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Worship the Body
An owner of a furniture workshop, Jaime drops by a restaurant to cool off with a glass of beer. Working in that restaurant, Jun waits on him in that random visit. Something happens between them as their eyes meet over the glass of beer which Jaime considers an accident and Jun considers luck. Their paths will once again cross when Ria innocently hires Jun as their family driver after Jaime gets into a car accident for drunk driving.
Hidden within a network of intimate relationships, Jaime, Jun, Ria, and Maya try to forge an extraordinary family in urban Manila, as they discover that secrets also have their own joys. Ria and Maya establish a unique connection as women confronted with questions about power and emotion even as they uncover a bond between their husbands, Jaime and Jun, themselves confronted with questions about history and myth.
Told from different but interlocking points of view, their story becomes a song complete with recurring refrains and a coda, intimating that there are silences to the body that are essential to our understanding of happiness.
Hidden within a network of intimate relationships, Jaime, Jun, Ria, and Maya try to forge an extraordinary family in urban Manila, as they discover that secrets also have their own joys. Ria and Maya establish a unique connection as women confronted with questions about power and emotion even as they uncover a bond between their husbands, Jaime and Jun, themselves confronted with questions about history and myth.
Told from different but interlocking points of view, their story becomes a song complete with recurring refrains and a coda, intimating that there are silences to the body that are essential to our understanding of happiness.
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 12, 2024
I read this book in one sitting...it was impossible to set down!
This is one of those books that just feels so necessary. Yapan gets those thinking juices GOING with this one. It's an exploration of relationships, both with your partner and with yourself. Every time I finished a few pages I had to stop and think about what I thought of the situation and how I would react. And I LOVE that! I love a read that is as thought-provoking as it is a beautiful story. It explores the relationships of each of the characters, dissecting the intricacies of one's emotions, and has both the characters in this book and the reader pondering what happiness might unknowingly look like. Just such a beautiful, though-invoking piece of literature!
We get four separate POVs in this one. Each from the POV of one of the main characters and THIS was done brilliantly! It's one plot structure, one story being told, but you view that same story from each of the characters eyes and minds. In this sense, you are drawn so closely to these characters, each separating themselves from the other 3. The blurb mentions "their story becomes a song complete with recurring refrains." I absolutely love that description of this plot dynamic and it is very much that. Individual pieces coming together to make one fascinating masterpiece.
I like the meshing of the plot with the world. The book takes place in Manila, which is the capitol of the Philippines. One couple is well-off, doting maids and personal drivers, while the other couple is barely making it by, cutting corners where possible to afford rent. It provides an insightfulness to the setting, showing the strife of some, and the greed of others, while showing the effect each has on those observing it. The book is very much a full-picture, leaving no stone left unturned, and giving the reader the exact experience I believe Yapan was wanting to deliver!
So appreciative to Penguin Random House SEA for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review :)
This is one of those books that just feels so necessary. Yapan gets those thinking juices GOING with this one. It's an exploration of relationships, both with your partner and with yourself. Every time I finished a few pages I had to stop and think about what I thought of the situation and how I would react. And I LOVE that! I love a read that is as thought-provoking as it is a beautiful story. It explores the relationships of each of the characters, dissecting the intricacies of one's emotions, and has both the characters in this book and the reader pondering what happiness might unknowingly look like. Just such a beautiful, though-invoking piece of literature!
We get four separate POVs in this one. Each from the POV of one of the main characters and THIS was done brilliantly! It's one plot structure, one story being told, but you view that same story from each of the characters eyes and minds. In this sense, you are drawn so closely to these characters, each separating themselves from the other 3. The blurb mentions "their story becomes a song complete with recurring refrains." I absolutely love that description of this plot dynamic and it is very much that. Individual pieces coming together to make one fascinating masterpiece.
