Nothing Is Predictable

by Adalina Mae

Zara is just eight years old when her father, in a drunken rampage, accidentally shoots himself dead. Her traumatic childhood memories leave her struggling with romantic attachments and hinder her from developing healthy relationships. Seeking answers, she meets a monk for wisdom and a gypsy for insight.

Adalina Mae takes us on a journey interspersed with heartbreaking moments and hilarious escapades.

This is life, and nothing is predictable. The story keeps you on your toes, revealing a surprising twist:

• Why does Zara have recurrent nightmares of her last night with her father?
• Why does she struggle with love?

264 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2018

About the author

With a distinguished career spanning over seventeen years in entertainment and fifteen years in corporate management, Adalina Mae brings a unique and valuable perspective to her work as an author. Informed by her personal journey through childhood trauma, Adalina's writing seeks to inspire optimism and resilience, reminding readers of their inherent ability to navigate life's complexities. Following a successful transition from the corporate sector to her lifelong dream of writing, Adalina is dedicated to sharing messages of forgiveness and humanitarian values through her captivating storytelling.

Reviews

[Yelda Basar Moers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adalina Mae’s autobiographical novel begins in Lebanon in the 1970s. Zara at the age of eight is fleeing and hiding from her abusive, explosive and alcoholic father. He soon after gets shot and dies. Zara is made to believe it is an accident. From that moment on Zara has nightmares about her father that haunt her and follow her into her adulthood. The story moves from Lebanon, to the U.S., to Switzerland, to meditation in a Buddhist Temple in Japan, to Rome, where Zara seeks adventure, but also spiritual and personal truth. She seeks the space to understand herself and how to shape and make sense of her life.

This is a journey of identity, of self, of love, and of being willing to get to the marrow of life, to its core, to find a true path. Zara struggles through her love life but during the process she discovers her higher self. Part of this journey is through martial arts, but also through experiencing all kinds of relationships, including a marriage and engagement. She also gives up the love of her life. In the end, she makes peace with herself, and her father by forgiving him. As a result, she discovers what really happened to him.

I loved this story. It made me cry; it gave me chills. It really has all the parts that make autobiographical novels such a compelling and heartfelt form of prose! I was truly inspired by Zara’s courage, her hutzpah, her relentless pursuit to live life to its deepest marrow and to discover her own truth. And I loved Zara as a narrator! She’s tough, she’s spunky, she’s beautiful, she’s got a good heart, and she karate chops wayward misbehaving husbands! Most importantly, I admired Zara for never giving up on her true path as hard as it was.

“I was thirty-five, married and divorced once, engaged once, and I was not going to put myself through that torture again. It was time to focus on what the universe wanted me to pursue. Maybe marriage or relationships were not meant for me. Putting things in perspective, I asked myself, How many times am I going to try and fail at this? Maybe it wasn’t the life I was meant to lead…I am at peace when I am single. Looking back at all the times I’ve been in relationships, in most of them I searched for love without knowing how to love. I was always angry. Happiness doesn’t come from another person, happiness comes from within, from the ability to love without holding onto bitter thoughts. God and the universe gave me the gift of life to love and forgive…I think being true to ourselves is all that matters. You know that positive feeling you get in your mind and soul when something feels right without effort? That’s it...Anyway! Nothing is predictable and nothing can last forever…”

[Carrie (The Butterfly Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story about finding yourself and dealing with all the crap that life throws at you. I loved it. It's so real and true and the characters are top notch. The plot is simple but it doesn't always feel that way. You feel the emotion with these characters and sometimes it feels like there is no way out.

I can't even imagine the childhood Zara had and the things she had to deal with but she came out of all this so strong in my opinion. I love her.

This book would make an amazing movie and I would be there on opening night. This is also a great diverse story. The kind that people are looking for! A must read for anyone!

Thanks to the author for reaching out to me on LinkedIn and giving me a copy of this amazing book!

[Julia Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I'd realise when I bought this book that it was an autobiography, I probably wouldn't have bought it, as that is not a genre I particularly enjoy. However, that would have been a shame, as Nothing is Predictable is a tightly written, entertaining read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Charting the journey of Zara through her life, from abused and lonely childhood in the Lebanon to successful American businesswoman, the plot cracks along at a fair old pace. It was interesting to read about a different culture, and the struggles the young Zara had trying to fit in, and I liked those bits of the book best.

However, the main focus of the book are the men in Zara's life, and her trials and tribulations trying to find the right one to settle down with. Not giving any spoilers, but if I'd been Zara, I think I would have given up!

There are some lovely touches of humour throughout, and homespun family life, which are warming and enjoyable, and I wished there had been more of them, as they were the parts I particularly enjoyed. Zara's relationship with her mother, her brothers and sisters, and her conflicted memories of her father and the effect it has on her personality and her life choices.

Although generally the book is an entertaining read and rushes the reader along, I did feel at times it went a little too fast. Whole years were spanned in one sentence, and I felt like begging the author to slow down so I could catch my breath. Also, there is very little description or emotional motivation in the story, and I do tend to enjoy those in a novel. But then, as I said, this is an autobiography, and is not my favourite genre for that very reason and so this is a purely personal observation and in no way detracts from the books merit and its well-deserved five stars.

The book ends on a question. What is Zara going to do next? Where will life take her? And I really hope the author has a sequel planned to satisfy Zara fans everywhere, of which I am now one.

[Deborah Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite

Born in the United States, and living much of her childhood in her parents' native Lebanon, Zara often felt like she did not fit into either culture. Add in the fact that her next older sibling was ten years older than her, and her father’s alcoholism worsened over the years, Zara had more life challenges. Her father was a successful and loving man when he was sober, frightening when he was inebriated. He died tragically at a young age, leaving Zara caring for her mother. Adalina Mae, author of the novel Nothing is Predictable, presents a realistic, multicultural story. The book covers several decades of Zara’s life, from childhood to mid-thirties, detailing her singing and business careers, as well as a failed marriage and several serious love relationships. Zara illustrates the resilience and courage of a woman who has experienced trauma, betrayal, and other heartbreaking situations. Her commitment to her family always remained the most important aspect of her life.

