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In The Typhoon's Eye, a story of childhood and leaving home
Should you spend a lifetime chasing dreams for others?
IN THE TYPHOON’S EYE is a story of childhood and growing up amidst struggle, sacrifice, and concession to a stringent reality while keeping the dreams of youth alive. The imagery of Sandig hill with its vast greenery and lush ambiance shaped the perspective of the author as a young artist. Readers will share her personal journey in nostalgic local colors that are rendered by the sound of the church bells tolling, waking up the lazy town of Ocampo, the solemn procession on Easter, the crowded Sunday market, and the seductive scents of native delicacies sold on the streets. Alcohol and posttraumatic stress disorder clouded the expression of parental love, resulting in the severe upbringing of the author and her siblings. Chavez-Bernstein has crafted her coming-of-age tale in a profoundly insightful prose. This story is rich in pathos that can grip your heart with truthful tales of human interest. Love at first sight was as real as the disrupted lives in her parents’ generation during the Second World War, which blossomed again among those born in the following generation.
In The Typhoon’s Eye is a memoir portraying the author’s young life and her courageous treatment of life’s adversities. Her perseverance, passion, relentless faith, and unbreakable love of family highlight this poignant story.
IN THE TYPHOON’S EYE is a story of childhood and growing up amidst struggle, sacrifice, and concession to a stringent reality while keeping the dreams of youth alive. The imagery of Sandig hill with its vast greenery and lush ambiance shaped the perspective of the author as a young artist. Readers will share her personal journey in nostalgic local colors that are rendered by the sound of the church bells tolling, waking up the lazy town of Ocampo, the solemn procession on Easter, the crowded Sunday market, and the seductive scents of native delicacies sold on the streets. Alcohol and posttraumatic stress disorder clouded the expression of parental love, resulting in the severe upbringing of the author and her siblings. Chavez-Bernstein has crafted her coming-of-age tale in a profoundly insightful prose. This story is rich in pathos that can grip your heart with truthful tales of human interest. Love at first sight was as real as the disrupted lives in her parents’ generation during the Second World War, which blossomed again among those born in the following generation.
In The Typhoon’s Eye is a memoir portraying the author’s young life and her courageous treatment of life’s adversities. Her perseverance, passion, relentless faith, and unbreakable love of family highlight this poignant story.
285 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 22, 2021
In the Typhoon’s Eye by Bles Chavez-Bernstein is an impassioned memoir delineating the author’s difficult childhood, and how she overcame her circumstances to fulfill her dreams. Throughout the book, we find images of physical and emotional trauma and relentless struggle with poverty, portrayed from the viewpoint of an immigrant. This story is immensely powerful and unique in its own way. We see the author stick to her faith and how, with determination and perseverance, she goes on to become a mental health and addiction nursing specialist.
This is an emotional coming-of-age story tracing the journey of the author from childhood to adulthood. The passage is tainted by alcohol abusing parent, post-war trauma, impoverished conditions at home, and numerous other adverse aspects. The pages are colored with the unique vibe of the author’s early days in Ocampo. The vivid description of these locations takes us through a mini tour of this distinct place and allows us to peek into the lives of a generation tarnished by the Second World War.
The characters of the memoir are as authentic as they could get. The perspective of the author is the most predominant here, and at every stage of life, we can see her growing into a strong personality who doesn’t let her circumstances limit her goals. The story teaches readers to stay headstrong when life hits hard, and shows how to rise above these situations with sheer grit. Readers are bound to be inspired by the author’s dedication to her dreams and passions. Stories like these instill faith in the power of hard work, even when the world tries to pull us down.
The language used throughout the book is simple but graceful, ensuring readers understand every bit of this observant memoir. The flow of ideas from one stage of the author’s life to another has been portrayed in a realistic manner. The passages are full of emotions and bear the sign of all the sacrifices the author had to make for having a troubled home and something as grave as the post-war depression engulfing her life. Her selfless love for family and commitment to her passion helped her move forward in life and ultimately led her to become successful on her own terms.
The skilled handling of the setting, the characters, the storyline, and most importantly the message of inspiration communicated throughout the book makes In the Typhoon’s Eye a must-read.
This is an emotional coming-of-age story tracing the journey of the author from childhood to adulthood. The passage is tainted by alcohol abusing parent, post-war trauma, impoverished conditions at home, and numerous other adverse aspects. The pages are colored with the unique vibe of the author’s early days in Ocampo. The vivid description of these locations takes us through a mini tour of this distinct place and allows us to peek into the lives of a generation tarnished by the Second World War.