I like the meshing of the plot with the world. The book takes place in Manila, which is the capitol of the Philippines. One couple is well-off, doting maids and personal drivers, while the other couple is barely making it by, cutting corners where possible to afford rent. It provides an insightfulness to the setting, showing the strife of some, and the greed of others, while showing the effect each has on those observing it. The book is very much a full-picture, leaving no stone left unturned, and giving the reader the exact experience I believe Yapan was wanting to deliver!
So appreciative to Penguin Random House SEA for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review :)
July 31, 2025
Ang ganda-ganda ng pagkakasulat ng nobela, na naitawid ng tagasalin. Hanga ako sa panulat ni Dr. Alvin Yapan, kung paanong tila umikot nang ilang ulit ang kuwento para makita sa iba't ibang angle ang narrative. Thought provoking din siya sa antas ng pakikiapid, never naging tama ang maging third party. Pero ano ba ang dapat gawin sa mga sitwasyong katulad kay Jun at Jaime? Pakiramdam ko, may kinalaman pa rin kung sino ang may pera sa wala, sa nobelang ito. Kung sino ang mas may kapangyarihan. On the other hand, nakita ko rin ang ino-offer ng nobela on terms of co-parenting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2024
Avin Yapan’s Worship the Body is a literary exploration of human connection within the complexities of the modern world. The novel centres on Jamie, a man who has an exploding love affair with Jun, his driver whom he knew from a previous life. We learn about their affair and its impact on their families from Jamie, Jun, their wives (Ria and Maya), and their children.
The book is a series of interconnected vignettes, jumping from one story to another, from one timeline to another. Each one offers a unique perspective on the four people’s relationships and interconnectedness, through exposing the men’s affair and the complexity of their fluid sexuality, the need to belong in a society where homosexuality is not widely recognised. Ria and Maya become friends in time, united by the secret of knowing their husbands’ affairs, but not being willing to expose it, for fear of troubling the harmony between their families.
Through the closely connected lives of these characters, Yaplan explores themes of love, lust, loss, sexuality and how our bodies can both connect and divide people. At times, Yaplan’s writing is sensual and evocative, following the physical and emotional intimacy between the characters. The fact that the characters’ sexuality is fluid highlights the complexities of modern relationships and how individuals can redefine traditional notions of love and intimacy. Jamie's relationship with Ria and Jun is presented as a source of fulfilment and happiness, demonstrating that love can take many forms, making all their lives better.
Overall, a beautifully written novel which explores the complexities of human relationships with depth and insight. Yaplan’s prose is both lyrical and powerful, and his characters are memorable. This book will challenge your beliefs around intimacy and sexuality and will stay with you. Book received from Penguin SEA for an honest review.
The book is a series of interconnected vignettes, jumping from one story to another, from one timeline to another. Each one offers a unique perspective on the four people’s relationships and interconnectedness, through exposing the men’s affair and the complexity of their fluid sexuality, the need to belong in a society where homosexuality is not widely recognised. Ria and Maya become friends in time, united by the secret of knowing their husbands’ affairs, but not being willing to expose it, for fear of troubling the harmony between their families.
Through the closely connected lives of these characters, Yaplan explores themes of love, lust, loss, sexuality and how our bodies can both connect and divide people. At times, Yaplan’s writing is sensual and evocative, following the physical and emotional intimacy between the characters. The fact that the characters’ sexuality is fluid highlights the complexities of modern relationships and how individuals can redefine traditional notions of love and intimacy. Jamie's relationship with Ria and Jun is presented as a source of fulfilment and happiness, demonstrating that love can take many forms, making all their lives better.
Overall, a beautifully written novel which explores the complexities of human relationships with depth and insight. Yaplan’s prose is both lyrical and powerful, and his characters are memorable. This book will challenge your beliefs around intimacy and sexuality and will stay with you. Book received from Penguin SEA for an honest review.
August 11, 2024
Worship the Body is a Filipino classic from Alvin Yapan that is now translated to English.
