The Map That Contains Us

by Marla Miniano, Reese Lansangan

What are the places that have transformed you? What are the cities you’ll never forget? What are the paths that will forever mark your soul?

In creating their new book of poetry and flash fiction, The Maps That Contain Us, bestselling author Marla Miniano and singer/songwriter Reese Lansangan write about the restless, unforgettable migrations of their spirits. From Ann Siang Road in Singapore to Matnog in Sorsogon, from Amsterdam to Tokyo to Hawaii, they explore love, loss, life, and loneliness in this collection, hoping to finally find their place in this world.

Genres: Poetry

First published September 1, 2017

About the author

Since she was a third-grader, Marla Miniano already knew she wanted to write. But it wasn't until she was in the sixth grade when she unofficially began her career as a writer. Marla was assigned to write the script for a play in their school program and her English teacher praised her writing, saying that she should keep doing it. She never stopped since then.

When she was studying AB Interdisciplinary Studies at the Ateneo de Manila University, Marla became a part of Candy Magazine 's Council of Cool. Former Candy editor-in-chief Ines Bautista-Yao read Marla's undergraduate thesis, which was a collection of short stories. Ines remembered her thesis years later when she was already working for Candy Magazine and tapped her to write a book for Summit Media.

So in 2008, two years after she graduated from college, Marla's dream came true when her first book Every Girl's Guide to Heartache was launched to the public by Summit Media. Every Girl's Guide to Heartache was the first of the Every Girl's Guide trilogy which was received well by Filipino readers.

Since then Marla has written five books for the publishing house, including her very own short stories collection Table for Two. Marla is also editor-in-chief of Summit Books at present.

Source:
Marla Miniano: From Childhood Playwright to Summit Books Author by Belle Yambao

Reviews

[Neil Franz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the flash fiction!

Well-written. The writing brought me to somewhere unfamiliar yet familiar. I know I will not remember the contents of this book but this was an emotional and genuine read.

[Melinda Irvine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lived enough time in the Philippines to want to read some poetry and fiction by contemporary Philippine writers, this was an excellent beginning. I loved this little book.

The scattered illustrations, micro-poetry, and GPS co-ordinates all create a journey. A journey to the places of the heart, mind and spirit; every place we have visited that has touched us or changed us in some way. Each poem in the voyage is narrated in first person except (interestingly) Queens (a tale of domestic violence and the possibility of survival), which is relayed in third person.

My favourite poems were Rizal Lib (I was lost in my own library of unfinished books); Yamanote (a haunting look at the randomness and inconvenience of death at an underground subway); and Matong (a tribute really to the simplicity of traditional Filipino life).

Next time I'm in the city I'm going buy some more copies of this book to place under the Christmas Tree inside bright coloured papers. It's little books like this that reinforce the nature of our humanness, our connectedness and the neighbours in all of us; I think I'll take a copy to my friends in Australia on my next visit.

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You don't need a half
To be whole - you are the whole
They cannot take from." - RL

So love this book! From the cover to the content inside. What a fresh read from Reese Lansangan and Marla Miniano! Every piece of haiku and short stories are full of emotions. Hope that they continue creating this kind of poetry book. Let's support our local artist and authors! :)

[Kate (The Bookaholic Blurbs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review over at The Bookaholic Blurbs!

The Maps that Contain Us has impacted me in ways I didn't anticipate. It speaks to me. I loved the prose, writing style combinations, illustrations and cover. This book is written from the soul, a masterpiece that mirrors the heart, sorrow and all.

[Seann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book I want to write.

[s · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover and the illustrations are stunning. I’ve only read Marla Miniano once and that was for that one poem she had on Poetry Magazine. I will say that I find her as the stronger writer (especially for her verse) in this book than Lansangan. Lansangan’s verses have a tendency to be void of punctuation—which isn’t really a bad thing, there are plenty of writers who do get away with that kind of thing—which, for some first time readers of poetry in general, kind of odd and it’s one of those things that make me feel as if I’m running out of breath. Lansangan’s prose, on the other hand, is better.

Overall it’s a decent read, one you can finish in a day.

[Mish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retracing my steps
Wondering where I left off
To begin again – R L

The Maps That Contain Us is a flash fiction and poetry book contains stories of love, loss, life, loneliness, and even triumph on different places. I love the use of coordinates, and the illustrations add more life to every piece. I felt real emotions while reading this. One of my favorites is Queens.

[Alyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like the illustrations in this book but the prose is just a so-so for me.

[Anna Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Don't knock. I will leave
The front door open after
Changing all the locks."

Excerpt From: Marla Miniano and Reese Lansangan. “The Maps That Contain Us”

I bought this because Reese is one of my favorite indie artists. The whole collection of poems was overall just okay, but there were a few striking and beautiful pieces. The illustrations by Jamie Catt throughout out book were amazing!

But wasn't that bad but it wasn't the mind-blowing kind of good either.

[Mx. Andy Feje · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost feel like I’m not the right audience for this book. To be honest, the initial few pieces didn’t resonate with me. But, given its brevity, I figured I'd finish it anyway. It was only when I reached the midway point that I began to appreciate it, especially the story '48th and 8th.' I guess the most compelling pieces are saved for the end, so don’t put it down before you reach page 52. My personal favorite is 'Boarding Pass.’

[Mary Fishcher · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was given to me by a dear friend of mine. So despite the somewhat low rating, I still hold this book to my heart.

I flew by it---not really ever truly being immersed in the world the authors were introducing. I preferred Reese's stuff. Marla's, I didn't dig much, but she had some good ones.

Maybe this isn't just for me. Or maybe I'm just not in the right space to absorb now. I'll reread this someday. Maybe then I'd like it.

[Deedee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say "heart-warming" or "a delightful read," but I don't think those words are appropriate. The best books always pierce through the heart and express what you're afraid or couldn't find the right words to say. This little treasure of a poetry book did just that, and I love it!

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars
Not bad but not that good.

[a · Rating 4 out of 5]

kind of extremely beautiful at times

[Jireh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-wrenching at some point.
Finished this while killing time trying to move on from parts we didn't mean to grow inside of us,
ganern.

[Vernon Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

more of 3.5...

loved some parts but the rest of it was just okay

[Janelle Tanguin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[cy · Rating 4 out of 5]

as someone who longs to find a new home to grow my wings to, this was the goldmine. i loved it so much.

[Shelby Lehman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the foreword and the idea of the book. Great Haikus. Great art. The short stories didn’t grab me.

[Teng Calijan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book got me through difficult nights — the homey and cozy vibes the pieces have given off calmed my soul. 🤍

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how insightful and liberating some pieces are. It made me realize that reflection is indeed the highest form of self care. It really felt good finishing this on the first day of the year, it gave me the idea to retrace my steps that led me to what I am now.

[Gretchen Filart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book of poetry and flash fiction. Both Marla and Reese offer well-written pieces that are rich, relevant, accessible, heartwarming, and sometimes, sting.