Nothing is Predictable is both an entertaining and a thought-provoking novel, due to the excellent writing skills of author Adalina Mae. While there are fun and humorous scenes, there are also difficult ones – similar to real life. The tone of Ms. Mae’s storytelling is memoir-like, told in a chronological sequence. There is a seemingly effortless flow in this easy-to-read book. Yet, there is much substance within the book, filled with important life lessons. The ending is unforeseen, explaining some of the struggles of Zara’s life. There are still some loose ends – just like life. Well done!

[Ray Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is Predictable by Adalina Mae is a short but powerful novel about the twists and turns life can take you through before you are even sure who you are or begin to get a glimpse of what life is about. Sometimes I think that all of us have troubled childhoods, but undoubtedly some childhoods are more troubled than others and in my opinion make for stronger people and stories. This is one reason I liked Zara, the protagonist in Nothing is predictable so much. I believe that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and Zara is a very strong but troubled woman. She is most definitely an American woman and I think American women will relate to her story. This is especially true if they are the daughters of immigrants. I think children of parents who just immigrated to America have an especially confusing childhood as they try to combine all the aspects of their heritage with the American life that they absorb in school.

Beautifully and honestly written, Nothing is Predictable takes us around the world as Zara tries to come to terms with her past, while at the same time find what we all seek, love and happiness. Adalina Mae has a unique and very powerful, yet subtle way of telling a story. I think women will relate to Zara more than men will, but all fans of good writing will like Nothing is Predictable. The characters will move you, the story will move you, and the title makes all the sense in the world. Nothing is predictable. Sometimes we just can’t find the answer. Sometimes we just must be content with who we are. This is a powerful story by a powerful woman. I am glad I read it. You will be too.

[Mei's Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Nothing is Predictable" is the first novel of Adalina Mae.
While I was reading it, I kept reminding myself that this book was not an autobiography and that Zara is not our writer.

Before I explain what I felt about this book, I would like to say that it is not my cup of tea.
Her writing is simple and dynamic, so I didn't have to push myself to read it.
Moreover, this story reminds me of "Eat, Pray and Love", a story that I truly loved, although the end is not the same.

Zara is an American woman with Lebanese roots who defeats a complicated childhood with her alcoholic father and some other issues.
After the death of his father, she goes back to America to restart her life surrounded by her family.

Not only does she become an independent and successful woman, she also endeavours to find the man who deserves her the most.
But it is not as easy as it seems...

This book is a beautiful mix of cultures and thoughts. I strongly believe that we need more open-minded people in this world and Adalina shows all the aspects. There were several moments that were special for me because they remind me of my own family.
However, I must admit that I got tired after so many love failures. I even started to yell at poor Zara!

Despite this, I am curious about what will happen in the next book.
I don't like unfinished stories and Zara's will not be an exception.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a story about self growth and realistic, I recommend reading it.

My rating: 3.5 stars

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Main character, Zara, is a complicated woman of Lebanese descent. The book opens up when she was 8 years old with a very realistic scene showing the terror she, her mom, and older siblings had to go through while they were young. Their dad was a drunk, abusive man, who took his anger out on Zara’s mother but only when he was drunk which was almost all the time. The first chapter pulls you in with the fear that young Zara and her mom feel as they run to hide in a barn from the drunken man who is threatening to kill them.

When Zara’s dad dies in a drunken brawl she and her mom leave Lebanon and move to America where her older married brother was living. Her two older sisters remained in Lebanon at that time because they had their own families.

Without a father, Zara takes on the responsibility of the man of the house. She takes care of her mother and does her best to earn enough money to keep them both in a reasonable living condition. But all throughout her adult life Zara is plagued with a dream of the time when her father went after Zara and her mom as they hid from him in the barn.

During the course of the novel we see how Zara tries to come to grips with how her dad acted and how it relates to her relationship with men.

Zara married at a very age and within a year she was divorced. Trying to get over her doomed marriage and the nightmares about her father, Zara continued to work hard to maintain being a famous Lebanese singer within the Lebanese American community. When she left the entertainment world she worked equally as hard to start her own successful business. She struggled to become her own woman and to eventually come to terms with her father’s behavior.

“Nothing Is Predictable” by Adalina Mae is a unique type of book. I don’t know for sure but I suspect there are some autobiographical accounts here. The writing seems very real to me, so much so that it has me believing that Ms. Mae went through similar tragedies that her character, Zara, had experienced.

Each chapter is almost like a vignette. There are no long spiels about Zara’s life. Instead readers are told briefly, but with enough description, to let us know what’s going on and I appreciated that. I like a good story that doesn’t slow me down by rehashing something that was said two chapters earlier and filled with flowery language. Hey, that’s just me. But on that note I do have to say that I loved all the countries that Zara visited and the short but thorough descriptions that the author gave. I kind of would like to visit Lebanon now because Ms. Mae makes it sound so beautiful and yet still dangerous.

As for Zara, I’m not sure if I like her. I admire her for taking care of her mother and making sure she was always safe but I feel like Zara didn’t care for herself. She jumps from man to man seeming to fall “in love” at the first sight of some hunky male. Maybe 20 and 30 year old’s are like that, I don't know. I might have been the same way in my younger days, I don’t remember but it bothered me that Zara was like this. She’s a smart woman who could take care of her mom, her business, her singing career, become successful, and yet let herself become spineless at the sight of a man. The only time you saw the real Zara come out was when the man hurt her and only then did she’d become the bulldog she was in her business life. There were times I wanted to shake this young woman and scream, “Open your eyes!”

I will say that some of the problems that Zara encountered with the men were of a religious aspect. Her family did not want Zara to date pr marry anyone who wasn't Christian. Zara didn't see a problem being with someone of another faith but her family interfered on many occasions with Zara's love life because of their beliefs. Religion does have a big part of the story and pushes the tale forward.

Saying that I’m not sure if I like the main character or not doesn’t really mean much except for the fact the author did a wonderful job in creating such a complicated, smart, yet weak woman. Many authors create their protagonists into the perfect specimen of the human race: beautiful, witty, fun, successful, and everyone adores them. But no one is really like that. To me it’s a sign of a great author who can create a main character who can do great things but is far from perfect. That’s Zara. It’s okay that I’m not sure how likable she is because she makes me think and not resent her because she's perfect.