The characters of the memoir are as authentic as they could get. The perspective of the author is the most predominant here, and at every stage of life, we can see her growing into a strong personality who doesn’t let her circumstances limit her goals. The story teaches readers to stay headstrong when life hits hard, and shows how to rise above these situations with sheer grit. Readers are bound to be inspired by the author’s dedication to her dreams and passions. Stories like these instill faith in the power of hard work, even when the world tries to pull us down.
The language used throughout the book is simple but graceful, ensuring readers understand every bit of this observant memoir. The flow of ideas from one stage of the author’s life to another has been portrayed in a realistic manner. The passages are full of emotions and bear the sign of all the sacrifices the author had to make for having a troubled home and something as grave as the post-war depression engulfing her life. Her selfless love for family and commitment to her passion helped her move forward in life and ultimately led her to become successful on her own terms.
The skilled handling of the setting, the characters, the storyline, and most importantly the message of inspiration communicated throughout the book makes In the Typhoon’s Eye a must-read.
May 22, 2021
Firstly, I'd like to make a special shout-out for the title of this book. As soon as I saw the title,I could not stand not to know further, the story behind it. It compelled me to read the whole book. That's how I bought my copy of this novel "In The Typhoon's Eye: a story of childhood and leaving home."Every word written and the image of a young girl painted on the cover enticed me to buy this wonderful piece of work. This novel is based on a true story of the author, giving insight into her stormy young life, all the way from childhood to adulthood. It’s a story of her unhappy childhood and her leaving home in search of happiness and success.The book drips of terror, abuse,poverty, and uncertainty the author has lived through under the control of an alcoholic father. With self-esteem, self-worth, and everything at stake, the author portrays the brutal and painful truth she had gone through.
I finished reading this book in two days. While reading and everytime I tried to take a break, my heart didn't agree. In the beginning, I thought that this was going to be an average story of a successful woman but NO, I was wrong. It went beyond my expectations!
I admire this author for so many reasons because she is a strong woman and most importantly a great sister to her siblings. Her story sets an example to others that no matter what, you can do and achieve everything you want in your life. Everytime her dreams, her passions were facing obstacles and rejection, I felt bad and I cried. But on the other hand, she has inspired me a lot. I can imagine the pain she felt while writing this book. She told the story of her childhood’s sadness, struggles, sacrifices, and the difficult but inspiring journey of becoming a successful woman. I am so excited to share this book with everyone. It's a true story worth knowing. A must-read!
I finished reading this book in two days. While reading and everytime I tried to take a break, my heart didn't agree. In the beginning, I thought that this was going to be an average story of a successful woman but NO, I was wrong. It went beyond my expectations!
I admire this author for so many reasons because she is a strong woman and most importantly a great sister to her siblings. Her story sets an example to others that no matter what, you can do and achieve everything you want in your life. Everytime her dreams, her passions were facing obstacles and rejection, I felt bad and I cried. But on the other hand, she has inspired me a lot. I can imagine the pain she felt while writing this book. She told the story of her childhood’s sadness, struggles, sacrifices, and the difficult but inspiring journey of becoming a successful woman. I am so excited to share this book with everyone. It's a true story worth knowing. A must-read!
July 25, 2021
Children and families living and growing up in poverty struggle a lot. Whenever I get a chance to know about any woman's journey of self-transformation, I just cannot miss that opportunity. So when I came across this book, I couldn't help myself.
I believe that leading a life of a woman is not easy and I can only imagine the life of this author and the pain she encountered from childhood to early adulthood. This book is all about her life, her journey of self-discovery and self-transformation. This novel is written based on her experiences while dealing with poverty and emotional and physical abuseThis book offers insights about the difficult phases of her life and how she changed her direction. She was brave, honest, determined, and has a beautiful soul. I really got emotional when she had to sacrifice her dreams to take care of her family and siblings. After reading 30 to 40 pages, I kept my fingers crossed because I wanted the end to be beautiful and motivating. Guess what? It did not disappoint me! I was so happy upon reading the end and her achievements. The path she created for herself changed her life and I really learned so many positive things from her story.
