It’s been more than half a year now since my book was published. It has been a long journey since the moment I started to seriously sit down to write my book sometime in August 2017, until its publication on June 30, 2022. From finishing my manuscript, looking for a publisher, having the cover designed, editing and proofreading. In a sense the publication of my book was the culmination of this journey. But it was far from an end by itself, but rather the beginning of yet another journey.

Since the publication of my book I’ve been going through a process of going out of my comfort zone. Once my book was out there for people to read I felt a surge of insecurities. I realized that having your book published could be very confronting. Will people like and enjoy reading my book? Will they find it worthy of their time? Will they think it is well written? And so on and so forth. All sorts of insecurities came pouring like a torrential rain.

I actively asked for feedback, uncensored feedback, from people I know who bought my book. Asking for feedback was a terrifying thing to do. And yet I wanted to do it. As a writer I want to actively engage with my readers. After about two months since publication feedback from my readers started to trickle in. The feedback I received so far were all heartwarming and full of enthusiasm. They showed me that all my insecurities were for no reason at all. Nevertheless, I still feel insecure every now and then. My need for affirmation from others seem to be so deeply ingrained in my very person.

Below, I will share the feedback I received. Not to brag about it but to give you an idea how my readers have welcomed my book so far. Perhaps you will get curious about my book, or will be motivated to get your copy of my book, have you not done so yet.

With my book I hope to generate discussions among Filipino migrants (and other migrants) on topics relevant to us, such as our integration process in our respective host countries, coping with another culture, finding our place in what we consider our second home, next to our mother country. With this I hope to develop a shared consciousness as (Filipino) migrants. With my book I would also like to invite native-born host country nationals to take a closer look, from a personal perspective of a migrant, how migrants wrestle with their integration process. With this I hope that there will be more understanding between native-born host country nationals and migrants. This is the direction where I want to go, using my book as an instrument to generate such discussions.

Having my book published opened up a lot of new things for me. Through my book I met new people, developed new friendships, learned to ask for help and favors from others like writing a review on my book, organizing Book Talk sessions, etc. In this context I would also like to express my utmost gratitude to the Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya, and the Philippine Embassy who, together with the UP Alumni Association in The Netherlands, organized a Book Reading event on my book in September 2022. This served as the book launching of my book, considering that this was the first time I presented my book to the public. Through my book I slowly expanded and continue to expand my social circle.

Indeed, having my book published is not the end of a journey, but precisely the beginning of yet another journey – a new phase in my life when I will be exploring new things, meeting new people, and going out of my comfort zone. I am anxious but at the same time excited to be in this journey.

Let me share here some feedback I received so far.

“Chasing Windmills is Maya’s gift not only to her family, but to the world as she takes us along her political, personal , and spiritual journey.”

“I just finished reading your book: engaging, lively, interesting, honest, authentic and profound.  It is well written in easy-to-understand English.”

“Chasing Windmills is an intimate memoir comprising of many stories…. In Maya Butalid’s case, Chasing Windmills meant striving to live life at its best, based on deeply-rooted principles of integrity and compassion…. The book is filled with deep insights and wisdom gained through experience…..The tone of Chasing Windmills is highly personal, and reading it is like sitting down and listening to a friend speak calmly and quietly….”

“Your memoir is accessible and relatable (plus wise without preaching). It is very honest and straightforward…”

“I recently read your book and liked it so much. I am particularly impressed by your recollection of your identity journey.”

“I loved reading your book! It is readable, with feelings and emotions and honestly written that came from your heart….”

“I enjoyed reading your book. So well written and what an amazing story!”

“Easy reading discussing difficult circumstance and challenges….. The flawless storytelling makes it an easy read but also heartbreaking and heartwarming in reflecting her challenges in the realm of personal, family and social relationship. I find her immigration and Dutch society integration story inspiring.”

“Quite an entertaining read. The book takes you back to the heady days of Martial Law and provides a first-hand account of the mortal risks faced by the vanguards of student activism at the time. The author also offers invaluable insights into the struggles of migrants and the ways to adapt and become productive members of their host country.”

“It’s an insight-filled book which is delightful to read. It narrates her struggles and experiences as an activist, migrant, wife and mother, and an NGO worker who has found inner peace and meaning. Engagingly written, it has amusing vignettes from her colorful life which people can relate to. Highly recommended.”

“Simple and humble how you tell but it captivates.”

“You captured everything in your book what lies in your heart and mind…. One word to describe you: COURAGE!”

“… I like the way you express yourself, the self-reflection way. Your revelatiions can touch people in their heart.”

“I really enjoyed your book…. I admire your life lessons and values, and especially about the love of God in your last chapter…. Very good book especially from my perspective of immigrating to America and raising two kids like you,… “

“… this book offered me a deep understanding of the lives of Filipino migrant activists in The Netherlands, as they grapple with the challenges of organizing, economic hardship, and belonging. So poignantly written. ….”

Have you read my book? Kindly leave your feedback in the comments.