Table for Two

by Marla Miniano

In Table for Two, a corner table at a quiet coffee shop takes center stage, the latest release from Summit Books author Marla Miniano. The table is the setting for pivotal moments in the lives of the main characters—who, as it seems, are quite the lovelorn bunch. First, there’s the long-time couple on the verge of calling it quits after college graduation. Then there’s the serial dater who accepts her younger brother’s challenge to go dateless for two months. There’s also a photographer who attempts to dissuade his best friend from getting married (and we’re curious to find out why). And finally, there are the two hopefuls: a young man who meets with the girl he never stopped loving, and a young lady who pores over romance novels, waiting for her turn to fall in love.

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Young Adult, Love, Short Stories

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

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

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Original post here.

Table For Two is a compilation of short stories about love, told by different characters with different gripes issues and alternating between first and third POVs. I found it interesting in the sense that practically all facets of love were tackled, and the prose was wonderful, too.

Fresh is about a young couple, Mandy and Tristan, who find themselves at a crossroads in their relationship after college graduation. Timeout is about Jill's rather disastrous dating history, thereby causing her younger brother Charles to dish out dating advice for her benefit. All The Best finds a Carl in an attempt to “save” his best friend from what he perceives to be a wrong life-altering decision. This Closure is the story of Lucas and Bettina, “the one that got away,” or so it seems. And finally, Mandy, the female character in the first story, figures once more in Table For Two. Is she going to realize her happily ever after? :)

The stories were quite simple, really. I am sure that every reader will see a part of him/herself in at least one of the stories, because these are real, commonplace situations about people and their experiences on love. My personal favorite is the story of Lucas and Bettina, This Closure. Even though it was told from Lucas' POV, I could pretty much relate to him and the “situation” with Bettina. If you've read the book, you'll have a pretty good idea how an awful experience it must be. :P

I loved the part that all the stories had something in common: the table for two, that special coffee place between the Korean grocery and the appliance store where a story may have begun, may have reached a turning point, or may have possibly ended. And while some of them may not have ended happily ever after, everyone still found something worthwhile, and learned a significant lesson or two in the end. :)

[Cary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe I should start lurking in a deserted cafe. Who knows i might meet him there or rather, he might find me there. :)

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

First read: April 22, 2012. Rating: 3 stars
Re-read: July 12, 2015. Rating: 3.5 stars

So I re-read Table for Two, coz I had to find small books in my shelf for the #CramAThon thing happening over this summer.

This is a really thin book, with only a little over a hundred pages. I remember seeing this in Cosmopolitan magazine's recommended reads for young adults and adults, alike. It was good, I must say. Not super, but it was a work of art in itself. :)

This novella is actually about different stories of different persons in some specific points in their lives. But they are all tied together by this one "cafe around the corner" which has become the witness of the milestones in each of the characters' life.

There really is no "one" story. In fact, even the little stories that compose this novella do not have plots. You, the reader, will just infer what's going on. And it's not at all a bad thing. The execution was done well, and though confusing at first, you the characters get to grow on you and you'll just learn to care for them.

I'm glad I re-read this. It made me realize that there are just so many things happening around me that I choose not to know and care about. Like a couple breaking up in one corner, a man getting promoted in his job but having no one to share his success with, a girl trying to mend her heart, a couple celebrating on having their first baby. There are just so many things out there that we do not know is happening and it just makes me appreciate life more. And it makes me wanna be more friendly and more concerned and be more caring.

So yeah. I'm glad for this re-read. It's not perfect, but it's worth the time :)

[Maria Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When you think about it, everything is fleeting. Every second of every minute of every hour. The race and rush and the choices and the chances."

When we are in love we take in every moment. We enjoy every tidbits of it and we treasure them in our hearts. After opening yourself up to the possibility, experience every phase, and end every escapade... we still believe in the magic and works and its wonders.

How love and loss and hope give meaning to our lives - that is what Marla weaved and made these five interconnected stories.

I still believe in love. And its fleeting opportunities. And how you take it ans seize every moment thereafter. Love simply brings out the best in you. :)

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marla Miniano is back with a new book, this time telling the story of four people who happen to hang out in the same coffee shop, and sometimes even at the same table. Table for Two is a collection of five stories of people from all walks of life, choosing a coffee shop to witness the changes in their lives, and ultimately connecting them in one way or another.

