An excellent example of what perseverance looks like in the real world.
One reason people love memoirs is because they provide an opportunity to walk in the shoes of another, without getting our literal shoes dirty. We can read about the greatest inventors of our time, peek behind the scenes at the lifestyles of the ultra-rich, or feel what it’s like to be married to the president. Patricia Angeles may not be remembered for these types of dramatic achievements, though her life is only half lived. Instead, Midpoint tells just a small part of the story behind an incredibly insightful woman who has embraced every challenge life has thrown at her. The anecdotes and recollections span her meaningful life so far, starting with an inquisitive 1980s childhood in the Philippines and settling down decades later, long after her family’s immigration to the United States.
Sometimes we pick up a life story because we already admire the author, but Midpoint is a personal account that will leave you feeling like a better person just for getting to know a stranger, one that has lived life with intention. Whether it’s coping with homesickness after a huge move across the globe or dealing with the consequences of a bad decision, readers from every background will find ways to connect with Patricia on a personal level. Beyond what the author has gone through, it is her thoughtful perspective that made an impression on me. Meant as a gift and opportunity for her children, what Angeles offers all of us is a chance to learn and benefit from her life by means of the musings and perspectives she’s gained through the years. And the fluid, conversational writing style makes the whole book a real pleasure to read.
Patricia Angeles is an excellent example of what perseverance looks like in the real world. After all, if you keep throwing balls, eventually a few are going to land in the basket. This is borne out through a number of jobs, a series of relationships, and some transformative experiences. If we’re open to positive growth, like Patricia, everything we go through can mold us into better humans. One thing is sure, we’re going to have to deal with a lot of things, good and bad, as we spend our days on the planet. She muses, “Time, thief that it is, can also sometimes be a gift, with its uncanny yet beautiful ability to heal.” Every quote, anecdote, and recollection proves to be a lesson that can be gleaned from a woman who has been through so much. Get ready to fill your soul with humor, heartbreak, honesty and plenty of self-reflection in Midpoint.