Would I read another book about Zara? Heck yes. I’d like to travel with her some more. I’d like to see what she’s done with her life. I‘d like to learn how her family’s doing.

“Nothing Is Predictable” is one good book. I breezed through it in a little over a day. The hard part was getting my thoughts together to write this review. It took me longer to write about it than to read it.

Author Adalina Mae is a fine author who weaves a good tale, be it fictional or a bit autobiographical. It never hurts to try a new a writer. You just might discover a gem, like I did, in Ms. Mae.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads like a memoir. I had to keep reminding myself that Zara (the protagonist in the book) is not Adalina (the author). However, some of the book is indeed based on true events. So, which parts?

This book was not really my “cup of tea”. However, it was impossible not to like Zara and to be able to relate to her struggles. I think most women will be able to relate to her.

Zara was born in Los Angeles to Lebanese parents. Her childhood is somewhat veiled as she had multiple sexual molestations, one of which is she unable to recall. Her now-deceased father, while pampering his “princess” was also an abusive alcoholic. Zara has one disastrous relationship after another with men. Zara must confront her feelings regarding her father before she can find peace.
The writing flowed smoothly, as if I were reading Zara’s journal. I followed Zara’s travels from the US to Lebanon to Switzerland to Italy. She was quick to fall for men, especially gorgeous men. She was vulnerable and used by some, loved by some, hurt by them all. At times I wanted to wipe away her tears, or slap her and tell her to grow up, or have some wine and get drunk with her.

While not my “cup of tea” I still found the book to be enjoyable. It did keep me interested, wondering what she will be up to next.

[Nancy Dabit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adalina, I was taken by this story as my background is also a Lebanese Christian like Zara. You certainly got the culture and humor of Zara perfectly, particularly, the tension between Muslim and Christian Lebanese marriages. Overall I loved Zara's story and strength. It's great you showed that love conquers all no matter what religion.

I read the article on East County Magazine. congratulations for touching the lives of other families and bonding them together through the message of what Zara tells us.

It seems that you are Zara in her young age, its sad to know you experienced the abuse you have. however , showing women can be strong no matter what their circumstances are is a great message for readers.

Thank you Adalina, this story is an inspiration to many women and I thank you for spreading the message of forgiveness and strength to the world.

This definitely needs to be a movie, I've been following your posts.
This is a cultural new read that readers need with many emotional chapters and humor thrown in to diversify the mood.

The scene with Zara at her dad's graveyard singing to him really touched me.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great debut novel


'Nothing is predictable' tells the story of Zara, who is born in the states to lebanese parents. Very early in her life she experiences great trauma that stretches over the period of a few years. We follow Zaras life back and forth between Lebanon and USA, learn how she tries to deal with the bad experiences she encountered as a child, read how she grows up to be a strong, successful, funny and very lovable woman who just seems to not be able to catch a break from getting her heart broken over and over again.



I really enjoyed the writing style, the story had a great flow to it and was a pleasure to read. Some parts had me in tears while others had me laugh out loud. I feel like, especially in the last few chapters, the story becomes really inspiring.



I am very much looking forward to the next book and finding out where Zaras story will take her next.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Adalina Mae's book Nothing is Predictable. I love an author with a sense of humor, and Adalina Mae's comes through even in the book's difficult situations. Her character Zara is loveable, funny and very believable, making it easy for readers to identify with her. The author has the gift of writing like her character actually speaks. The writing is intensely visual and I can easily imagine it as a movie. This is no fluffy romance. It is about love and death and tragedy and soul mates and the overcoming of odds after walking through fire (figuratively), and the narrative is sustained throughout by that wonderful sense of humor. Highly recommend.

[Suzy Shearer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended this book to me I wasn't sure as it isn't my usual type of read but I have to admit I loved it.
It proves you can overcome anything. The 'heroine' Zara's journey takes her back and forth between Lebanon and the US. We join her on her travels facing all that life throws at her - sometimes with anger and madness and sometimes with dignity.
I like the ending, the final realisation of who she was and her acceptance.
A quick read but well worth every minute.

[Elsie El-Khoury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the story within this novel!!The Incredible journey that the character Zara went on was truly heart felt. There was never a dull moment, a true must read!! I read your profile and completely agree with you Adalina it will make for a great movie for sure!

[Chanel]

I was honored when author Adalina Mae reached out to me on Instagram and asked me if I would review a copy of her debut title Nothing is Predictable. The story delineates the life and struggles of Zara, a Lebanese-American woman whose childhood trauma follows her throughout her life. The story opens to Zara enjoying adulthood abroad, then backtracks through the tragedies, heartbreaks, and victories of her life which bring her to this opening moment. The reader is carried through Zara's first-person accounts of abuse, love, loss, betrayal, self-determination, career success, adventure, and a plethora of other life obstacles that help the reader to understand the strong, independent woman who narrates the story.

I appreciated the multicultural diversity of Adalina Mae's story. In today's world, especially living in America in the 21st century, one would be hard-pressed to miss the wide array of cultural and ethnic backgrounds that comprise our unitary, yet divisive, society. Author's like Adalina Mae attempt to bring multicultural awareness to the forefront of society through writing. As Mae's main character Zara travels between the United States, Lebanon, and even through other European adventures, the reader is introduced to a multitude of characters whose backgrounds are quite different. Mae is able to present these characters interacting in a way that unites the diversity of the world, while still subtly addressing issues such as religious conflicts, Islamaphobia, and the struggles that arise from culturally-diverse (and long distance) partnerships. Each of these hot-button topics are worldwide social concerns for many, and by presenting them through fiction many readers are better able to understand how to live in such a diverse world platform.

