, a mid-twenties lady, who returned to her home country with no job. She buys a condo unit in NV Park as she temporarily enjoys her unemployment phase before looking for another job in a foreign country. There, at NV Park, she meets a number of people that might possibly change her view in life.
The characterization of Moira strikes me as different. Her obsessive-compulsiveness isn’t exactly what I read in other books. While I’m more familiar with people being so neat and organized in their day-to-day activities as their way to show OC-ness, Moira, on the other hand, demonstrates something more serious. Moira takes it to a higher level as she plans out and controls her life the way she wants it to be – and stick to it through and through. It’s also amazing to see that she’s good at analyzing people she encounters. The use of matrices in the book definitely helps in summarizing the minor characters’ personalities, lifestyles, and behaviors.
The book evidently centers on Moira’s life and illustrates in detail what she does during her leisure time. I may not relate to her as we differ in personalities, but it’s quite fun to read about characters having worked abroad. And as Moira meets some of the people in her condo, it’s like I get to have a small glimpse of their lives as well. However, the lack of characterization in the minor characters left me hanging. I was expecting to get some closure about them and their lives, but it doesn’t happen and this disappoints me a bit. I would’ve wanted to find out more about them.
There are times when I get confused with Moira’s actions and thoughts; perhaps it’s due to her self-denial of what Roxie states at one point that could possibly ring some truth in it. Welcome to Envy Park is definitely more than just about looking for jobs. Mina V. Esguerra certainly succeeds in combining a perfect mixture of themes about self-discovery and romance. As a secondary character, Ethan is someone I would want to read more about. His relationship with Moira perfectly portrays that opposite attracts.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book, but not to the extent I expected it to be. I guess I’m more interested in books that focus more on contemporary romance. Either way, this is a light, fun read.
The story introduces us to Moira, a mid-twenties lady, who returned to her home country with no job. She buys a condo unit in NV Park as she temporarily enjoys her unemployment phase before looking for another job in a foreign country. There, at NV Park, she meets a number of people that might possibly change her view in life.
The characterization of Moira strikes me as different. Her obsessive-compulsiveness isn’t exactly what I read in other books. While I’m more familiar with people being so neat and organized in their day-to-day activities as their way to show OC-ness, Moira, on the other hand, demonstrates something more serious. Moira takes it to a higher level as she plans out and controls her life the way she wants it to be – and stick to it through and through. It’s also amazing to see that she’s good at analyzing people she encounters. The use of matrices in the book definitely helps in summarizing the minor characters’ personalities, lifestyles, and behaviors.
The book evidently centers on Moira’s life and illustrates in detail what she does during her leisure time. I may not relate to her as we differ in personalities, but it’s quite fun to read about characters having worked abroad. And as Moira meets some of the people in her condo, it’s like I get to have a small glimpse of their lives as well. However, the lack of characterization in the minor characters left me hanging. I was expecting to get some closure about them and their lives, but it doesn’t happen and this disappoints me a bit. I would’ve wanted to find out more about them.
There are times when I get confused with Moira’s actions and thoughts; perhaps it’s due to her self-denial of what Roxie states at one point that could possibly ring some truth in it. Welcome to Envy Park is definitely more than just about looking for jobs. Mina V. Esguerra certainly succeeds in combining a perfect mixture of themes about self-discovery and romance. As a secondary character, Ethan is someone I would want to read more about. His relationship with Moira perfectly portrays that opposite attracts.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book, but not to the extent I expected it to be. I guess I’m more interested in books that focus more on contemporary romance. Either way, this is a light, fun read.
December 17, 2013
listen to the playlist I made for this book right HERE
Well, I finally got the paperback copy of this book during last Saturday's BLTX event and it was totally worth it. This book is what chick-lit must be like.
Moira is the embodiment of just about every twenty-something out there who is in an existential funk aka who is trying to figure herself out.
What I really enjoyed about this book is that it is a fast read. It's super easy to devour plus it'll make you feel so much for Moira--you'll cheer for her, you'll root for her, say Duh, go "I know how that feels", and swoon for her, as well.
Envy Park is also very fresh, and so much fun. What makes it so good is the fact that there's so much reality to it; Even if you don't live in NV Park-like places, you'd know that the problems Moira is facing are true. And the whole status thing is also easy to relate to. As Glee's Emma Pillsbury once said: "Status is like currency." It's very much a reflection of how obsessed the world is with titles, popularity and the like.
Of course, love has to come into play in Moira's life. Of course. But you know what's great about this book is that it's not sappy--not that there's anything wrong with sappy, but you know, sometimes, it's good to just read something that's light and would take away your stress. I really like the way the romance developed in this story, and how you'd get to think about the realities that the characters are facing. I also like the fact that the stories of different characters, and not just Moira, have been tackled as well. I like stories that interlace everything because, you know, it's really such a small world and everyone around you has their own stories.
And oh my god, the ending. I think that was as cute as cute can be. What I also appreciate is the fact that the author uses different styles when it comes to her stories. There's always something to look forward to, which I think is great, especially in this crazy, zero-attention span world.
Welcome to Envy Park is one of the best chick-lit books I've read in a while. It's fresh, it's crazy good, and it's hard to put down. Oh, and I gave it a 5-star rating on Goodreads, too (which I rarely do, mind you) because it's awesome.
Well, I finally got the paperback copy of this book during last Saturday's BLTX event and it was totally worth it. This book is what chick-lit must be like.