A bit of a spoiler warning starts here, but there's nothing major. Just be forewarned. :)

Table for Two starts out with Fresh, a story of the end of the relationship of a long-time couple when they realized that after graduation, they need to go their separate ways. Timeout is about Jill, a teacher, who follows her brother's advice to stop dating for two months to stop herself from dating losers. All the Best is about best friends Carl and Blake, and Carl's attempt at stopping Blake from marrying Vicky out of concern for his best friend but failing to recognize that he was in more need of relationship advice. This Closure is about Lucas who never really got over Bettina and their shared kiss. The last story, Table for Two brings us to a full circle with Mandy and her independence and her penchant for romance novels.

This book reminds me so much of Para Kay B by Ricky Lee, with all these stories of different people about love that connects them to each other somewhat. I liked Para Kay B but I liked this more because I saw a bit of myself at every story. True, I've never been in a relationship, and I've never broken up with anyone or been broken up with, but there's a part of each of the character that resonated with me. I believe other readers will be able to identify with the characters somehow, too, and this makes Marla's novel a good one for the older audience as compared to the Girl's Guide series.

I think out of all stories, my favorite is the last, Table for Two. One thing notable thing about this book -- particularly this story -- is there were so many quotable quotes! For example:

"...falling in love and trying to make someone fall in love with you and working to stay in love and forcing yourself to fall out of love with someone who will never love you back is much, much more exhausting than being alone." (p. 120)

"It's the little things she needs someone for, like someone to hold her hand at the end of a long day, or someone to watch stupid comedies with, or someone to curl up with on the couch on a lazy Sunday morning as she reads the newspaper and eats her cereal. Which probably means she doesn't 'need' someone in the strictest sense, although at the end of a long day, or while watching a stupid comedy, or on a lazy Sunday morning, having someone would be very much appreciated." (p. 133)

The only thing I could have wished for in this book is stronger connections between the stories. I was very curious to see the connections of the story, almost making me want to skip all the way to the ending, and when I got to the end, I got just a teensy bit disappointed. But it's still a very, very good read. Wonderful prose, good stories, and perfect reading companion on a rainy day with a mug of coffee or hot chocolate. It doesn't have to be in a coffee shop between the Korean grocery and appliance store -- an over-commercialized Starbucks would probably do. :P

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend Table for Two.

*****

I'm not much of a lover of stories about heartbreak, especially about a girl who can't find the strength to leave a stagnant relationship. or a guy who just can't seem to get that the girl will never see him as a boyfriend material. But Table for Two managed to endear itself to me despite that.

I was nearing the end when I realized the author will connect the characters from all the short stories. The key to enjoying this book is to read more from what the author wrote. Fill in the blanks and hope that what you thought is really what happened to the characters.

Fresh, 2 stars. Mandy & Tristan. The ending was not satisfying.
Timeout, 4 stars. Jack & Jill & Robbie. This was hopeful.
All The Best, 3 stars. Carl & Kim. A little vague.
This Closure, 4 stars. Lucas & Bettina. I heart Lucas, even if he's a little pathetic most times.
Table for Two, 4 stars. This is why I love reading love stories.

Table for Two is a quick read that will either make you sigh in delight or in contempt. Hee. Don't dwell too much on the characters. The writing is beautiful. A lot of quotable quotes in here. :)

[Robyn Baltazar · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get past the writing style. The concept was good (probably) with 5 short stories all connected with each other. Again, the writing style was kind of terrible, switching from third person to second person POV.

In addition, the book cover looks great!

[Alyssa Janine Busia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've lost my copy of this book but I love it. Though, I can't remember the exact story but I know, deep inside my heart, that this book was one of my fave.

[Cienne Olaes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Believe it or not and related or not, the plot kind of reminds me of an old Filipino movie, “Jologs”. It was a first Pinoy flick that I have come to appreciate. It was an automatic association upon learning that the book is about how people’s lives intersect and intertwine at one place. However, I can only give the book a 3-star rating because with creativity comparison between the said movie and this book, I still would settle on spending my time re-watching the movie than re-reading this. I know it’s not an apple to apples comparison. I probably have expected more or that I was easily out of focus with the sudden shift or change in the set of characters. If I would consider re-reading this again sometime in the future it was because I need to go back and review the characters that I have come to appreciate and the specific lines that I would agree to be declared as “quotable quotes”. There were so many beautiful words or can-relate-to words, that I haven’t moved on yet. I just couldn’t agree with how all this was assembled together in a book, in a supposedly one ending. I wish for relevant characters and more emphasis.