In this masterpiece, we follow four individuals Jun, Ria, Jaime, and Maya as they navigate their own lives and how it gets entangled as they come face to face with truth about power, emotion, and their own complicated history.
This is a novel that explores both the beauty and the dark side of modern relationships and how these connections intersect with the complex and ever-changing timelines of the four individuals.
I liked how the storyline worked well given that the characters’ voices narrated different versions of stories - a mixture of slice of life in contemporary Manila, magical realism, and personal history.
This is a book about four normal people trying to live their lives (and this is a book featuring four individuals with their layers of truth and lies)
Four people. Four stories. Four interconnected secrets and narratives.
Thank you Penguin Random House SEA for sending me an ARC in exchange of review and post!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In this masterpiece, we follow four individuals Jun, Ria, Jaime, and Maya as they navigate their own lives and how it gets entangled as they come face to face with truth about power, emotion, and their own complicated history.
This is a novel that explores both the beauty and the dark side of modern relationships and how these connections intersect with the complex and ever-changing timelines of the four individuals.
I liked how the storyline worked well given that the characters’ voices narrated different versions of stories - a mixture of slice of life in contemporary Manila, magical realism, and personal history.
This is a book about four normal people trying to live their lives (and this is a book featuring four individuals with their layers of truth and lies)
Four people. Four stories. Four interconnected secrets and narratives.
Thank you Penguin Random House SEA for sending me an ARC in exchange of review and post!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 27, 2024
This book revolves around Jaime, Jun, Ria, and Maya exploring the complexities of love, desire, and relationship dynamics. The story begins with Jaime’s chance encounter with Jun, a waiter at the local restaurant he visited. Their eyes meet over a glass of beer, sparking a connection that both consider accidental or lucky as Jaime pays to have an intimate relationship with Jun.
Their paths cross again when Ria, Jaime’s wife hires Jun as their family driver. What happens when past and present collide offering a second chance? As their lives get intertwined, a unique bond develops between Ria and Maya.
This book is written with different PoV giving us multiple perspectives. The writing feels poetic with rich and diverse characters while delving into deeper themes like sexuality, love, longing, and human connection. However, it’s slow-paced at times with many inner monologues.
Overall it's a different yet captivating read.
Their paths cross again when Ria, Jaime’s wife hires Jun as their family driver. What happens when past and present collide offering a second chance? As their lives get intertwined, a unique bond develops between Ria and Maya.
This book is written with different PoV giving us multiple perspectives. The writing feels poetic with rich and diverse characters while delving into deeper themes like sexuality, love, longing, and human connection. However, it’s slow-paced at times with many inner monologues.
Overall it's a different yet captivating read.
August 14, 2024
Absolutely in love with it! Loved the writing and the way everything was portrayed. Each time I read the chapter title I was so excited to know what would be the story this time. The relationship portrayed between all four of them was immaculate and beautifully penned down.
October 4, 2024
Worship the Body offers a captivating exploration of love, desire, and the intricate dynamics of relationships set against the vibrant backdrop of urban Manila. The narrative revolves around four central characters—Jaime, Jun, Ria, and Maya—who navigate their interconnected lives filled with secrets, joys, and the complexities of intimacy.
Jaime used to pay Jun to get intimate with him. Years later, Jaime's wife Ria hires Jun as their driver, unaware of their past. With the two families getting close, Ria forms a unique relationship with Maya, Jun's wife. All four characters have their own secrets and some of these are spilled!
The author skillfully uses multiple viewpoints, giving readers insight into each character's thoughts and feelings. The writing is lyrical and engaging, emphasizing the unsaid emotions and the importance of body language in understanding love.
The writing and conception of this novel are immaculate. We get to see the interconnected story of these four individuals and how they form a unique kind of family, full of secrets. The book highlights the complexity of relationships—how they can be both a source of joy and a battleground for unaddressed issues.
It talks about people doing what's best for their bodies, for their mind, for love and for family. The story is very authentic and unusual, not because things like this don't happen, but because things like this aren't usually talked about.
