Pacific Book Review
Reviewed by Rae C. Bernard
To imagine life through the eyes of a happy, positive yet realist person, is almost like stumbling upon a mystical creature. Interestingly enough, there are actual people in this world that possess some, if not more of these qualities. Unsure if everyone’s belief system is similar, but to be encouraged by an individual to seek out the possibility of learning more about the creator, is such a blessing. We must walk through our lives during the good times, the bad times, and the ugly moments because that is what shapes us into the individuals we are today. The world isn’t perfect and the life we live isn’t either, but there are messages hidden in everything we read and things we witness with our own eyes. This should be an indication that something is orchestrating it all and that life, although a gift, could be a stage for something greater than us. If you love poetry, reading customized prayers for any given circumstance, or having both elements expressed interchangeably, there is a book for you.
In The Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever: A Colorful Life of an Immigrant in America, author Frank A. De La Rosa brightens up the life of his readers through blessed prayers and poems full of colorful pages. He goes into detail about his life growing up in Panganiban, throughout World War II, and how everyone in his town participated in agricultural production to survive. The children made the best of their experiences while their schooling was placed on a temporary pause. Despite the childhood Frank had, it molded him into the man he is today and he’s appreciative of all experiences and challenges throughout his life.
One thing that stands out the most as you read through poems, letters to family and friends, or view pictures of those important individuals in the author’s life, you begin to realize just how humble one can be. Positivity exudes with every page you read, it’s one of many qualities that automatically deserves our respect. This man’s beliefs are passed along to his readers without feeling bombarded or shoved down our throats, as he just shares his blessings with the world. While reading, you’ll get a sense of peace and tranquility because his words are warm and welcoming.
The way he cherishes his loved ones is an absolute blessing and he only praises, allowing others to see them in a positive light. It’s noted throughout the book that both life and time is precious and that we should be more mindful of how we use both. Some letters have been written specifically for family and friends, which are enclosed in this book for everyone to read and it makes you hopeful that your family and friends think of you in the kind spirit that Frank does. You will learn some lessons on forgiving and forgetting, smiling and laughing more, share your blessings with those in need, and so much more. The level of love expressed in this book can very well be life changing for those in the world that are lacking a care and support system. This one man, sharing his list of things he would do a bit differently if granted a chance to re-live his life, was the representation of intelligent responses for change.
Although we cannot start our lives over again, he mentioned that each day is a new opportunity to begin a new life and make changes that would benefit you and others.
I truly am grateful to have the opportunity to read one of the purest stories of one’s life and have the ability to finish it with a wonderful feeling. Even though the author doesn’t know his readers on a personal level, it was like reading in a conversational tone from one friend to another. The poetry and prayers are my favorite parts of the book because I felt the love showered through those words to me and it felt good. Poetry is my kind of language, due to how you can give words a personality and a voice to match. It described various things and people in their innocence without judgment, a view from an almost child-like perspective. His words are teaching his readers to accept life as is, make corrections out of a living place where necessary, understand that God is here for us all regardless of the life we lead, leaving you hopeful of the positive possibilities to come. To read a book and feel good about myself afterwards lets me know that I’m heading in the right direction.
A huge appreciation to the author, Frank A. De La Rosa, for sharing his amazing life with his readers, as well as pictures that captured the essence of his kind-hearted spirit. Overall, I would highly recommend this to everyone, it provides real emotion, comforting words, a positive attitude, and the encouragement to seek out and praise God in your timing.