As noted, the main character is a Lebanese-American woman. She spends much of her time in these two parts of the world which is where Mae concentrates most of the writing. A reader is quick to infer that the author herself is personally invested in these two cultures, as these are the two cultures that receive the most detail and explanation throughout the story. For example, in some of the opening chapters, Zara explains her childhood in Lebanon and often refers to culturally-specific references of places and food. These are details that anyone familiar with this region and culture would be quick to understand, but as a reader who is ignorant to many cultures outside of my own (not for wont of trying, just due to the sheer breadth of cultural diversity in the world) I somewhat appreciated the times that the author was able to explain some of these references. However, there were other times that these explanatory tangents seemed to detract from the flow of the story. I sometimes found myself wishing for a more seamless showing through imagery and detail rather than an explanatory side note provided through the narrative that seemed to diverge from the fluidity of the plot. Even so, I appreciated that Mae made the effort to ensure that all of her readers, regardless of background or experience, could access the details of Zara's life.

Zara as a character, even without all of the life events that happen to and around her, is a very complex character. Being a culturally diverse character, she is often presented as feeling "other" - a feeling that many readers can identify with in one way or another. When Zara spends time in America, she feels out of place when returning to Lebanon. After living in Lebanon, she feels out of place when she comes back to America. To add to this, Zara is much younger than all of her siblings, but much older than her next youngest relatives, which leaves her in this continual in-between. She is not overly feminine in a way that separates her on a certain level from other female characters throughout, but it is also clear that the male characters do not accept her into the world of masculinity, either. This liminal space in which Zara lives her entire life contributes heavily to her continued search for belonging. The whole story is about her search for a sense of stability through seeking answers to life-long unanswered questions, career advancements and changes, adventuring into (and out of) multiple relationships, and many other soul-searching endeavors. In it's entirety, one can appreciate the arc of Zara's journey and the self-realizations she comes to at the end of the novel about her family, her life, her relationships and -most importantly - her own being.

While the overall unity of the novel is revealed at the end, I found myself consistently questioning the importance of individual aspects of the story. While the narrative flows linearly and Mae clearly explains the different times in Zara's life with smooth transitions and concrete dates, it still reads somewhat disjointed for me. Through many of Zara's life stories, I felt that I was just jumping from one individualized story to the next at a too-rapid pace. It wasn't until the end of the story (the last two to three chapters) where each of the pieces makes more sense. It is in these last pages when Zara, herself, is finally able to grasp some meaning and understanding from each of her life milestones, so I can understand that the pace of the story matches Zara's own (lack of) self-realization. However, I still felt that as a reader I needed much more depth, detail, and emotion from each of Zara's life stories. Zara is such a busy, entrepreneurial go-getter that she consistently takes on a lot throughout the story. Aside from the four or five different men that she tries to settle down with (at different times), she also attends and graduates from university and uses her diploma for a short while, leaves that behind and has a booming career as a musician for a stretch of her life, and eventually settles that down to run a managing agency for other artists. All of this happens simultaneously with the aforementioned relationships/marriages, her study of martial arts, her taking care of her sick mother, her traveling the world, and her adventure into self-discovery. I often wanted more out of each of these different plot points and I wanted more of an understanding of how they all intermingled within her life together rather than as separate individualized stories. Because there was a lack of cohesion among these different parts, it made Zara feel less authentic to me because I didn't see how any one person could take on this much in life and still find success in so many areas when the average person struggles with one, regular nine-to-five job and still can't seem to afford time off to vacation or even visit family, let alone take care of them. More development, or less breadth in terms of Zara's endeavors, might have made this feel more real for me.

Along with this lack of intertwining of Zara's multifaceted lifestyle, Mae's writing style was hard for me to get into at first. The narrative was much more straight forward and formal than what I am used to reading. Most information was presented directly to the reader in an informative manner. There were few instances where I felt I was being led to information, few places where I was to use information to infer about the story, and very little that I picked up on in terms of symbolism or metaphor. It was a telling story rather than a leading story, which many readers find much more accessible. I, personally, am used to a different style of writing, but once I became familiar with the tone of the piece and Zara's narrative voice, it was much easier through the remainder of the novel.

Overall, the story was a very quick read. Because there is a consistent adventure that Zara is going on, it kept me reading to see what she was going to do or get into next. However, as noted previously, many of these plot points felt rushed and underdeveloped. Many of the relationships that Zara enters into throughout the story seem extremely rushed as there is little in terms of build up and back story with each new suitor. As well, while her musical career and passion for martial arts are consistently brought up throughout the novel as important aspects of her character, there are only a few minor story lines that bring deeper understanding to these facets of her life. As such, I was left with many unanswered questions about so many of these plot pieces that I hope to have answered in the sequel.

For anyone looking for a quick read in the vain of Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love where one woman goes through much of what life has to offer and comes out the other end a changed individual, then this is the story to pick up. The story is available in paperback through Amazon and Barnes & Noble and in eBook through Kindle, Kobo, and iBooks.

[Duchess Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to gather all my thoughts first because actually, I have a lot of words to say about this book. I still can't believe all the tragedy that came into Zara's life. If I had the opportunity to wear Zara's shoes, I wouldn't know what to do. Because honestly speaking, no one wants to experience all that. From transitive circulation of homes from America to Lebanon and Lebanon back to America and then repeating all that again. I really don't have an idea how Zara overcame her adjustments growing up. Because if someone was put in the same situation as Zara, they will definitely rebel or destroy their life.
What makes me more hooked to this story is that Zara's families problems are similar to mine. I'm not sure who is the luckier one, Zara or me?
From this book, I realized and learnt some important lessons. Aside from the fact that everyone has their own struggles, it all depends on each one of us how we handle our problems differently.
Having a monstrous father when drink, with so many traumatic experiences, being molested twice at such a young age, growing up with no proper guidance, dealing with relationships, and continous nightmares that keep hunting you every time you close your eyes. What can I say? Is there anything worse the universe can throw at you?
At first, I felt sorry for her, because she's too kind and was too young to deserve this life. But at the end of the day, I salute her for being brave enough to face this roller coaster trip and still make it to the top.
This book will open your eyes, to see all the possibilities and chances life brings us. We often say it's hard to forget and let go of grudges. I am like that, it's hard for me to forgive because I still can't manage to forget the painful past, but now after reading Zara's story, how will I be able to forget ,if I don't learn how to forgive like Zara did? Since reading about Zara in Nothing is Predictable, I think I have learnt my lesson now. I admit, it was hard for me at first, especially when you get to used to living life without knowing how to firgive, but still, I finally did it. I can't believe that I am also capable of forgiving someone even though I'm not asked to. And guess what my result is? I've realized that it is much easier and freeing to my soul to live my life without holding on to painful grudges, hatred, and burdens in my heart.
That's why I highly recommend this book to all readers. It's not just a book or a typically fluffy story. It is a mirror of mankind's daily life experience to notice the negative and positive side of life. It doesn't matter who makes the mistake, it doesn't matter how many times you slip, stumble or screw up, What matters most, is you know how to stand up from the blunder and challenges of life. Once you stand up from all the heartaches, you will be a different person. A perfect vase that is molded with time from your life's experience.
I rated it 5/5 because it made me feel all the possible emotions this book can give a reader. This is one of a kind and must say, now, one of my favorite novels. I can see why it will be an amazing movie.
Adalina, I want to sue you for making me a crying-baby as I read your story, Lol! Of course I'm just kidding. Kudos to you Adalina Mae. You're right, Nothing is Predictable, because we can't predict what will happen to us in life. All we have to do is go with the flow and fight for what we believe in, even though at times it's not worth fighting for, as long as we believe in something, we should stand up for it.


Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Problem. It is already part of us. Without this, life is not complete.

[iamnotabookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just got a DM from the author yesterday via Instagram that I won an ebook of this same book. I joined the Author's of Instagram Summer Giveaway Hop. I thanked and told her that I already have a copy of this book from Netgalley. I suggested she give my prize to someone else so s/he can read her book. I have read her book but have not written a review, yet. The author gave me some updates about the book and was thrilled to be in-the-know of what's going on. I am happy for the author and looking forward to finally see the plans come to fruition.

I love stories about people or characters of mixed heritage or background. Reading about other characters like those in the Middle East like the books of Khaled Hosseini (A Thousand Splendid Suns, The Mountains Echoed, etc.) is just very refreshing. It's good to hear the everyday lives of these people who are just like the rest of us. Going through each day with hardwork and wishes that tomorrow will be better. It's a far cry from the bad news we hear about civil wars and bombings. And this story is the same. Though the setting changes from Lebanon to the US and other places Zara has travelled to, it can't be denied that a large chunk of the story is centered around a character of Lebanese descent. I love to travel and I guess that's where my undying curiosity to learn about other cultures springs from. And this story just gave me a peek into the lives of people in Lebanon, especially during the most tumultuous time in their history.

As I see it, this story is tragic. At first, I can't decide if I like the main character-Zara. She just has this penchant to ignore her instincts. I mean who does that, right? The ending, she always ends up with her heart more broken each time. It's such a pity. But then, when you understand where she's coming from, your heart will bleed for her. What she has been through was terrible. And no child, should witness what her mother and her father had to go through. It was really horrible. And the only thing she knows of trying to ease her anger and hatred for her father was think of the good times, though it was never enough to absolve him of all his faults.

And her choices of men in her life. Wow! I admit I can't judge her but I always wonder if she ever learned from her mistakes? The only thing I could say is she should have listened to her instincts. I think it is more reliable than her brain or her heart. I think it is better to be cautious than be sorry. Always sorry, as it appears to be her luck each time. But she also learned her lessons. Only it took years for her to actually examine her choices. I actually rooted for her to still end up with her first love. Sigh.

In the end, Zara is a strong woman. Being able to decide that she can do well on her own without any man. She must learn to love herself more so she can be whole. She must come to terms with all her issues and baggage before she tackles more. I can't fault Zara for all the mistakes she made or her misplaced trust. Each person learns at her/his own pace. Some of us do well in some aspects where others are having a hard time. We each have our own strengths and our own challenges. Zara did too. The best we can do is live our lives the best way we can. On our own terms as long as we don't hurt anyone in the process, including ourselves.

The best part of the story is when Zara decided to travel to de-stress. I think it was the best decision she has ever made. Based on my own experience, travelling puts things into perspective. It allows for self-growth and healing that start within. I think it's the best cure for all ailments--especially for a broken heart and a shattered spirit. Though, I was a bit dismayed that the story did not end with Zara finally finding the love that she needed. I liked that Zara resolved to delve deeper into the death of her father. I think it would make for a good sequel to this story. And it would show another facet or strength of her character which I really want to see.

I give this book 4/5 tarboush hats. Zara is just like the rest of us. We know life is very unpredictable, no matter how much we painstakingly make plans and try to prepare for it. You will never know what's gonna hit you. The only thing we can do is rise up every time we fall and to remember "to be meaner than our demons" (quote from The Day You Went Away by Jennifer Millikin).

I didn't need all that heartache and trauma in my life to be the person I am today!


If you always do what you've done, you always get what you've always gotten.

- Adalina Mae, Nothing is Predictable -


Thank you again, Netgalley and Adalina Mae for the review copy.

[Naadhira Zahari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more descriptive rather than dialogue and I didn't really enjoy reading it like that. I feel that the author should keep the back stories short but precise rather than go on and on about it. I get it that the author wants to tell the whole story of what happened but in my opinion, it dragged the story and made it look dull.

I didn't feel the connection between the characters, especially Zara. I just couldn't understand why she did what she did. I also didn't feel the romance and spark between her and her love interests.

I end my review of this book with the thought that this book could be a really great book to someone else but its just not my cup of tea.

[Janine Zaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adalina and I know eachother on instagram, where I first came upon her book Nothing is predictable....I didn't know if I would read it at first.
I was really drawn into the story, but it's written in English and that is a foreign language for me. After thinking about it a little while, I decided I was to curious not to try.

Adalina really took me by the hand during reading Nothing is predictable. She told me the life Zara.....an American-Lebanese girl living in America, whos's father says there are going on vacation to Lebanon, but after a while spending time there, they find out that they are going to stay in Lebanon for quite some time. During that time she endures various traumatic experiences that stay with her trougout her life, still she has a beautiful future ahead.
She becomes a really beautiful young woman, that knows what she wants and doesn't wants. What she really wants in life,is actually what everybody wants, and that is to be loved, but somehow she doesn't succeed.
She knows if she wants to find it she needs to get some closure for the things that have happend in her past. The question is will she find closure and will she find the love she is longing for?
If you want to find out please read this incredibly good written rollercoaster.....I can recommand it to anybody.

