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| from Philippine News, San Francisco, May 29, 2015 |
Well, thirty days have passed since my book, Carolina: Cruising to an American Dream was released by iUniverse on its own online Bookstore, Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Though largely unprepared, I quickly put together a modest marketing campaign of social media posts, mainstream media press releases, and a limited emailing campaign.
One hundred twenty-two paperbacks have been ordered; most of them delivered and paid for, by former colleagues, friends, and family. The outpouring of support gratifies me a lot. There is no indication of the order rate at the three online retailers, but I know of friends who have told me they bought copies from them. But I understand they give sales reports to authors only after three months.
My article entitled “The Transformative Power of Travel” subtitled “Never Underestimate Wanderlust“ graced page A6 of the May 29 issue of Philippine News out of San Francisco. Three other US newspapers published press releases about my book:
2. the US online edition of Inquirer: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/123493/filipina-expat-gets-rv-drives-all-over-us-canada-mexico-writes-all-about-it, and
3. Filam Star: http://www.filamstar.net/lifenhomenews/2935-filam-author-to-launch-book-in-seattle-manila.html.
Finally, I am most thankful for the reviews of the book that have been posted on the retailers’ websites. They have all been strongly positive (5 stars). A sampling of them is listed below.
AMAZON
“By Bill Pallucca on May 9, 2015
Fascinating!!! Esguerra-Colborn shares her experiences--from practical "How-to" advice for living in an RV and getting around the US and parts of Mexico to personal wisdom gained from years on the road with a new husband in her new homeland--with wit, enthusiasm, and candor. A native of the Philippines, the author brings a fresh eye to our big country. She helped me to experience America through a new lens. What a fun adventure!”
“By Erlinda Pantanilla on May 23, 2015
It was too real! I feel that Carol’s plus rating in this novel is her ability to make the reader “see” the places they visited and feel every situation they are in. Clearly, the couple showed how they love each other. This relationship is not perfect, but both realize that they need to patch things up for after all they share the same journey. I don’t think I’ve ever read a story like this before. Congratulations and looking forward to reading more books.”
“By Angie Manchester on May 29, 2015
This narrative book is an excellent example of a Filipino, who has explored the USA perhaps even more than most of the Americans who have lived in this country for all their lives. Her style of writing is so simple yet will bring you to the world she & her husband has explored like you are there with them. The book offers a lot about the beauty of America in the eyes of person who came from another country, the Philippines, a different world, a with a different culture, Carol dared to dream; It is inspiring the reader to see also the places they have been to through RV cruising. Carol & Bill as a couple is amazing on how they drove thousands of miles to see and share where they've been, through this book.
The additional information on the economy of RV living is a plus factor to get this book. People who are considering to retire and looking at RV way of living, this is a book that you must have; Carol's witty writing will definitely make you decide if you're contemplating to do RV living. I am recommending this book with 5 stars; Not just for what Carol has explored, but she opened her heart to the reader, the who, what, & how she dared to dream and was able to achieve; Her personal side and insights from her ups & downs in the relationship of a Filipino married to an American will truly give the reader some good learning like golden nuggets for any relationship. For my countrymen, Filipinos back home, I am certain this book will be a top seller. Carol shared in this book, herself as a Filipino by heart, a US citizen by her current life that is truly inspiring. Kudos to Carol and am looking forward to her future endeavors in writing and more published books."
BARNES & NOBLE
“Libra_zones, Posted May 13, 2015
Carolina: Cruising to an American Dream is a truly enjoyable read. The joy that the author experienced comes through as you go through the pages. It is a unique perspective in that the author clearly is well traveled and can draw from her experiences of having lived in a different country. The family and marriage experiences of the author enhanced the enjoyable narrative of the book.”
iUNIVERSE BOOKSTORE
“Friends will remember Carol as the high-flying Filipina executive who held top posts in the Philippine business and academic scene before she relocated to the Land of Uncle Sam. She was President/CEO of BayanTrade, Managing Director of SAP Philippines, Deputy Commissioner of the BIR, General Manager of MegaLink, Vice-President of DAP, and was once a Senior Project Manager of Andersen Consulting and Marketing Manager of the Institute of Advanced Computer Technology. Her new calling card now reads: Carolina Esguerra Colborn. Wanderer. Writer. Wife.
Carolina: Cruising to an American Dream as a travel book is a fitting ode to the RV lifestyle – a lifestyle that few people dare to lead, and a pipe dream for many Americans. It is also a telling of the author’s inner journey. While vicariously navigating from one fascinating place to another, picking up interesting facts about America’s noble past and exciting prospects, readers get a glimpse of how the Colborns transitioned from the driven life to the more laid-back RVing mode. The subplot involving the ups and downs of an interracial marriage seamlessly weaves itself into the chapters and makes this a travel book like no other.
“The American Dream” has always been regarded in light of materialistic ideals; fame and fortune as payback for hard work and America as a place of bountiful opportunities. In Carolina: Cruising, the author presents yet other facets of that dream that she, herself, achieved — that of finding a fulfilling and loving relationship in this country and embracing American values without cutting her Filipino roots. A must-read for those who dare to take the cruise and follow their dream."
Chit Tribiana”
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