Title: Midpoint: A Memoir
Author: Patricia Angeles
Publisher: Independently published
ISBN: ‎ 979-8847880954
Pages: 166
Genre: Autobiography
Reviewed By: Dan MacIntosh

Read Book Review

Patricia Angeles decided to tell some of her life story, not at the end of her days, but in the middle. Hence the title, Midpoint: A Memoir. With it, she asks the question, “What kind of legacy am I leaving behind?” It’s a question better asked midstream, rather than at the very end because once we reach old age, there just may not be enough time to secure a more significant impact upon one’s world. Angeles has the presence of mind to make this life evaluation smack dab in the middle of it. Like all life stories, Angeles’ personal tale is unique. She clearly enjoys writing, which makes for a lively reading experience.

Angeles breaks her recollections into two distinct parts. The first section, drawn from 1984-2005, chronicles her life in Manila, as a child and young adult. The way she tells it, Angeles had a happy childhood, complete with strong family ties. She was an inquisitive young woman and a voracious reader, which helps explain how writing comes so naturally and easy to her now. She was allowed to blossom and bloom into the smart and ambitious woman she eventually became.

The book’s second half details 2005 to the present, beginning with her move from the Philippines to Los Angeles. Some of this book’s most impactful moments include Angeles’ memories of struggling to make it in a new country. This includes when she paid her dues by working her first retail job, as well as experiencing – perhaps – her first bad taste of racism while doing an office job. Eventually, however, she found work in the banking industry, where she began to excel. She was driven to succeed, and thus succeeded. As heartening as it is to read of Angeles’ career conquests, however, some of these entries read a little bit too much like resume entries and may be the weakest section of her book. Nevertheless, it’s always heartening to read stories about immigrant successes.

A later chapter, titled accurately “A Pain in the Bum,” describes Angeles’ battle with sciatica pain. It is here we look in on Angeles’ vulnerability. It’s a far different angle than remembrances from her skyrocketing career. It humanizes Angeles, and helps the reader see a more well-rounded view of her life.

In the chapter “Motherhood Musings,” Angeles explores the adventure of becoming a mother. Angeles writes early in the book about how she was inspired to create this autobiography so her children would know more of her life story. Thus, motherhood is one of Angeles’ greatest life achievements. However, there is part of Angeles’ story that feels unfinished, and that’s the role her husband Andre has played in her life. We learn the way the two met and how Angeles’ father didn’t appreciate Andre’s long hair. However, we don’t find out much more than that. Yes, he “truly stepped up to his role” when it came to raising children, but the reader is left wishing to discover more about this most significant man in Angeles’ life. He comes off as a mere shadow figure in her life, which he most obviously was (and is) not.

The chapter “Travel Adventures,” which appears at the book’s end, lists “Thirty-eight adventures in thirty-eight years,” feels a little slight. Rather than listing all these locales, it might have been better had Angeles chosen some of the best of these trips and written in more detail about her visits. Travel is important to her and deserves more than an itinerary of destinations.

Perhaps Angeles will fill in more details about her travels and married life in another later autobiographical installment. What we have so far, though, mostly makes for fascinating reading.