This is such an easy read, it's a page-turner. The characters are very homely, authentic, imperfect and flawed. The story not only talks about the characters, but also about the differences in social class, how mingling of people of two different classes affects their habits and those of their children. The descriptions and writing is so good, every single thought described so efficiently.
This is an evocative and thought-provoking novel that delves deep into the human experience. It beautifully showcases how love can be both joyful and complicated, making it a must-read for anyone interested in seeking insight into the complexities of human connections and modern relationships. I can conclude that a movie can easily be made on this story!
Jaime used to pay Jun to get intimate with him. Years later, Jaime's wife Ria hires Jun as their driver, unaware of their past. With the two families getting close, Ria forms a unique relationship with Maya, Jun's wife. All four characters have their own secrets and some of these are spilled!
The author skillfully uses multiple viewpoints, giving readers insight into each character's thoughts and feelings. The writing is lyrical and engaging, emphasizing the unsaid emotions and the importance of body language in understanding love.
The writing and conception of this novel are immaculate. We get to see the interconnected story of these four individuals and how they form a unique kind of family, full of secrets. The book highlights the complexity of relationships—how they can be both a source of joy and a battleground for unaddressed issues.
It talks about people doing what's best for their bodies, for their mind, for love and for family. The story is very authentic and unusual, not because things like this don't happen, but because things like this aren't usually talked about.
This is such an easy read, it's a page-turner. The characters are very homely, authentic, imperfect and flawed. The story not only talks about the characters, but also about the differences in social class, how mingling of people of two different classes affects their habits and those of their children. The descriptions and writing is so good, every single thought described so efficiently.
This is an evocative and thought-provoking novel that delves deep into the human experience. It beautifully showcases how love can be both joyful and complicated, making it a must-read for anyone interested in seeking insight into the complexities of human connections and modern relationships. I can conclude that a movie can easily be made on this story!
September 6, 2024
4.25/5
Worship the Body features four main characters: couples Jaime and Ria, and, Jun and Maya. Jaime and Jun shared an intimate past and their lives collided once more when Ria hired Jun as their driver. Not long after, Ria and Maya became friends. The story revolved around the past, the reunion and subsequent interactions, with the book divided according to their varied POVs. There is no one way to tell the truth. What we have are four versions and hunches, and their stories becoming entangled.
The author used plenty of metaphors, making me pause and think, “What does this mean? Am I getting this right?” There are even scenarios bordering on absurd yet addicting- I ask, are there magical realism elements here? Ah, reading one backstory almost made me fall off my seat. And in that same chapter, one tragic symbolism was very striking for me.
Accidents, tragedy, change, sentimentality, desire and sexuality- their intertwined lives reveal starkly different backgrounds, and everything formed part of who they are and what their decisions are going to be. So many different emotions unraveling here- and overall I loved the calmness side by side with passion, the stability in the middle of chaos, the contrast and similarities, and the trust despite secrets. Their stories are full of juicy and entertaining bits- but equally realistic and thought-provoking.
The structure and storytelling made for a compelling read. I finished this in two sittings. I thought that the depiction of our local setting and how Filipino culture was woven in the narrative were spot on including reference to migrating from the province to the city as akin to escape, and working “abroad” as the ultimate “dream.”
Worship the Body is an award-winning novel originally written in Filipino in 2005. I found my time well-spent reading this and recommend you check it out too❤️ I’ll be on the lookout for this author’s backlist and future books ☺️
4.25/5
Worship the Body features four main characters: couples Jaime and Ria, and, Jun and Maya. Jaime and Jun shared an intimate past and their lives collided once more when Ria hired Jun as their driver. Not long after, Ria and Maya became friends. The story revolved around the past, the reunion and subsequent interactions, with the book divided according to their varied POVs. There is no one way to tell the truth. What we have are four versions and hunches, and their stories becoming entangled.