Moira is the embodiment of just about every twenty-something out there who is in an existential funk aka who is trying to figure herself out.
What I really enjoyed about this book is that it is a fast read. It's super easy to devour plus it'll make you feel so much for Moira--you'll cheer for her, you'll root for her, say Duh, go "I know how that feels", and swoon for her, as well.
Envy Park is also very fresh, and so much fun. What makes it so good is the fact that there's so much reality to it; Even if you don't live in NV Park-like places, you'd know that the problems Moira is facing are true. And the whole status thing is also easy to relate to. As Glee's Emma Pillsbury once said: "Status is like currency." It's very much a reflection of how obsessed the world is with titles, popularity and the like.
Of course, love has to come into play in Moira's life. Of course. But you know what's great about this book is that it's not sappy--not that there's anything wrong with sappy, but you know, sometimes, it's good to just read something that's light and would take away your stress. I really like the way the romance developed in this story, and how you'd get to think about the realities that the characters are facing. I also like the fact that the stories of different characters, and not just Moira, have been tackled as well. I like stories that interlace everything because, you know, it's really such a small world and everyone around you has their own stories.
And oh my god, the ending. I think that was as cute as cute can be. What I also appreciate is the fact that the author uses different styles when it comes to her stories. There's always something to look forward to, which I think is great, especially in this crazy, zero-attention span world.
Welcome to Envy Park is one of the best chick-lit books I've read in a while. It's fresh, it's crazy good, and it's hard to put down. Oh, and I gave it a 5-star rating on Goodreads, too (which I rarely do, mind you) because it's awesome.
November 3, 2013
Review originally posted here:http://claudetteting.tumblr.com/post/...
If you’re in for some light-hearted, will-be-able-to-finish-in-one-seating read, then you should grab a copy of Mina V. Esguerra's latest work, Welcome to Envy Park. It has all the elements I’m looking for in a chick lit novella: not-so-complicated plot, lovable characters, right dose of kilig, some steamy-ness and of course, drool-worthy men (the Team Ethan fan club is officially open). This book will also make you think about your own plans and goals in life. Yes, this book just did that to me.
I know this book is purely a work of fiction but I can’t help but imagine that it’s all happening somewhere as I am reading. I think this is Mina’s most realistic story. Real-life scenarios experienced by common people. The characters are very much relatable and recognizable. I have some “oh, I know someone who’s like this” moments while reading. I’m sure readers will also find so many things (and characters) they can relate to in this book.
I know I’ve read a good book if the story still lingers on my mind and my emotions are stirred after reading it. And Welcome to Envy Park just did. I’m even thinking of killing some time in the gym for a chance to bump into some Ethan. Or get a condo unit? Yeah, I’m being frivolous. Anyway, Mina did a great job on this one. She really has a knack for weaving realistic characters and not too complex plots into a remarkable story that’s sure to give readers emotional hangover (mostly kilig). And that is why I really like her works. Kudos to Mina for another accomplishment. Cheers! ☺
If you’re in for some light-hearted, will-be-able-to-finish-in-one-seating read, then you should grab a copy of Mina V. Esguerra's latest work, Welcome to Envy Park. It has all the elements I’m looking for in a chick lit novella: not-so-complicated plot, lovable characters, right dose of kilig, some steamy-ness and of course, drool-worthy men (the Team Ethan fan club is officially open). This book will also make you think about your own plans and goals in life. Yes, this book just did that to me.
I know this book is purely a work of fiction but I can’t help but imagine that it’s all happening somewhere as I am reading. I think this is Mina’s most realistic story. Real-life scenarios experienced by common people. The characters are very much relatable and recognizable. I have some “oh, I know someone who’s like this” moments while reading. I’m sure readers will also find so many things (and characters) they can relate to in this book.
I know I’ve read a good book if the story still lingers on my mind and my emotions are stirred after reading it. And Welcome to Envy Park just did. I’m even thinking of killing some time in the gym for a chance to bump into some Ethan. Or get a condo unit? Yeah, I’m being frivolous. Anyway, Mina did a great job on this one. She really has a knack for weaving realistic characters and not too complex plots into a remarkable story that’s sure to give readers emotional hangover (mostly kilig). And that is why I really like her works. Kudos to Mina for another accomplishment. Cheers! ☺
July 1, 2014
Read full review HERE! :)
I honestly liked Welcome To Envy Park the most compared to the previous books I've read that are by the author. It dealt with stuff in the future that I was afraid of like getting a job and exploring the great world out there.
Moira is very real. Her character can be seen in lots of women her age and that's a good thing because she's more easy to get a grip on. It also helped that I can see myself a few years from now being like her haha :)
Another thing that I liked about Welcome to Envy Park is the fact that it didn't just focus on Moira but on the other people living at NV Park as well and how Moira slowly become part of their daily lives. I loved Lucille's character though I would've wanted to know more about Matilda, just to see if my guesses were right.
Now that I'm talking 'bout the characters, I'd like to stress out how adorable Ethan Lorenzo is. His first encounter with Moira was as cute! And their cuteness didn't just stop there. It continued throughout the story. I'm out of words for Ethan's awesomeness but he just IS.
I might have guessed a few things (including the ending) but it doesn't really matter for me 'cause this book's really good except that it was a bit difficult to read since I got a bit confused with the dialogues.The matrixes were awesome too (I love matrixes and lists!) But the best thing I loved about this is the WORD PLAY on the title. Epic! :D
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