Qoute Nothing is predicatble: page 235:
I arrived at the pavilion where Kuya was waiting for me. Mmmmm, I see you failed that task, she said to me yet still smiled. How do you know I failed? Maybe I didnt, I smirked.
You wouldn't be here so soon if you hadn't failed. Ahhh, you're right! I struggled and failed. Dejected, I sighed and sat next to her on the bench. Don;t force it but persist. Consistency will break that wall eventually. Keep meditating, and let it come to you naturally. You need to forgive him, and you need to forgive those who assulted you. Forgiveness. Forgiveness. Forgiveness.
No point in carrying a heavy load on your shoulders. Drop it, the same as you'd drop a sack of potatoes.

The story is well written, short chapters, enough information to get you trough the book. It has some tearjerkers that are followed by a lot of humor and how Adalina combines those two is scary good.

If I may tell you a secret.....I normalyy don't like short chapters and enough information. In tje case of Nothing is predictable I loved it. It kept me guessing and imagining what would happen next. I was really a part of the story, sometimes even in the part of Zara.
Sometimes after reading chapters I was really drawn into I had to think for a couple of minutes where I was and whre I layed the book down and that was really what I love in a book.
The end of the book is open and really leaves you hanging for a sequel. I already told Adalina what my questions are after reading this first book and what I really would like to find out in the sequel.

And last but not least Adalina has a talent of writing something terrible happening and then be strong and laugh about it. The book learned me that there could Always be something more terrible waiting around the corner, but if you stay strong, don't show you are afraid and Always choose yourself with a little humor about it....there is no way you're not going to make it.
She doesn't write about the fairytale princess who has to snap her fingers and gets everythong deliverd on a golden plattern, she writes about a girl who is working hard, has a heart of gold and Always finds her way around.

I think that is the main reason I love the book so much and would like to reccomand it to everyone.

Have fun reading.

Hugs and kisses Janine

[Janine Zaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adalina and I know eachother on instagram, where I first came upon her book Nothing is predictable....I didn't know if I would read it at first. I was really drawn to the story but it was in English, but I was to curious not to try it. I was first really excited but also very anxcious. This because English isn't my native language and I hadn't read in English in I think a year or 13. I had said for some time now I wanted to pick up English reading again but for some reason I kept pushing it ahead. After I read the story I thought it was to good not to write a review about it.

Adalina really took me by the hand during reading Nothing is predictable. She told me of the life of Zara....a American-Lebanese girls who's father says they are going on vacation to Lebanon and then they're staying there for quite some time.
During that time she endures various of traumatic experiences that stay with her troughout her life, she has a beautiful future ahead.
She becomes a really beautiful young woman, that knows what she wants and what she doesn't want.
But the only thing she really wants is to be loved and somehow that doesn't succeed. She knows if she wants to find it she needs to get some closure of the things that happened in her past. The question is will she get this closure? If you want to find out this answer. Please read this incredibly good written rollercoaster.....I can recommend it to everyone.

The story is well written, short chapters, enough information to get you through the book. It has some tearjerkers that are followed by a lot of humor and how Adalina combines those too is scary good.

If I may tell you a secret....normally I don't like short chapters and enough information. In the case of Nothing is predictable I loved it. It kept me guessing and imagining what would happen next. I was really a part of the book, sometimes even in the part Zara.
Sometimes after reading chapters I was really drawn into I had to think for a couple of minutes where I was and where I layed the book down. And that is really what I love in a book.
The end of the book is open and really leaves you hanging for the sequel. I already told Adalina what my questions where after the first book and what I really would like to find out what happens in the sequel.

And last but not least Adalina has a talent of writing something terrible happening and then be strong and laugh about it. The book learned me that there could always be something more terrible waiting around the corner. But if you keep strong, don't show you are afraid and always choose yourself and have a little humor about it....there is no way you aren't going to make it.
She doesn't write about the fairytale princess who has to snap her fingers and gets everything delivered on a golden plattern. She writes of a girl who works hard, has a heart of gold and always finds her way around.

I think that is the main reason why I love the book so much and would like to reccomand it to everyone.
And rated it 5 out of 5.

Have fun reading.

Hugs and kisses Janine

[Christina Francine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oppression and abuse of women happens in every culture, which leaves struggling with intimate relationships with men thereafter. In Nothing is Predictable, Adalina shares her story of Zara from the age of eight years-old when Zara’s drunken father, who is in a rage, chases after her and her mother. He beat her mother often, though he loved his family and was a good man when sober. His altered state left his wife and daughters on edge, suspicious, and often non-trusting of men in general. Add sexual abuse to Zara’s experiences when she was only a six-year-old girl and she grows to believe that independence and freedom are her only safe solution. Adalina’s story profiles how a tragic beginning with men can affect a woman’s ability for a healthy relationship with a man accordingly, whether subconsciously or not.

Adalina’s story is first about abused women’s struggle and secondly a multi-cultural story about a Lebanese woman. Zara was born in the United States but lived part of her life in Lebanon, and didn’t feel as if she fit in either culture. Her story opens with eight-year old Zara running with her mother for safety from her father, and wasn’t the first time. He’d terrorized his family for years, beating and abusing especially his wife. When he died, Zara became the sole provider for her mother. Zara utilized and accomplished her singing and business career.

Toward the end of her account, Zara reflects on her life. Besides losing her alcoholic father, other men molested her as a girl resulting in attempts for a healthy relationship as an adult faltered. Time and time again she’d tried, but by her mid-thirties she was still single. She’d married and divorced, been engaged twice, suffered other dysfunctional relationships, and was childless. During this reflection, she wonders why she can’t have a healthy relationship. The oppression and abuse had affected her ability but she doesn’t come out and say so. Adalina sharing her story of Zara seems to be as a message for abusive men from every culture. Women would rather be alone than be in an abusive and oppressive relationship. They can and do well at taking care of themselves and loneliness is better when it also offers independence and safety.

A sobering and thoughtful read with a message written in first-person ending with a cliffhanger.

[jackmagnus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Nothing Is Predictable is a contemporary romantic fiction novel written by Adalina Mae. Zara was American-born to Lebanese Christian parents who returned to Lebanon when she was an infant. While she was the proverbial apple of his eye, Zara soon learned to fear her daddy when he had been drinking. A mild-mannered, charitable and caring man who was successful in business, he soon turned to drink every evening, and the family's fortunes began to dwindle. Zara's siblings were older than she and at boarding school during the worst of the drunken rages, but the one evening that had the biggest impact upon her happened when she was eight years old. Throughout her adult life, she'd find herself back in that nightmarish reality in her dreams. She'd be running with her mother to hide in the musty, rat-infested storeroom of a neighbor, listening for the heavy, drunken steps of her beloved daddy who had turned, once again, into some sort of monster. As he wrenched the door open, she would scream until the walls echoed. That evening, her mother was beaten so badly she lost consciousness and nothing Zara could do would stop the rain of blows. Zara grew up to be the sole support of her mother, and was both a popular singer and a successful businesswoman, but her faith in men and belief in the myth of happily ever after would remain on shaky ground indeed.

Adalina Mae's contemporary romantic fiction novel, Nothing Is Predictable, introduces the reader to a thoroughly likable and engaging main character. Zara has her rough edges and a tendency to mask her feelings with seeming disdain, but her strength, resilience, and love of adventure make following her story a joy. Mae addresses serious topics in this tale of romantic misadventure. Zara's memories of her abusive father and her childhood rape by a neighbor sadly inform her attitudes about, and relations with, men, leaving her adrift and unable to feel that something could be predictable about her life. Nothing Is Predictable is a well-written and moving tale that's a pleasure to read. It's most highly recommended.

[Romuald Dzemo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zara is a US citizen, born in LA to Lebanese parents. When she introduces herself, the reader immediately gets the impression of someone who could be real fun, someone who lives life fully, and someone who loves to party, but beneath the outside beauty and the exuberance she exudes, there is a kind of darkness about her, a darkness she’s carried with her from childhood. Zara is a troubled girl because of a traumatic incident that happened when she was a child, an incident that will leave her waking with nightmares, even as she matures into a beautiful woman, seeking meaning and happiness.

Nothing Is Predictable by Adalina Mae chronicles the life of a young woman fighting to make sense out of life, a journey to unveil her true identity and to create the life she wants, and the reader will watch her moving across countries, testing the waters in different relationships. Can she create a beautiful life of her dreams with the recurrent nightmares? There is a lot that readers will enjoy in this story. Zara is a very compelling and a well-developed character and I enjoyed the way the author explores her psychologically. In a story that is fast-paced and filled with unpredictable moments, readers will find themselves turning the pages, itching to discover what happens next to this heroine.

The narrative voice is powerful and very clear. I enjoyed the fact that the story is told in the first person narrative. The narrator introduces the psychological conflict right at the beginning: “I am gazing around at all the other patrons, my mind racing with thoughts of how I got here and why I’ve ended up single, with no children, married once, divorced once, then engaged twice after my divorce. Along with a few short-term dysfunctional relationships.” Readers will undoubtedly enjoy the narrative, the drama, the humor, and those moments they’ll wish they were the protagonist, because there is a lot of humanity in this beautiful story.

[Y.G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing is Predictable by Adalina Mae is the story of Zara, who goes from a girl with a traumatic past to a successful woman. Zara was born in the United States to Lebanese immigrants. Her parents take her and her siblings to visit Lebanon, but the holiday becomes a long stay. She experiences a turbulent childhood because her father is an alcoholic abuser. Tragedy strikes her family and they go back to live in the United States. She embarks in a thriving musical career which fills her with joy and puts her in contact with many people. Things are going well for her, but she experiences a failed marriage at a young age.

At this point, Zara goes through a great transformation. Zara develops resiliency and keeps going with her life. She decides it is time to pursue her own happiness even though this means leaving behind things close to the heart. She changes careers and opens her own business. She travels a lot and meets great and important people along the way. She goes through a few serious relationships.

Despite all of her success, Zara's past keeps coming back to her at night. She starts to realize why her relationships do not go according to plan. She seeks refuge and answers in spirituality. She finds the answers along with a mystery that will keep the readers wanting for more.

I recommend Nothing Predictable by Adalina Mae for a number of reasons. The story is not a traditional one. Zara's identity finds its way through her Lebanese and American roots, giving the story a multicultural outlook much needed in books. Zara travels frequently, showing the readers glimpses of other countries. What is more important, abuse and resiliency are central themes of the story. Readers see a woman fighting back the demons of her past and becoming a strong and independent individual. Lastly, the end is a call for more.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impressed by the powerful yet realistic themes in “Nothing is Predictable,” especially the importance and healing properties of forgiveness. I also applauded and respected Zara’s realization that perhaps she isn’t meant to be married and have some epic love story, but instead that she is most successful when enriching her own life with her own successes and experiences. But most importantly was the message of overcoming hardships and being successful and happy. Zara demonstrated that abuse and trauma during childhood do not have to strangle your entire existence. This novel tells the story of a woman that may not have always been lucky in love and relationships but was determined to build a successful and fulfilling life that was free of fear or regrets.

One complaint or struggle that I had while reading was the writing style. Something about it felt choppy at times and almost too straightforward. The dialogue, both inner and outer, was frequently very simple and direct rather than inspiring the reader to reflect on the situations and consider various conclusions or realities. Otherwise, this was a fantastic story well worth reading. Reading “Nothing is Predictable” absolutely inspires optimism and positive thoughts, reminding the reader that they are strong and can overcome life’s challenges.

*Many thanks to the author for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Pauline Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins in Rome.

Zara introduces herself as an American, born in LA to Lebanese parents. The story is told through Zara.

Her Dad took Zara (who was 6 months old at the time) and family back to Lebanon on holiday, which lasted nine years. Her Dad an alcoholic, her Mum, a disciplinarian. She also had siblings that attended an American boarding school 45 minutes away from where they lived.... thus is the introduction and the start of Zaras very adventurous life.... going to and from America, to Lebanon and back, her life unravels as you can't stop wondering what's going to happen next.

Zara, in her own rights, is a powerful female character, who fights through life, trusting people who let her down, but she gets back up and marches through life.

This story has a message that some will pick up quickly during the book, although most will get it at the end.

This book, for me, was quite powerful, soul enriching and the message throughout the book was quite obvious.

I wasn't disappointed by the ending, as there is a sequel to follow and the author herself said to me that she would like to make this into a Hollywood movie.

I would recommend this to anyone who has at some point in their lifes gone through some sort of hardship, as this story will enrich your thoughts and will give you encouragement and the positive attitude to carry on through, beyond and further.

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing is Predictable is an award-winning, autobiographical story of a young girl growing up in Lebanon with an abusive, alcoholic father, a strong, caring mother and her brother and two sisters. After her father died, Zara and her mother moved to America to start their life over near family.
Zara spends her adulthood travelling, falling in love, and generally leading a glamorous life that many people, myself included, would be envious of. I had to put my Kindle down for a couple of days; the memories she recounts made me think of some deep memories of my own.
This book reads like the author is right there, telling you the story of her life. It doesn’t read like a normal book, which adds to the charm. It’s an easy read, and the story is one that really resonated with me, and I think a lot of people would relate to Zara’s crazy adventures.
Recently winning the silver medal for the 2017 Reader’s Favorite Non-Fiction Autobiography, Nothing is Predictable is sold on Amazon, and on the author’s website, www.adalinamae.com
Read the book, and let me know what you think!

[swatreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! Loved every bit of this book. The story takes place in Lebanon and American setting. Zara is an inspiring character and I love strong female protagonists. She is so positive about life and in spite of going through so much in her life, she still leads her life with confidence and positivity. Loved the twists and turns the story takes as you read further on. I love reading about different cultures. You get to learn so much while enjoying the book. I was surprised I could not put it down once I started reading it. It's fast paced, intriguing and inspiring at the same time. I highly recommend this book. 5 stars totally deserved! Kudos to Author Adalina Mae. Waiting to read many more books written by her.

[Amritika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished reading this one and I need to say that this is one of the best books I have read. The life Zara had and the way she came out of all the hardships is portrayed remarkably. I could relate with her at quite a lot of places in the whole story. It definitely did teach me to find love within before finding it in someone else. The writer is amazing. Keep up the good work. Thank you for this book.

[Vera mallard · Rating 4 out of 5]

STORY-LINE NOTHING IS PREDICTABLE BY ADALINA MAE:

Nothing Is Predictable, full of emotion and angst, follows Zara through life from America to Lebanon and back. Born to Christian parents in America, Zara see's life from both sides of the fence. Moving back to Lebanon as an infant, Zara lives through abuse and mental cruelty.

Following the effects of an alcoholic father, an abused mother, and pedophilia from neighbors, Zara presses on for the answers to a happy existence. Struggling her whole life, with childhood memories and abuses, Zara's journey is anything but smooth. My reviews of the contemporary novel, Nothing is Predictable, follows.


CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Author Adalina Mae crafted an intriguing and insightful story-line in Nothing is Predictable. Although not my cup of tea, for the right audience this book will be a winner as the author presented an in-depth, insightful look into existence and event results. The prose, composition, and structure of the story-line are skillful; with easy to follow writing. Written in the first person, the reader's treated to an in-depth look at the world of a strong woman whose life has been one issue after another. Mae's pacing of the book was a little slow in spots, it picked back up and rolled on. As a result, the reader's allowed entry into the thoughts and life, as it's led and seen, through Zara's eyes. Showing the reader the consequences of childhood events, Mae dramatically details Zara's existence and her search for the ultimate answer to happiness.

Nothing Is Predictable is a story of growth, forgiveness, and letting go. Detailing the events which made Zara who she became, Mae, demonstrates we can not escape our past but must learn from it. How can we, safe and secure with loving families, in a safe, secure environment ever understand what Zara's life had entailed? Mae has given us a picture of that life and what it takes to let go and hold on.

NOTHING IS PREDICTABLE RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4

I found the plotting in line with the length of the book, the compositions sound, the writing clear, and the story-line intriguing. Suitable for young adults and adults your enjoy a look into shattered lives, the outcome of living in that world, and finally finding the ultimate answer to living to the fullest.

Finally, please note:

Additionally, I received a copy of Nothing Is Predictable. I voluntarily chose to review with honest novel reviews. Hence, reviews of any novel are dependent on the review author’s opinion. Consequently, all reviews online and on my blog, are my opinions. No one influenced my review of Nothing Is Predictable.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally, I probably wouldn't have picked up this book because the 'I am woman, hear me roar' theme isn't what I usually spend my time reading. Not reading this would have been a mistake, though. That first page, whoa! I was glad to get the conclusion to that scene pretty early on in the book because I really couldn't concentrate while that question was in the back of my mind.

This is a quick read with plenty of gut punches thrown in to keep things in turmoil. This isn't a story simply about an incredibly strong woman paving her own way, overcoming tragic circumstances, and succeeding without help from any man. Zara does all of that, yes, but she also tried desperately to lean on men along the way. It wasn't her fault they all let her down, were weak, and failed her. The story is as realistic and heartbreaking as it is life-affirming and inspiring. The words Go, Zara! are printed many times but only about half as many as I found myself saying them in my own head.

I enjoyed reading about the Lebanese culture and all of Zara's travels around the world. An ethnically, culturally, and religiously diverse world is portrayed truthfully without the author coming down on any one side definitively. The issue of religious differences in a relationship were handled realistically and in a mature manner, even by immature characters.

Zara is Lebanese American and one of the biggest conflicts I felt in this book was of her straddling the two cultures. Mainly she lives in the U.S. and assimilated quite well yet she felt very comfortable and familiar when she was in Lebanon. I kept feeling like she would eventually latch on to one firmly and distance herself from the other but that didn't happen. After thinking about it, I think that, too, is realistic and I only felt the need for Zara to attach to one because I've never known the struggle of being of two cultures. Nothing is Predictable made me yearn for some more cultural diversity in my life and that is truly something no other book has done for me.