Don't Forget the Soap--Review

Hi Everyone! Welcome to Don't Forget the Soap's stop on my blog!

Title: Don't Forget the Soap
Author: Marie Claire Lim Moore

Goodreads Buy it as an Ebook Buy it on Paperback

At the center of many good stories – inspiring, entertaining, admittedly corny – is Marie Claire Lim Moore. Ask her about the time she and her family sat down with former Philippine President Corazon Aquino. Or the time she built houses in Mexico alongside former American President Jimmy Carter. Equally engaging are her every day experiences and perspective on life. You will be interested to hear what she thinks is a relationship “deal breaker” or why Christmas should be regulated or why kids shouldn’t say, “I’m bored.”

Don’t Forget the Soap is a collection of anecdotes from different points in Claire’s life: stories from the tight-knit Filipino community in Vancouver mix with memories of her move to New York, experiences at Yale and travels as a young executive. Underlying this narrative is the story of a global citizen who does not want to forget the fundamental values that come along with the “immigrant experience” as she and her husband raise their children in the increasingly glitzy expat bubble of Singapore. Her parents continue to remain a big influence in her life and her mother’s reminders a grounding force. These stories will warm the heart and resonate with people of any culture.

***

Here's what I have to say about this book: It is downright beautiful. First, the cover. It's so pretty, you'd love looking at it over and over--and I could say the same for the pages.

Now about the contents. What I really appreciated about this book is the fact that it's fun and easy to read and would NEVER get you bored. Peppered with photos from the life of Marie Claire Lim Moore, it is a collection of thoughts and memories, but even though it is about her life, you will definitely be able to relate.

I also liked the fact that though the author grew up in the states, she never forgot about being Filipina. In fact, she's proud of being Filipina and that's one thing that's really admirable. That despite her success, she knows how to come back to her roots and knows how to stay humble.

You'll also learn a whole lot from her mother. Her mother's teachings and beliefs are very Filipino, and may be too traditional for you, but sometimes, it's good to remember what used to be good and it's good to have something to look back on. What's good about this book is that you'll learn so much, you'll enjoy, and you'll reflect on your life, at the same time. 

A light read that will surely warm your heart, this book is one that shall stand the tests of time. Two thumbs up.

***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marie Claire Lim Moore is a Filipina-Canadian-American working mother and author of Don't Forget the Soap. After spending the early part of her childhood in Vancouver, Claire moved to New York City and attended the United Nations International School. She went on to study at Yale, climb the corporate ladder at Citi and travel around the world. She met her husband, Alex, while working in Sao Paulo, Brazil and they married in Manila, Philippines shortly before moving to Singapore. Now Mom to Carlos and Isabel, Claire also manages the Global Client business for Citi in Asia. She enjoys juggling career and family and likes to throw in community and politics for fun by campaigning for US political candidates, fundraising for organizations that advance the role of women in business and promoting foreign direct investment in the Philippines. She is also a guest contributor at Sassy Mama Singapore.