Customer Reviews

38 reviews

• Juliet Lawrence

  If you’re the type of person who dreamed to test your limits, just against anything that will hinder you from helping the less fortunate, you’ll find this story a compelling read in restoring your faith in a window of opportunity. Merely those who are brave enough to take risk of pushing their limits are the only ones who could possibly perceive how far they can go. And that’s what I love in Maria’s personality, despite all the hardships she never runs away but rather chased her dreams. Instead of thinking of it as a stumbling block, she treated them as her stepping stones. She’d learn what she is capable of and never look back in her dark past. Maria’s true grit is a testament to how the human spirit can overcome almost anything.
  
  This is one of the books you’ll either love or loathe. You can tell me which side of the coin toss landed for you after you’ve read it.
  
  I felt like I was on the journey with her travelling across the world. Books are indeed a thing that lets you travel without moving your feet. And what is better than travel and a book combined? They make a perplexing comrade. There is no better way to discover yourself than getting out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in someone else's.

• Dianna Wilson

  I’ve always thought of a book that suits my palate, a story in the course of a delightful adventure of self-discovery, prose that shares the best of how connecting with people can turn your world upside down and open your horizons in optimistic ways. Finally, I discovered “Unprepared for Life’s Journey”. From the title and the premise itself, you would think of it as a cliché story of a woman who makes wrong decisions in life but there’s so much in this book than what you perceived it is at first.
  
  What I like about this is its take on the essence of Germany’s history through war and death. To be honest, I’m not a fan of anything that is to say, related to history, but this one is an exception. Maria’s personality as a brave young woman, who is dedicated to her passion for serving others captures me. Many people don’t aspire to help others, all they want is to have the power and money, but Maria is a different case because her calling to help the less fortunate made her the epitome of divinity and bravery. She is the embodiment of faith.
  
  I read this book in one sitting. I must say I was engaged from the very first page, emotions flowed right through me even until now that I’m writing this. This is a story that I will definitely cherish forever.

• Froy Evans

  This is a classic tale of discovery that led Maria unprepared to various expeditions. But it’s fine because for us to get through the hardest journey, we need to take one step at a time. Her voyage of discovering herself, of who she was meant to be and her legacy to the world is what makes this memoir into a whole new level of literature. Maria is one of those characters that, despite all circumstances, you cannot but find tragically adorable and inspirational.
  
  I have nothing to say about the writing but impressive. It was an easy read and I felt like I’m on the author’s side listening to her storytelling. This is such a wonderful book to read that underpins a lot of moral lessons for us to find out why do we have to go through a lot of challenges, and where would this get us.
  
  And now that I'm done, I feel like I've gone on a journey with this book and come out the other side much like Maria, ready to embrace my life and my capacity for love. Read this book to open your heart to a magical journey of a woman who overcomes all her hardships. But also be reminded that this book will resonate with you for years to come.

• Anthonet James

  This is a book that reminds us of our life as a gift, and the importance of the people we let in it.
  
  “Unprepared for Life’s journey” is a self-discovery and adventure novel which gives an inside account, and a very human one at that, of the life of a woman who first-hand experience war. We follow Maria’s physical and spiritual journey of finding what really is her calling. Eventually, everyone would end up where they needed to be, with whom you’re meant to be, and doing what you should be doing, so challenges aren’t a reasonable excuse for you to give up. Because time will come you’ll rise above the storm and find your own light. The importance of the life that is discussed in her everyday interaction with people is also one of the best factors of this book.
  
  Flavel’s story never ceases to amaze me, and for some instance urge me to question reality and contemplate my own journey. This is one of her works that I will go back from time and time again because of its meaningful and inspiring prose. A heartwarming story, easy to read and hard to put down.

• Elena Dube

  This is the first time that a story speaks to me. A story that will pull a smile from somewhere deep in its readers might be crooked or loose, even the most genuine smile would reflect in their eyes.
  
  Right after the war that happened during their time, many girls worked in the re-opened factories or as household help, become children’s nannies, or went to Agriculture Schools to learn cooking and take cake-decorating classes, but not Maria, to her surprise she was sent in a boarding school to continue her studies. From thereon she decided to follow her sister’s track, went to a covenant to dedicate her life to God. But during her stay there she doubts if she’s on the right path, and so, she opts to follow her dreams.
  
  Maria as a character is someone who will leave an indelible imprint in my heart. This story is so much more than a memoir of a woman but a life journey we all could learn from, be inspired and live life to the fullest like it’s your last. And this just punches right through the perfect spot to wake me up to choose to be inspired.

• John Smith

  I’m lying on my bed alone. Contemplating life. Pondering on time. And reflecting on my past. This book had me questioning my whole existence on earth. I've just parted with a woman I've never met, yet a lady I felt I know so well. A woman I think so bland in the beginning becomes the lady I loved at the end.
  We all face challenges at some point in our life, challenges that we did not create, that are beyond our control. All of us do. It is inevitable. Our only difference is how we respond to these. One might turn her back and run away, but not Maria, she runs to it and takes it as an opportunity for self-transformation. She didn’t let the obstacles overcome her; hence, she challenges her limits. And that’s what is truly inspiring.
  I just simply adore this book! Flavel’s writing is clean and simple with its gentle structure, the story was laced with beautiful writing. A must-read for everyone. This will surely be your favourite among all the books you’ve and you’ll ever read.

• Tristan Cameron

  From “Unprepared for Life’s Journey” cunning plain premise, Flavel weaves a plot so exquisitely intricate, real, and enchanting. Overflowing with its charm, personal wisdom, and philosophic insight, all of this adds up to the beauty of Maria’s journey.
  
  Flavel’s memoir traces the story of her journey from the day she was born till the age she decided to think about her future. When they heard about her wanting to go overseas they'd offer her to work with the Notre dame sisters in which at the end of her training she could become a nun, a lay worker, or marry a farmer just like every single one of her best friends dreams to do. Decided to follow her sister’s footsteps she enrolled in a covenant and devoted her life to God.
  
  The book’s biggest pride aside from its impressive storyline lies in how Flavel handles her own story in a way that it isn’t too superficial or forge to look good, thus, they are so authentic and real that everyone could relate to her life experiences.

• Ava WILLIAMS

  This is a tale that makes you appreciate life!
  A note of hope threads through the writing, building slowly what is needed to share; the moments of connection, the reawakening of a woman caged by wars and injustices, and her ability to make the most out of her life.
  Her will to help the poor really touches my heart because I too aspire to be of help to those who needed me the most. And we certainly need to live our lives full of love and spread it wherever we go. Just remember that everyone is human, flawed, but most of all worthy of love.
  Flavel really knows how to transcribe her great experience into wonderful words and share it to inspire her readers. And for one reason above all, I admire her courage to write her story sincerely and genuinely.
  This is a story everyone could relate to, about how things go through in life and how different events within our life affect, shape us, and make us who we are today.

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