The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago held the second installment of its book reading and signing series featuring Filipino-American authors on 23 August 2024 at the Consulate’s Kalayaan Hall. The second installment featured the author of “The Woolgathering Series” and the newly-released “Twice Removed,” Ms. Zee Lacson.
In her opening remarks, Consul General J. Susana Paez underscored that these events are part of the Consulate’s efforts to highlight Filipino talent, with a focus on women authors of Philippine descent, and lend support to their creative voices.
During the event, Ms. Lacson gave the audience a glimpse of her newly-released book, “Twice Removed,” which was released during this year’s Philippine Independence Day. Ms. Lacson talked about her experiences as an immigrant in the country, including her struggles of not quite fitting-in, and how she drew inspirations from these in conceptualizing and writing her books.
Ms. Lacson likewise fielded questions on her inspiration for her books, her journey as a book writer, and her future plans. She expressed her gratitude for the support from her family, friends, and the Filipino community, and emphasized the importance of storytelling in connecting people across cultures.
The event ended with a book signing session where attendees had the opportunity to briefly talk to the author and have their copy of “Twice Removed” signed.
“Twice Removed” tells the story of a Filipino protagonist and of manananggals. It is interspersed with Filipino words and phrases, and marries Philippine and local culture. While the book is rich with references to Philippine culture, it managed to appeal to the mainstream American market with its relatable storyline.
Prior to releasing “Twice Removed,” Ms. Lacson had published “The Woolgathering Trilogy” (Reverie, Revenant, and Reveil). Reverie was her first published story in 2020. Revenant, its sequel, was released the following year. The Woolgathering Trilogy was completed in 2023 with the final book, Réveil. The trilogy has garnered significant acclaim, making its mark on the Amazon Best Seller list. END