Title: The Tale of Juliet: You Have the Power to Change Your Life

Author: Jhet Torcelino-van Ruyven

Format: Paperback

In a nutshell
This is a self-published book about the “rags to riches” life story of Juliet “Jhet” Torcelino-van Ruyven on how she overcame her struggles as a poor girl in the province of Batangas, Philippines when she was still young, worked hard and studied, achieved her dreams one by one, which led to her eventually becoming one of Canada’s successful female entrepreneurs. Add to that the fact that she’s also now a bestselling author and sought-after motivational speaker, having the likes of Mark Victor Hansen (of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series) as one of her mentors.

My thoughts
This became an instant page-turner for me! Having the author as one of my kababayans (we’re both from the Philippines; although she’s now Filipino-Canadian), it was easy for me to relate to her storytelling. Sure, I have to admit that I haven’t experienced the “extreme poverty” she mentioned in the book during the early years of her life, but it opened my eyes more on the plight of some of my fellow Filipinos and really made me appreciate more what I have.

The writing part of the book is done in a very simple way, and those who are after the writing style won’t really be impressed (I actually saw one negative review on an online book store, and I was like, “why would you be after the writing?!”). But what it lacked in the “writing style” department, the book very much made up for in content and inspirational message. Heck, I even witnessed the author twice in a live speaking event, and I really love her humility in admitting that grammar isn’t really her strongest suit that’s why she left that for the experts (editors, etc.) — what she has is a really big message that inspired, inspires, and will continue to inspire the world! And isn’t that what a book really is for at the end of the day? To share a message! To inspire! And the author has done that. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “my life is my message” — and the same rings true for Jhet. Her life story on how she turned her breakup into a breakthrough, her mess into a message, her struggles into successes — that’s what will make you buy and read this book. That’s what you’ll remember (and will inspire you to take action in achieving your own dreams and helping others) even long after you read it.

With this book, you can’t help but also be motivated to turn your life story into a successful one too! 😉

Rating: 4 out of 5

❤

*BONUS!* I was able to meet the author herself, Ms. Juliet “Jhet” Torcelino-van Ruyven with her husband, Mr. Ted van Ruyven. They were such a very nice couple and down-to-earth people! May God bless them both more! 🙂

with the author and her husband (P.S.: don’t mind the bandage on my chin; I had an infected zit but that didn’t stop me from pushing through with my day’s activities! haha)

—

Have you read “The Tale of Juliet,” too?
Share your thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below!