IN ANOTHER DRESS -- Another Biased Book Review

Indulge me again (for the umpteenth time) as I reproduce here this very biased book review by my dearest bloggie-friend, superb writer, and -- sige na nga -- surrogate daughter -- the fair Lady Chateau aka i-mom-on-line.

“For age is an opportunity, no less than youth itself,

though in another dress. And as the evening twilight fades away,

the sky is filled with stars invisible by day.”

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

One of the earliest entries that I read from Annamanila’s Ode2Old blog is Magnificent Mommy Moments. (In fact I think this was where my friendship with Anna began.) I so liked it – especially the part where she is surprised by her kids with a new bed, but she was too tired from work to notice that she was already lying on it – that I went on to read her other entries.

I got to Sunsets on University Avenue with that touching poem she wrote for her dad. And then I clicked on other links that led me to stories of women in love and in trouble.

Never mind that it was a retirement blog and the author was as old as my mom! I was enjoying the entries!

Since then, I became a fan of Annamanila, always waiting and looking forward to read her. I love Anna’s humor and imagination, how she is able to eloquently put into writing even the deepest emotions. And always, always, I come away feeling richer – the heart fatter and the mind fuller… with much spare to chew on.

(Now this is not bola, Anna, even though we are good friends… hehehe)

From fan, I became a friend. The friendship that blossomed out of blogging is altogether a different and beautiful story. It began with a simple coffee date, that was followed with more and longer ones, and with more other friends. We became tile buddies, playing scrabble online while chatting into the wee morning hours. (I miss those nights, Anna!)

Anyway…

Last week, Annamanila launched her first book – In Another Dress. It’s a collection of her best essays and stories from her blog.

The blog is now in print! I was thrilled to see that most of my favorite entries were included in the book. I know this is a dream come true for you, Anna. And I am truly happy for you.

The book will soon be available at National Bookstore. But if you would like a copy sooner, the book is currently being sold at UP Institute for Small Scale Industries (UP ISSI). Please call Ving Cinco at 632 9287076 for inquiries. You may also call the publisher, Extempo Publications, at 632 3745239.

By I-Mom-Online