I skim through the pages again, so if you’re the spoiler addict like me, you might understand why I wanted to quote this (someday, I’ll probably read this again, I need some sort of motivation why, or maybe not because it only provokes bitterness and more depressing thoughts):



* * *



“There is an unmistakable vibe independent people give off, an enviable confidence that allows them to eat alone without looking pathetic. I am not an independent person. I do not give off that “I’m alone and I’m okay” vibe. What I give off, clearly, is an “I got stood up by my boyfriend so now I’m loitering and trying to pretend that I’m okay” vibe.”



* * *



“Guys are so easy to drive out of your life, especially when their interest in you has mostly been sustained by your blind, naïve, hopelessly hopeful interest in them.”



* * *



“If anything, I guess they disappeared on their own; their absence has been waiting to happen for a long time, postponed by my persistent belief that they could change, or that they could love me, or that they were just keeping their feelings hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered and nurtured.”



* * *



“…You tell me, “It’s never going to be perfect. It’s not even going to be as great as you imagined it would be. You need to be okay with that. There will be days when I’ll enjoy flirting with other girls, days when I’d rather hang out with my friends than with you. There will be days when the sound of your voice will irritate me, and the days when I wouldn’t care less what you’re up to. There will be days when we will yell and fight and I won’t love you at all.”

I nod, like I am agreeing with you, or considering agreeing with you, but I don’t think I ever will.”



* * *



““Liked,” I correct her, as if the lack of the letter D were the real issue and not the use of like instead of the more accurate love. Nonetheless, I emphasize the D because I want to properly divide my life into the past, the present and the future, and I’m trying so hard to categorize you as part of my past. I don’t want you to be the shadow always hanging over my head, haunting me every time I attempt to move on. I don’t want to hope and mope and whine and pine. I don’t want my mother to keep worrying about me, asking unnecessary questions like, Are you awake? Are you sad? I don’t want to have to keep answering her with the same accommodating optimism one would extend to a repetitive child: I’m trying to sleep, but come in, or, I’m fine, Mom. I can manage. I don’t want to be hurt, because I am, still, and the fact that you didn’t do it on purpose doesn’t cancel it out. I don’t want to be in love with you anymore. Because I can deal with you being the one that got away – at least that was your choice, your responsibility. But I won’t allow you to be the one who never left my mind because I never tried to forget.”



* * *



“Goodbye is a strange concept – if the person being left behind resents it and refuses to accept it, is it still goodbye, or simply a departure? I know now why you left. It wasn’t because of anything I said or did, or anything I didn’t say or didn’t do. It wasn’t my fault; perhaps, if I succumb to my unfailing instinct to be the bigger person, it wasn’t even yours, either. You left because I wasn’t a part of your past or your future – I was only a part of your present, and that wasn’t enough. You never saw me as anything else or anything more. You left because you could. And you’re leaving because you can.”

[AennA · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts, inspired by the book.

An uber-due review of a book I read in January, 2012.

This is my first book of Marla Miniano’s writings. Table for Two is divided into five parts: Fresh; Timeout; All the Best; This Closure; and Table for Two, this is about people with different experiences in searching, waiting and finding love.

Where love will find you? In this book, it is on this corner table at a coffee shop, Café Carmelo. This table for two witnessed many things, as different people occupy its seats, and different stories of love and life are unveiled.

There’s a young couple, both fresh graduates, who are together since college, had to end whatever they share together to give way for their own priorities and dreams. The real world turned out to be too different from their expectations, and their growing up self can no longer keep up with each other’s personal change.

Most of the time, when things seems to consistently fall apart, it is because we move or act too fast; sometimes, all we need is a timeout. Here’s another story about a young teacher who are in constant search of someone to love her. She went on dates with different people, running around, waiting for the one she thinks she deserves, after constant struggle, after realizing what she really wanted, found The One.