Reading about someone's struggle is very difficult for me, especially because I know I can get emotional easily. This book has my heart and this lady is an inspiration for me. She gave me hope, dreams, positivity, and so much motivation. Her story is EXCEPTIONAL! I loved her story and marveled at her style of writing, timing, and delivery. Great job! I've enjoyed her book so much and it was heartwarming for me to know the steps she took to overcome adversities and grow into a strong, successful woman."
I believe that leading a life of a woman is not easy and I can only imagine the life of this author and the pain she encountered from childhood to early adulthood. This book is all about her life, her journey of self-discovery and self-transformation. This novel is written based on her experiences while dealing with poverty and emotional and physical abuseThis book offers insights about the difficult phases of her life and how she changed her direction. She was brave, honest, determined, and has a beautiful soul. I really got emotional when she had to sacrifice her dreams to take care of her family and siblings. After reading 30 to 40 pages, I kept my fingers crossed because I wanted the end to be beautiful and motivating. Guess what? It did not disappoint me! I was so happy upon reading the end and her achievements. The path she created for herself changed her life and I really learned so many positive things from her story.
Reading about someone's struggle is very difficult for me, especially because I know I can get emotional easily. This book has my heart and this lady is an inspiration for me. She gave me hope, dreams, positivity, and so much motivation. Her story is EXCEPTIONAL! I loved her story and marveled at her style of writing, timing, and delivery. Great job! I've enjoyed her book so much and it was heartwarming for me to know the steps she took to overcome adversities and grow into a strong, successful woman."
May 2, 2021
The cover of this book is beautifully designed and painted by the author herself. It’s the first thing that attracts the reader. The title is interesting and apt with the theme.
This book is a unique memoir of the author. She is the eldest child of seven siblings. It is a story of struggle where she didn't give up even when there were too many obstacles and challenges facing her. The story is truly inspiring and must be read by anyone looking for inspiration. The journey of a young girl coming from a poor household to becoming a mental health specialist is not only inspiring but also intriguing. It shows us that struggles, if faced with faith and perseverance, never go in vain. We can achieve everything we want if we are dedicated to our calling and have a strong character.
Overall, this is a powerful book to read especially in the current situation in the world, when everything can be tough for all of us. The story motivates us to keep fighting and take challenges with full strength. The emotions portrayed in the book are raw that can bring the readers to tears. At times, the voice of the author comes from an innocent child that makes the story amusing and endearing.
The writing style of the author is clear and smooth. The narration is truly engaging. All the characters are genuine. Each chapter is introduced with brief quotes from the author’s first collection of poetry. The presentation is perfect, which makes it an absolute must-read!
Highly recommended.
This book is a unique memoir of the author. She is the eldest child of seven siblings. It is a story of struggle where she didn't give up even when there were too many obstacles and challenges facing her. The story is truly inspiring and must be read by anyone looking for inspiration. The journey of a young girl coming from a poor household to becoming a mental health specialist is not only inspiring but also intriguing. It shows us that struggles, if faced with faith and perseverance, never go in vain. We can achieve everything we want if we are dedicated to our calling and have a strong character.
Overall, this is a powerful book to read especially in the current situation in the world, when everything can be tough for all of us. The story motivates us to keep fighting and take challenges with full strength. The emotions portrayed in the book are raw that can bring the readers to tears. At times, the voice of the author comes from an innocent child that makes the story amusing and endearing.
The writing style of the author is clear and smooth. The narration is truly engaging. All the characters are genuine. Each chapter is introduced with brief quotes from the author’s first collection of poetry. The presentation is perfect, which makes it an absolute must-read!
Highly recommended.
October 11, 2023
"In the Typhoon's Eye: A Story of Childhood and Leaving Home" is an emotionally charged narrative that plunges readers into the depths of a culture scarred by historical hardships. The book vividly portrays an era where entrenched societal norms perpetuated male rage and entitlement, subjecting children and women to unimaginable suffering. Bles Chavez-Bernstein's candid account unveils the painful experiences of her childhood, illuminating the resilience and strength she cultivated to break free from the shackles of her upbringing. The storytelling evokes a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving one's heart both shattered by the horrors described and uplifted by the author's unwavering determination to reclaim her true self.
Amidst the darkness, the narrative offers glimpses of warmth and hope. The author's poignant memories and early achievements serve as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to find solace and purpose amidst adversity. The connection Chavez-Bernstein shares with her sisters, especially the act of sharing food, becomes a poignant metaphor for the fading family bonds in contemporary societies. Through this memoir, the author not only chronicles her personal journey but also captures the broader essence of resilience, love, and the timeless pursuit of one's authentic identity. "In the Typhoon's Eye" is a powerful call to embrace our true selves, a reminder that strength can emerge from the crucible of even the darkest past.