The author used plenty of metaphors, making me pause and think, “What does this mean? Am I getting this right?” There are even scenarios bordering on absurd yet addicting- I ask, are there magical realism elements here? Ah, reading one backstory almost made me fall off my seat. And in that same chapter, one tragic symbolism was very striking for me.
Accidents, tragedy, change, sentimentality, desire and sexuality- their intertwined lives reveal starkly different backgrounds, and everything formed part of who they are and what their decisions are going to be. So many different emotions unraveling here- and overall I loved the calmness side by side with passion, the stability in the middle of chaos, the contrast and similarities, and the trust despite secrets. Their stories are full of juicy and entertaining bits- but equally realistic and thought-provoking.
The structure and storytelling made for a compelling read. I finished this in two sittings. I thought that the depiction of our local setting and how Filipino culture was woven in the narrative were spot on including reference to migrating from the province to the city as akin to escape, and working “abroad” as the ultimate “dream.”
Worship the Body is an award-winning novel originally written in Filipino in 2005. I found my time well-spent reading this and recommend you check it out too❤️ I’ll be on the lookout for this author’s backlist and future books ☺️
4.25/5
February 2, 2025
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝑑𝑦
Alvin Yapan, salin sa Ingles ni Randy Bustamante
Penguin Random House
Sa nobelang 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝑑𝑦, muling ipinapakita ni Alvin Yapan ang kanyang husay sa paglalaro ng wika, estruktura, at pananaw upang ipakita ang masalimuot na ugnayan ng pag-ibig, katawan, at lipunan. Sa pamamagitan ng apat na magkakaibang punto de bista, binubuo ng nobela ang isang palaisipan ng mga sikreto—mga katotohanang pilit ikinukubli ngunit hindi maitatangging nakapaloob sa mismong laman ng ating pagkatao.
Kapansin-pansin sa nobela ang pagsasaliksik nito sa kakayahan ng pagmamahal na kabisaduhin ang katawan ng iniibig. Ngunit hindi ito isang romantikong pagtalakay lamang; sa halip, nilalantad ng akda ang mga tunggalian at limitasyon ng ating pagkaunawa sa ating sarili at sa iba. Sa pamamagitan ng mga karakter, inilulugar din ng nobela ang mga personal na kwento sa mas malawak na realidad ng lipunang Pilipino; kung paano hinuhubog ng mga institusyon, kultura, at paniniwala ang ating mga pananaw sa katawan, pagnanasa, at kapangyarihan.
Salamat sa matalim na salin ni Randy Bustamante, naisasalin sa Ingles ang masining at masidhing prosa ni Yapan nang hindi nawawala ang lalim at emosyon ng orihinal na akda. Ang 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝑑𝑦 ay isang makapangyarihang pagninilay sa katawan bilang lunan ng alaala, pag-ibig, at identidad, isang nobelang hamon at paanyaya sa mambabasa na muling isipin ang kanilang sariling katawan at ang kahulugan nito sa kanilang buhay.
Alvin Yapan, salin sa Ingles ni Randy Bustamante
Penguin Random House
Sa nobelang 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝑑𝑦, muling ipinapakita ni Alvin Yapan ang kanyang husay sa paglalaro ng wika, estruktura, at pananaw upang ipakita ang masalimuot na ugnayan ng pag-ibig, katawan, at lipunan. Sa pamamagitan ng apat na magkakaibang punto de bista, binubuo ng nobela ang isang palaisipan ng mga sikreto—mga katotohanang pilit ikinukubli ngunit hindi maitatangging nakapaloob sa mismong laman ng ating pagkatao.
Kapansin-pansin sa nobela ang pagsasaliksik nito sa kakayahan ng pagmamahal na kabisaduhin ang katawan ng iniibig. Ngunit hindi ito isang romantikong pagtalakay lamang; sa halip, nilalantad ng akda ang mga tunggalian at limitasyon ng ating pagkaunawa sa ating sarili at sa iba. Sa pamamagitan ng mga karakter, inilulugar din ng nobela ang mga personal na kwento sa mas malawak na realidad ng lipunang Pilipino; kung paano hinuhubog ng mga institusyon, kultura, at paniniwala ang ating mga pananaw sa katawan, pagnanasa, at kapangyarihan.
Salamat sa matalim na salin ni Randy Bustamante, naisasalin sa Ingles ang masining at masidhing prosa ni Yapan nang hindi nawawala ang lalim at emosyon ng orihinal na akda. Ang 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝑑𝑦 ay isang makapangyarihang pagninilay sa katawan bilang lunan ng alaala, pag-ibig, at identidad, isang nobelang hamon at paanyaya sa mambabasa na muling isipin ang kanilang sariling katawan at ang kahulugan nito sa kanilang buhay.
September 2, 2024
This was a very short yet compelling read...
When I first started reading this book, I never thought that I would fall in love with this story. It was the story of two couples hiding their secrets from each other. The story of Jaime who meets Jun; once in a restaurant and years later as the driver appointed by his wife, Ria. As feelings that were hidden in their past reemerge, the two couples create a unique family.
The best thing about this book was that it was told from the perspective of all four characters - Jaime, Jun, Ria, and Maya. Readers get an opportunity to see how the same incident had different reactions from the characters.
All four characters of the story were likeable and had a depth to them. The presence of love was explored in each of their lives. How the same feeling could invoke different feelings and attitudes in the characters was an interesting thing to read.
After reading this story, I'm unable to select my favorite character as all of them became dear to me. The plot, which appears simple, is written in such a way that the story remains remarkable and unforgettable for the readers!
Overall, this was an amazing book that I feel so grateful to have read and enjoyed!
When I first started reading this book, I never thought that I would fall in love with this story. It was the story of two couples hiding their secrets from each other. The story of Jaime who meets Jun; once in a restaurant and years later as the driver appointed by his wife, Ria. As feelings that were hidden in their past reemerge, the two couples create a unique family.
The best thing about this book was that it was told from the perspective of all four characters - Jaime, Jun, Ria, and Maya. Readers get an opportunity to see how the same incident had different reactions from the characters.
All four characters of the story were likeable and had a depth to them. The presence of love was explored in each of their lives. How the same feeling could invoke different feelings and attitudes in the characters was an interesting thing to read.
After reading this story, I'm unable to select my favorite character as all of them became dear to me. The plot, which appears simple, is written in such a way that the story remains remarkable and unforgettable for the readers!
Overall, this was an amazing book that I feel so grateful to have read and enjoyed!
August 9, 2024
“Because I understand that it is not with the big things encompassing the universe that we fall in love. It is with the kisses. With the whispers. With the holding and caressing of the hand. With the leaning against the chest. It is with such things.”
I started this book immediately after receiving the copy from penguin and from the first line, I knew this was going to be a captivating read. Worship the Body explores the idea of how people can unexpectedly come together in relationships that extend beyond the conventional idea of what a family ought to be. through the two couples in this book who are brought together amidst accidents, unexpected changes and lingering feelings, the story reveals how secrets and hidden feelings can endanger everything we hold dear unless we learn to navigate the evolving relationships.
Jaime hires Jun as an escort but soon their relationship becomes more than just a one night stand. Years later, their lives intersect when Jaime’s wife, Ria hires Jun, now married to Maya, as his driver. Through the perspectives of all four people who become entangled into this complicated web of relationships with each other, Alvin Yapan has wonderfully explored the intricacies of modern relationships in a beautiful and poignant narrative.
I started this book immediately after receiving the copy from penguin and from the first line, I knew this was going to be a captivating read. Worship the Body explores the idea of how people can unexpectedly come together in relationships that extend beyond the conventional idea of what a family ought to be. through the two couples in this book who are brought together amidst accidents, unexpected changes and lingering feelings, the story reveals how secrets and hidden feelings can endanger everything we hold dear unless we learn to navigate the evolving relationships.
Jaime hires Jun as an escort but soon their relationship becomes more than just a one night stand. Years later, their lives intersect when Jaime’s wife, Ria hires Jun, now married to Maya, as his driver. Through the perspectives of all four people who become entangled into this complicated web of relationships with each other, Alvin Yapan has wonderfully explored the intricacies of modern relationships in a beautiful and poignant narrative.
August 22, 2024
Thanks to Penguin Random House SEA for this ARC.
Jamie is the owner of a furniture business who longs to explore the world, but then he meets Jun with whom he shares a relationship for a while. After they break things off, Jamie marries Ria and has a son, and Jun gets married to Maya with whom he has two children. But then Jun gets hired to be Jamie’s driver and their relationship begins again.
The story is the English translation of a Filipino book set in Manila. It uses four separate points of view to narrate the singular story from the perspectives of the 4 people involved. They all feel like very distinct characters during their narration, who all think differently & see things in different ways.
The book will have you stopping to think about the complexities of relationships & sexuality. The story is very well written and is a quick & easy read. Reading a story set in the Philippines was a nice change of perspective, as most books I’ve read are based in the UK or US. I’d definitely recommend this story.
Jamie is the owner of a furniture business who longs to explore the world, but then he meets Jun with whom he shares a relationship for a while. After they break things off, Jamie marries Ria and has a son, and Jun gets married to Maya with whom he has two children. But then Jun gets hired to be Jamie’s driver and their relationship begins again.
The story is the English translation of a Filipino book set in Manila. It uses four separate points of view to narrate the singular story from the perspectives of the 4 people involved. They all feel like very distinct characters during their narration, who all think differently & see things in different ways.
The book will have you stopping to think about the complexities of relationships & sexuality. The story is very well written and is a quick & easy read. Reading a story set in the Philippines was a nice change of perspective, as most books I’ve read are based in the UK or US. I’d definitely recommend this story.
September 22, 2024
- The story is an English translation of a Filipino book in Manila, using four distinct points of view to narrate a single story from the perspectives of the four characters involved. Each character feels unique in their narration, with their own ways of thinking and seeing the world, making their perspectives truly stand out.
- I loved the writing and how everything was portrayed. Each time I read a chapter title, I felt excited to discover what the story would unfold next. The relationships among the four characters were immaculate and beautifully penned, capturing their connections with depth and authenticity.
- Overall, this is a beautifully crafted novel that explores the intricacies of human relationships with depth and understanding. Yapan’s prose is both lyrical and powerful, and his characters leave a lasting impression. This book will challenge your views on intimacy and sexuality and stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
- I loved the writing and how everything was portrayed. Each time I read a chapter title, I felt excited to discover what the story would unfold next. The relationships among the four characters were immaculate and beautifully penned, capturing their connections with depth and authenticity.
- Overall, this is a beautifully crafted novel that explores the intricacies of human relationships with depth and understanding. Yapan’s prose is both lyrical and powerful, and his characters leave a lasting impression. This book will challenge your views on intimacy and sexuality and stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
September 24, 2024
I came across this book through our queer book club, and it did not disappoint! Initially, I was intrigued by the "History According to..." sections (there are two, each told from the POV of the main characters), but I also found them a bit confusing for one without much familiarity of Philippine mythology. Then I searched about the author and I stumbled upon reviews mentioning the Spanish occupation of the Philippines and how men who didn’t conform to heteronormative religious identities were marginalized. That’s when it all clicked—the brilliance of the chapter title and its role in the story! In such a slim book, it added snippets of history into magical realism, instead of traditional historical fiction, which makes you wonder. Just like the best films, the best books often lead you down a rabbit hole of research.
So there, I loved the writing but more than that, I learned something new about the Philippines.
So there, I loved the writing but more than that, I learned something new about the Philippines.