Then, there’s a story of a would-be-best man who are plotting a scheme for his best friend not to get married. He is so self-absorbed in having a perfect 7-year relationship with his girlfriend, and in ruining his best friend’s plan to get married, without realizing how selfish, and inconsiderate he had become. He lost his girlfriend in the process, but found himself at the same time.

How would you let go of a love that was never yours to begin with? This seemed to be one of the issues of one the characters in the book. A story of someone who was in constant struggle to totally forget someone whom he has loved for so long, but never had the chance to be formally together with, as he was not loved back. And after more than seven months, he had the chance to reunite with this love, only to be felt rejected and left behind, again. But this time, he found the emotional closure he needs, and he knows he is bound towards the one who can really love him back.

Each character has its own story of love, loss, hope and heartbreak, and as the book reached its final page, each one had the chance for the happy ending they all deserved. The coffee table in the corner will help them find their own showers of rainbows.

It amused me that for a 144 pages, this book was able to swim deep in my emotions, which seemed to be hiding underground. Some parts can leave some heavy feelings in the heart, but in a good way. Written in such a style, that is easy to follow, with a touch of poignancy, Table for Two has a lovely storyline.

Read more of my thoughts about Table for Two; and Miniano’s From This Day Forward atA Tub of Jelly Beans

[Chachic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Originally posted here.

Based on the summary above, you'd think I wouldn't be surprised to discover that the book is composed of short stories about different people and yet I was. For some reason, I thought it was going to be one cohesive story with just multiple characters. As a result, I was confused at the start and I wasn't able to connect with the characters as much as I'd hope because the narratives about them were so short. Also, the stories have varying points of view that added to the confusion - some of them were in first person and others in third person, some of them were from guys' points of view and some from girls' (although I think that's actually a good thing). It really is a shame that I didn't like the book that much because I think the writing was beautiful. I even added a couple of favorite quotes in the Goodread's page of the book.

If the novel was lengthier, the author might have been able to pull off a Love Actually -esque story, where all the anecdotes are tied together by the cozy coffee shop where they all hang out. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. Still, the writing is a redeeming factor of the book and I recommend this to anyone who likes reading Filipino chick lit. Again, I'm sorry to international readers out there but this book is only available locally.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not much of a lover of stories about heartbreak, especially about a girl who can’t find the strength to leave a stagnant relationship. Or a guy who just can’t seem to get that the girl will never see him as a boyfriend material. But Table for Two managed to endear itself to me despite that.

Fresh, 3 stars. Mandy & Tristan. The ending was not satisfying.
Timeout, 2 stars. Jack & Jill & Robbie. This was hopeful.
All The Best, 2 stars. Carl & Kim. A little vague.
This Closure, 5 stars. Lucas & Bettina. I heart Lucas, even if he’s a little pathetic most times. I cried!
Table for Two, 5 stars. This is why I love reading love stories.

Table for Two is a quick read that will either make you sigh in delight or in contempt. Hee. The book is a delicious mix of familiar stories to keep one occupied in an otherwise another cold and dreary rainy evening. All you will need is the book, a good light source to keep the migraines away (side effect of being an habitual ebook reader), a cup of your favorite caffeinated hot beverage and you will feel like you're in the company of good friends and greater stories, perfect to keep the loneliness at bay.

Cheers to Marla for a great work indeed! ❤

[Aiza^^ · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's good..it's short, and there are overlapping of characters ,though you'll still love each of them:P
I'm single..and still looking for my one and only and so the title of this book really...and just caught my attention..:)
it's a good read..there are 5 stories but in the end you'll find out that they are all destiny inclined.

i loved the first part..the fourth and the last...

it made me realize that we all have our own love stories..
there are times that hurts and pains are all part of it..
and sometimes things are happening badly...something that we don't even expect..
this book gives you the painful reality of love and at the same time you'll still have the hope to continue loving, forgiving, longing and finding..

somehow i loved it:P

and to think that it's a gift from a special friend...that adds still..:)

[Dawn | teabookscranniesnooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually its 3 and a half stars...

