Crescenciana

by Kenneth Tan, Crescenciana Tan (Illustrator)

Seated side-by-side at their kitchen table in San Jose, California, ninety-four year old Crescenciana Tan and her grandson, Kenneth Tan, got to work. Crescenciana made watercolor paintings and Kenneth drew her memories on top of them. When Crescenciana passed, she left behind all of her paintings, and Kenneth decided he would finish everything she started. He promised.

In Crescenciana, Kenneth weaves together their artwork, conversations, and memoirs to tell his grandmother’s life story. With heart and humor, he recounts Crescenciana’s childhood antics in the Philippines, her fall on black ice outside of a church in Canada, and her show-stopping civics test performance that earned her citizenship in the United States. At the same time, he revisits her memories as a survivor of World War II and the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, and he reflects on his own continuing grief since her passing.

Crescenciana is an art book and memoir about carrying and commemorating your family’s stories. It’s a book about moving forward without leaving your loved ones behind.

Genres: Memoir

240 pages, Hardcover

Published May 1, 2022

About the author

Kenneth Tan is a second-generation Filipino American living in his hometown of San Jose. He has shared stories about his grandmother, Crescenciana Tan, on NPR and StoryCorps, and he is a recipient of the Leigh Weimers Emerging Artists Award. Kenneth enjoys drawing, puns, and three-item lists. Crescenciana is his first book.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book of art accompanied by Kenneth's memories of his grandmother (Lola). He recounts their conversations, the things he learned about his family's history, her memories, how they started creating art together, and so much more. The stories enhance the artwork and make each one more meaningful. I don't read a lot of nonfiction but the writing was lyrical and entranced me right away. The words painted such vivid pictures I didn’t stop reading until I was finished. There were emotional events that moved me to tears and joyful things that made me laugh. If you're looking for a beautiful book that is the best of art and words you should get this book. It’s a book you will be proud to have on your coffee table!

[Dulce Rozon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Lola Crescenciana would have been alive to read this book, she would have laughed, cried, and I’m sure, giggled. Kenneth, I think you really did a super wonderful job with this book. All the memories you had with your Lola were painted and written so beautifully on those pages. I honestly felt like I’m there. The words are simple but sincere. One thing they evoke though is the most special relationship between a grandma and her grandson. This book is not just something you read and forget after awhile. I know that it’ll stay with me … thinking about my own lola and how I cherished all those moments when she was still alive.

[Ninna Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, gorgeous book, both the story and the artwork. As a Filipino American, this story felt familiar and comforting, and it made me miss my own Lola. I was so touched by the beautiful artwork that was a collaboration between Kenneth and his grandma. The honor, and the love that Kenneth had for his grandmother really shone through in the care he took to tell her story both through words and through art. This preserves her spirit and such a beautiful gesture to share her with the world in this way. A wonderful memorial piece! Bonus that the book itself is gorgeous and a beautiful addition to any home.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful, beautiful book. Kenneth Tan's wonderful artistic collaboration with his grandmother blossomed into this amazing memoir about her life. As an Asian-American who's grandparents also immigrated to the United States, Lola's story and the hardships she had to endure really resonated with me. Both the story and the art contained with in are mesmerizing.

[Jan B. Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Crescenciana represents the triumph of her generation. She is a resilient person that gave her family a beautiful life. Her connection to her spirit and the people around her is evident throughout the book. She gives hope in aging with grace.

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book. It’s amazing to hear stories from all walks of life, life in the Philippines, Canada, and then the US. It’s a similar story of many immigrants but never told in this way and format. The combination of art and life stories is just beautiful. Highly recommend.

[mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful. kenneth’s love for his lola exudes in every page of this book. this is how you immortalize someone. i cried on and off the whole time as i thought of my own grandparents, then really at the end. 10000/10 recommend.

[Michelle Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an incredible memoir!!!! wish I got to meet Lola ♡

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, heart-warming, emotional--everything I love from a memoir. The accompanying art included is the cherry on top. Absolutely beautiful book, one you want to own and keep on your bookshelf. Would also be great for any middle or high school library collection.

[Julie Ching · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after I gave birth during the pockets of quiet time I had. Between the most gorgeous photos and Kenneth Tan’s witty style of writing, I started thinking about my family as I was reading about his. And I think that’s what makes a good read: a book that gets you thinking beyond its pages but also keeps you hooked by the stories he’s telling. Even though my family isn’t Filipino, I still wholeheartedly relate. I had the pleasure of listening to the author at a book reading and can tell he is so passionate about his grandmother and telling her story. Completely recommend this book to everyone.

[May-Ling · Rating 5 out of 5]

moving tribute to tan's grandma, told through collaborative art and stories

even without hearing any of the stories, the thought that this caring grandson and his grandma sat side-by-side to create art and imbue it with memories is enough to tug at your heartstrings. i'm always amazed at the stories that any one person holds within their lifetime and crescenciana is no exception to that. tan follows her from the philippines to canada to san jose and brings her to life through gorgeous paintings.

[Stephanie Lam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excited for the release!!