September 24, 2024
"The book is an education in the protocols of a relationship unrecognized by Church nor State; a liberation of sorts, but with its own set of challenges. For how can one’s desire for exclusive loyalty be fully satisfied, if there is no outside power that recognizes and supports the union?"
Read the rest of the review here:
https://exlibrisphilippines.com/2024/...
Read the rest of the review here:
https://exlibrisphilippines.com/2024/...
October 8, 2024
Worship the Body is a quick read that you can finish in one sitting. The characters are interesting, and each point of view is distinct enough that you can easily tell them apart.
I didn't fully understand Jun's part, though. I couldn't decide if the parts about the rat-humans/dove-humans and the murderous clothes were some kind of next-level philosophical/literary brilliance I'm not capable of understanding, or if they were simply as strange as they seemed.
For now, I remain undecided, but it's a well-written book nonetheless.
I didn't fully understand Jun's part, though. I couldn't decide if the parts about the rat-humans/dove-humans and the murderous clothes were some kind of next-level philosophical/literary brilliance I'm not capable of understanding, or if they were simply as strange as they seemed.
For now, I remain undecided, but it's a well-written book nonetheless.
September 3, 2025
Worship the Body is about four people in Manila whose lives get mixed together in unexpected ways. Jaime meets Jun, and from there the story connects them with Ria and Maya. Slowly, they try to build a family, even though nothing about it is simple or ordinary.
The book is told from different people’s views, so you see the same events in new ways. It shows love, secrets, and how families can be made in many forms.
It’s not a light read, but if you go with the flow, it makes you think and stays with you after you finish.
The book is told from different people’s views, so you see the same events in new ways. It shows love, secrets, and how families can be made in many forms.
It’s not a light read, but if you go with the flow, it makes you think and stays with you after you finish.
September 21, 2025
I didn’t enjoy this as much as I hoped, but it had some good points. The writing was strong and the different POVs gave the story variety. The themes of faith, desire, and the body were also interesting to see explored.
What didn’t work for me was the lack of tension. I wanted more confrontation and stronger moments, but the story often felt too quiet. Jun’s backstory also felt sudden and a bit out of place, which made it harder to connect with.
Overall, it is a thoughtful read, just not one that fully clicked with me.
What didn’t work for me was the lack of tension. I wanted more confrontation and stronger moments, but the story often felt too quiet. Jun’s backstory also felt sudden and a bit out of place, which made it harder to connect with.
Overall, it is a thoughtful read, just not one that fully clicked with me.
August 6, 2025
very compelling! read this in 1 sitting. messy as hell (in the good way). i like how instead of focusing on the affair and glamorizing it, it focused on how it affected their wives and the lives of their children. love the deliberate choice of using 3rd person pov when it came to jaime and jun, but 1st person pov for ria and maya.
wish i couldve read this in the original filipino text. also #flexing bc i got the opportunity to have my copy signed by the author <3
wish i couldve read this in the original filipino text. also #flexing bc i got the opportunity to have my copy signed by the author <3
April 15, 2025
well. i loved the hunches the best. there are many times when i felt like i would explode from the things that were about to happen. but the pacing always ruined it for me. the language is so pretty. especially with the hunches. but i got bored a lot too.
August 20, 2024
I love how the author seamlessly shifts perspectives and timelines. It's brilliantly written that every word in the novel contributes to the bigger picture. The prose is also beautifully written, with sentences that have their own rhythm. It's such a refreshing read! I'd gladly reread this book just for the beauty of the writing. Additionally, the themes—contractual relationships, social class disparities, and gender politics—are serious and relevant issues that need discussion. They are happening around the world anyway, so it's good to be mindful of these things too. Yapan explores these topics in a way that is both light and accessible. He was able to make it easy to read. I would recommend Worship the Body again and again.
August 31, 2025
The book is so good to the point that I want to look for the original Tagalog version.
September 9, 2025
This book was an easy read - so I finished it in two sittings, but it was a strange one. Though well written, I don’t think this type of book is for me.
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