The Filipino Group discussion

Did anyone else read this book?

Just finished it yesterday and gave it a 2-star review.

Let me know what you think about the story and if you've read the sequel (I'm renting it but haven't started - please tell me it's better than the first book!)

i gave it two stars as well.

Can you elaborate whyyy? I am thinking of buying this book (I want to save bucks if it's not worth it haha). TIA.

I was sorely disappointed… gave it 1 star. —Didn’t know that there’s a sequel.. if I read it, I’ll let you know.

I recommend you borrow this from your library or someone. if you're curious. Not worth the purchase nor time. I wrote a review of this though I was reluctant to give a bad review as I wanted to support her. She writes with gleeful self-consciousness for the white reader who has never encountered a Filipino or non-white. The protagonist is hard to like because she feels she's too cute and smart for her hometown. There's not much mystery and the aunts are indistinguishable. Neither is there any conflict nor personal stake for any of the characters and everyone acts illogically: the police suspects the protagonist without basis; the lawyer "friend" appears at every scene (he apparently leaves his work at any time); none of the family members are ashamed that one of them is a murder suspect; and everyone eats every time they interact even after coming from a full meal. The author would be better as a food blogger with her mouthwatering culinary descriptions instead of an unconvincing mystery writer. Sorry, had to warn readers.

I gave this 4 stars. A lot of the scenes were mentioned I found them to be identical to my life experiences. This was a tough read for me as I had multiple flashbacks from my past. Since the novel resonated with my life, I gave it 4 stars.

There were some scenes that seems embellished for entertainment purposes like the lawyer always appearing. However, I don't believe that is completely inaccurate when dealing with law enforcement. Their town is small in what I would assume have a population of 2,000 people. There probably isn't much work for them to do on a regular basis. Especially since tsismis spreads around so fast.

In the mystery department, I think the author could improve. There were questions that wouldn't have been solved without being told directly the answer. I would appreciate it a little more subtly.

I liked this book. It was exactly what it claims to be.. a cozy murder mystery. Nothing ground breaking.. it’s a predictable formula, like scooby doo.. it never gets too serious or dangerous, and you know everything will be solved in the end. The characters were interesting and quirky. It gets cheesy, yes.. but I don’t know, it was somehow easy to accept for me. I feel like this would make a good tv series, like Kim’s Convenience. And I just love the focus on Filipino food.. the way it was described, it made me appreciate how a truly comforting pinoy dish requires perfect unmeasured balance to get it right. :)