Just as I predicted, and as the summary provided, the book was a collection of short stories which circles around a single coffee shop. It seems that this magical place is the lone witness to the different stories. The book consist of five short stories entitled: Fresh, Timeout, All the Best, This Closure and Table for Two. Stories concerning heartbreak, search for love, growing up, the courage to say goodbye, the magic of hello and that realization that everyone is interconnected somehow. I read this book just to pass the time and I can say this is a perfect afternoon book and that I just breezed right through it. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a light read.

[wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I'm sorry it meant something to you.”
“I'm sorry it meant something to me, too.”

This is the line I connected to the most. This is the line that made me confirm that this is not as disappointing as it seems. Good for a quick, cafe read.

[shysreviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐/5

I was confused at the first pages but as I continue reading, it made sense — I understand the flow of the story. There were a lots of good quotes I saved... The writing style is new to me, but it was nice. I would like to re-read this in some other time.

[Belle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started each short story but most of them failed to hold my attention.

[graffritil]

marunong na ulit siya magbasa?

[Alex Mambaje · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple who just graduated college, who are coincidentally about to *graduate from* their relationship.
A girl giving one boy the chance he deserved.
A 7-year couple that breaks up and starts over again.
A guy who lets the one that got away, go away.
A guy and a girl meet and fall in love.

One cafe. Several interconnected stories. It’s a short, comfort read.

[Janus the Erudite Artist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Table for Two has five (5) stories squeezed into this little book. Having not read the synopsis printed on the back of the book, I had no idea that this was written with various characters and settings. When I got through the first story, I thought the second part was a continuation of the pervious story. It got pretty weird to me that it was a sudden change in the character’s portrayal. That’s when I decided to check the back... whoops! My bad.

So let’s dissect:

The first story is entitled Fresh, where long-time couple, Mandy and Tristan, are on the brink of ending their relationship. There’s not much to say about this story. Only that Tristan reminds me so much of one of my ex-boyfriends. A guy who’s always late? Been there, done that! As far as the flashback on how Tristan started to court Mandy, I immediately felt dislike for him. I like a guy who would go after what he wants and wouldn’t just “clue in” his feelings but rather say them directly, because seriously, I’m no mind-reader.

Timeout is the second story. Here readers meet Jill, a girl who has problems with picking the right guy for her. Her brother pesters her that she’s dating the wrong guys and insists she take a break from dating for a month. I don’t know what happened here [if a month has passed or not] but she eventually chose between Robbie and Jack. I, for one, don’t understand her choice and what made her decide on it.

The third story, All the Best, is about Carl trying to stop his best friend from marrying some girl. He feels that they have yet to decide that they are ready for a lifelong commitment such as this. Trying in vain to persuade his friend to change his mind, he forgets about his and Kim’s (his girlfriend of many years) anniversary. I didn’t like this story very much and there isn’t much to think about.

This Closure, the title of the fourth story, tells the story of Lucas. A guy who hasn’t gotten over a girl he had fallen in love with years ago. To be honest, Lucas is a pathetic idiot. I feel sorry for him but he’s pathetic. As for Bettina, the girl he’s so in love with, I don’t know what he sees in her. In spite of what I said about Lucas, I feel worse about Bettina. She shouldn’t have led him on.

Last, but not the least, Table for Two, is the highlight of this book, hence the title. You see, this is where all our stories collide. All the characters come into place in this small, insignificant coffee shop. And it seems that this is where the magic happens... It’s a rather simple one compared to the other four but it’s nice and sweet all the same. You truly can never know where you’ll find true love...

Marla Miniano’s Table for Two is kind of like those Hollywood movies with stellar star-studded cast of multiple stories that collide in one special event; like say, Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve (the actual movie titles). I don’t really get why it need the change in perspectives but it was fun. Although short and a little vague on the details, I took pleasure in reading it.

For more of my reviews, please visit my blog:
The Blair Book Project @ www.theblairbookproject.blogspot.com

[gwenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.8⭐

[Nicka Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new day begins with purpose, and with promise.

This book has five different stories about love, the first story is entitled Fresh this is about a young couple, Mandy and Tristan who are in the brink of their relationship because of some changes in their lives since they have graduated from college.Timeout is about a girl named Jill and her disastrous past relationships that lead her brother Charles to give her words of wisdom.All the best Carl disapproves his bestfriend's marriage with Vicky because he thinks that it's a mistake but later on realizes that he was being too selfish and unfair. This Closure Lucas and Bettina's story was about having the right love at the wrong time. And lastly Mandy the girl from the first story went to Cafe Carmelo, a coffee shop between Korean grocery and an appliance service center, Table for two is about the start of something new between her and the boy who beat her off to her favorite spot a the cafe, Lucas.

