Review: Midpoint by Patricia Angeles

An engrossing memoir telling the story of a formidable woman who has never turned down a challenge, Midpoint by Patricia Angeles is a heartwarming story about an inspiring businesswoman, mother, and author.

As the title hints, this is not a standard memoir – instead of looking back on a life already lived, Angeles is a woman in her prime who decides to take a moment to observe the present life she has built, reflect on her key memories, and her plans for a future that is still a blank page. An inspiring example of finding yourself through the act of composing a memoir, the author reaches a new and deeper understanding of herself and finds a medium to pass on the wisdom she has gathered so far.

Angeles grew up in Manila in the Philippines, but once she finished her studies her parents decided to move to the United States, where Patricia soon realized that she could really thrive in her new home. Showing an optimistic view of the immigrant experience, she continually asked herself how she could make the best of all the opportunities Los Angeles had to offer.

She tried out a few jobs to keep afloat – selling clothes, books, and working in a management consulting firm – until it came time to get something more stable. She entered into banking, which afforded her a new kind of freedom and independence; happy with the pay, but not quite fulfilled, she was ready to quit, until a mentor changed her mind and sets her on a long and rewarding path of learning. Looking for the perfect balance between family, love, and her career, Patricia eventually finds out what it takes to build an entirely new life in a new country.

Divided into two parts, one set in the Philippines and one in the United States, Midpoint mirrors Angeles’s life in its structure. Moving to the US was a milestone in Patricia’s life, marking a before and after, and the sections feel like a hint towards the yet unwritten future – an enticing part three, of which the appendix about the author’s travels is just a taste. Running through each part of the book is a devout will to investigate herself – her fears and dreams, her successes and failures – and find how she has become a fully-rounded person, resulting in a tale of refreshing honesty and insight that is at once personal and recognizable.

Although the book shies away from the lyrical, with direct and to-the-point language, Angeles keeps the reader’s attention by writing in an accessible way – not just the language itself, but her engaged perspective about herself and the world around her. Whether you have moved to a new country or not, Angeles’ experiences are immediately relatable, offering many opportunities to reflect on the unpredictability of life and the rewards of courage, honesty, and hard work.

With clear prose and Angeles’ engaging sense of humor throughout, this compelling memoir shows how you can live to the fullest no matter what point you are in life.