Amidst the darkness, the narrative offers glimpses of warmth and hope. The author's poignant memories and early achievements serve as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to find solace and purpose amidst adversity. The connection Chavez-Bernstein shares with her sisters, especially the act of sharing food, becomes a poignant metaphor for the fading family bonds in contemporary societies. Through this memoir, the author not only chronicles her personal journey but also captures the broader essence of resilience, love, and the timeless pursuit of one's authentic identity. "In the Typhoon's Eye" is a powerful call to embrace our true selves, a reminder that strength can emerge from the crucible of even the darkest past.
January 5, 2021
Life is harsh and full of challenges for most of us. And it depends on person as to how to make best of their situation. Many people while facing the problems, succumb to their circumstances and stray from their life goals and their responsibilities altogether. Very few has the resilience to keep fighting the odds and turning every obstacles and failure into strength of their heart.
And some people are nurtured by their circumstances to grow a strong character but some are born with strong determination and courage. It is quite difficult to take responsibilities, especially when you have only seen just part of life. It is quite challenging to grow under poor family where opportunity are scarce. Growing up with uncertainty and that too while parents relationship is stressful, can put pressure on family, especially the children as they loose so much of liberty and carefree childhood.
This memoir is riveting. It inspires the readers to grow despite the troubles and constant scarifices one may have to make. A life may be difficult, but what you make of yourself while fighting the odds remains the question ! 🍂
And some people are nurtured by their circumstances to grow a strong character but some are born with strong determination and courage. It is quite difficult to take responsibilities, especially when you have only seen just part of life. It is quite challenging to grow under poor family where opportunity are scarce. Growing up with uncertainty and that too while parents relationship is stressful, can put pressure on family, especially the children as they loose so much of liberty and carefree childhood.
This memoir is riveting. It inspires the readers to grow despite the troubles and constant scarifices one may have to make. A life may be difficult, but what you make of yourself while fighting the odds remains the question ! 🍂
June 30, 2021
I've read many novels in my life, many nonfictional works designed to engage me, make me think, entertain me, do something. And, yet, of the no doubt thousand bindings of paper and electronic ink I've perused, never, ever, have I felt as I do now.
This memoir has to be one of the most unique memoirs I’ve ever read. My review contains no spoilers so that you have this delightful read all for yourselves. Bles shares the raw and honest story of her childhood leading up to adulthood. She talks about her impoverished upbringing in postwar Southeast Asia.
It is, however, her intelligent observation and empathy underpinning her stories that draws us in.She sees and understands motivation, fears, hopes, dreams - and a myriad of human drives.
So why five-stars? Because the uniqueness of this book and the powerful style of storytelling have compelled me to get fully engaged emotionally. What a woman, what a life! I could feel her energy while reading this book. And I loved it!
This memoir has to be one of the most unique memoirs I’ve ever read. My review contains no spoilers so that you have this delightful read all for yourselves. Bles shares the raw and honest story of her childhood leading up to adulthood. She talks about her impoverished upbringing in postwar Southeast Asia.
It is, however, her intelligent observation and empathy underpinning her stories that draws us in.She sees and understands motivation, fears, hopes, dreams - and a myriad of human drives.
So why five-stars? Because the uniqueness of this book and the powerful style of storytelling have compelled me to get fully engaged emotionally. What a woman, what a life! I could feel her energy while reading this book. And I loved it!
March 2, 2021
In the Typhoon's Eye is a memoir, portraying the author’s young life, who despite all her
suffering from emotional and physical abuse in a household beset with poverty, she followed her
dreams, her passions and became successful in life.
The author’s story is an inspiration for all of us who have faced adversities and challenges as a
child and are still fighting back with life. Her perseverance, resilience, and relentless faith will
give you the courage to achieve success despite your own challenges.
It's a powerful book to read.
I just loved the book and highly recommend you reading it.
suffering from emotional and physical abuse in a household beset with poverty, she followed her
dreams, her passions and became successful in life.
The author’s story is an inspiration for all of us who have faced adversities and challenges as a
child and are still fighting back with life. Her perseverance, resilience, and relentless faith will
give you the courage to achieve success despite your own challenges.
It's a powerful book to read.
I just loved the book and highly recommend you reading it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews