Personal history has a way of shaping book selections. So it is with my interest in TESS URIZA HOLTHE. My extended family of friends includes a Filipino family, including a son and daughter who might as well be my own brother and sister. As much as I know about them personally, I know next to nothing about them culturally. Snippets here and there do not reveal a larger picture of heritage and homeland. But Holthe’s writing begins to fill it in. Her novel, WHEN THE ELEPHANTS DANCE, gracefully maneuvers around the wrestling match between America and Japan for possession of the Philippines. Holthe, however, doesn’t follow military regimen, concentrating on civilians braving life as their homeland turns to battleground. Various voices sing out, but Holthe embraces a trio of narrators: Alejandro; his strong-willed sister, Isabelle; and Domingo, a commander in the rebel army. Holthe’s approach allows for an exploration into the heart of the Philippines and its citizens. The author, who will appear at Dayton’s Books & Co. at 7 p.m. on Friday, lulls readers into the rich, foreign land immediately, as young Alejandro calls upon his father’s wisdom: “When the elephants dance, the chickens must be careful.” In this metaphor, the Filipinos are meant as the chickens but, through Holthe’s words, they are shown as the ones who move and speak so gracefully. Well, that I already knew from personal experience; now others can find out from Holthe. 937-298-6540. …
MARCO MARSAN likes to get naked. It’s not a lifestyle, but a method of thinking. For the Cincinnati businessman, his credo is his way of living, imparted in his book, THINK NAKED: WHAT CAN CHILDREN TEACH US ABOUT LIVING IN A WORLD OF ADULTS. His idea involves achieving success by going back to that moment in our youth before the fear of failure set in. Think Naked, published in June, offers a four-principle plan to break down the restrictions placed on us by ourselves and others. Though self-help books can often be a mixed lot, there’s something to say for retaining (or regaining) childlike innocence. Marsan offers a mini-workshop at 7 p.m.on Thursday at Barnes & Noble in Deerfield Twp. 513-683-5599.
This article appears in Jul 16-22, 2003.