Everybody has a story to tell whether it's a sad or happy story. Cafe Carmelo was a witness to these stories. I love this book so much, it's so romantic and it makes me want to own a coffee shop to fall in love in.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was kinda a compilation of short stories where everybody somewhat ends up in the not-so-famous cafe, and all their paths intersect. The book is a mix of stories about breaking up, taking your time, letting go, judging others not realizing your own relationship has problems, closures, and waiting for the right person. The ending was cute when the heartbroken people ended up with each other. What made me like this book more was the fact that it showed all sides of love stories--deciding to break up, waiting for the right person, getting tired of not getting over someone, being lax in a relationship and not noticing its not working..- and not just your usual happy ending, Romeo-Juliet (or maybe not that because both R&J ended up dying), happily ever after fairytale story. I, for one can relate to some of the characters..hehe..

[Judie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how the stories were presented but admittedly, I did not like all the characters. It makes you think one simple truth -- that everyday, we come across people, whether we are aware of it or not, each with experiences that make or break them; our paths may cross, or we may just lead parallel lives, but whatever happens, we should be aware that we could make a difference in someone's life.

My favorite quote from the book:

"Falling in love and trying to make someone fall in love with you, and working to stay in love and forcing yourself to fall out of love with someone who will never love you back is much, much more exhausting than being alone."

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the concept of having one setting where a variety of characters interconnect. The story felt natural and fluid. This Closure was the best short story for me out of all the others. However the use of the first person POV was kinda confusing, especially in the 3rd story where it was told from a guy's point of view. I thought I was looking at a girl since the other 2 stories came from that perspective. Then the last one was told from a 3rd person POV. I would've preferred all stories told in the 3rd person to avoid confusion. Nevertheless, each story had a great insight. I loved how the author tied everything at the end.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 stars.

This is a collection of about 5 short stories with intertwining characters and all the stories have a setting at a quiet coffee shop where important moments have happened for their relationships.

I think my main problem with this book was that none of the characters were memorable so I found myself confused when previous characters appeared in later parts of the book. I think that the characters are relatable but I couldn't relate as much, just because I was confused and I think this problem could have been solved if the book was longer. This is a cute book though and I did enjoy the fluff and the theme of the coffee shop that all the characters share.

[Venessaa ♡☮♫ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. Believe it or not, I kinda thought the book would lack some kind of effect on me. But it didn't. Somehow, the book inspired me that love will come. If not now, maybe later. The stories of the main characters evolved around the deserted coffee shop. This is the place where they'd meet, etc.
I really enjoyed the book and finished it in less than the usual duration I get when I read books. I gave this book a four because although I got really confused at some parts, the ending still made the story a feeling of somewhat " happily ever after" . :))

[wanderinggene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a soft spot for stories set in cafes and bookstores. This book is one of those. A collection of 5 short stories that in one way or another connected to each other. Sadly it's not as intertwined as I hoped for.

The book started with an ending, finding oneself, friendship, unrequited affection and lastly a possibility of something new.

Out of all the stories, I liked the first story 'Fresh' the most despite the fact that it left me feeling melancholy.

Table for Two is a quick and cozy read. Possibly a book you can easily read in a cafe or while commuting.

[Emiluz · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my quest to diversify my book authors list, I tried this Filipino author who writes for a chick-targeted publication. I was pleasantly surprised how neat and good the book turned out to be. Ok, so it's a chicklit, but who says that all chicklits should be generalized as ultra sappy and sex-centered?

"Table for two" is a very short and feel-good novella with a good narrative flow and finely-constructed theme. If you've ever had your heart broken or had ever been confused about this crazy thing called life, then this book was most likely written with you in mind.

[kb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am sad to report that this fell a little short for me. It was promising, telling five different forms of love all set in an obscure café hidden between a Korean grocery shop and (something else I can’t remember, sorry). But I was expecting all of the stories, or characters, to come together mala-Jologs, and it was not met. That was probably why I didn't enjoy this as much as I should have, lovely the writing is.