Interview with Author Nathaniel Malabonga

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I was always a bookworm although I never thought I’d become an author. Because I’ve read so many books, I learned how to write reasonably well. But I mostly wrote essays and articles. It’s my first time writing a full-length book.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I wanted to leave some sort of legacy behind. At the time, I also thought that it would be a good milestone achievement if I could publish a book by the time I was 50, which I did.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I want those who are feeling lost to realize that despite life not coming with an instruction manual, simply being here has meaning enough. Even if a gold coin sits forgotten in an attic, it doesn’t take away the intrinsic value of gold. And it’s the same with all of us.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I have many interests but I’m not really an expert in anything. Initially, I wondered how I could even write a book if that’s the case. Then I came upon The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck and came to realize that if there’s one thing in common, we all have a life to live. And you can always share your life experience with others, whether or not you’re an expert. And that’s what my book is all about.

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

So far, I’ve been mainly using Facebook.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

If you have even just the germ of an idea, just roll with it. Just write. It’ll likely be messy at first, but it’s better than not expressing what’s trying to come out, like shaping a sculpture from a piece of rock. Just chisel away the rough parts bit by bit until it becomes coherent.

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

At the moment, I’m happy enough to have published a book at all. I’m not yet sure if this is a one-off or if there will be follow-up projects.

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About the Author

Nathaniel Malabonga grew up in Marikina City, Philippines. He is an avid gamer who plays tabletop roleplaying games and computer games. He also enjoys anime and manga. For a time, he was into airsoft and dabbled in various martial arts like arnis and BJJ. Eventually, he developed an interest in esoteric energy and healing systems like pranic healing and acupuncture.

A bookworm at heart, the first full-length book he read was the Bible and then Gone With The Wind before discovering Isaac Asimov’s The Foundation series, which ignited his interest in the sci-fi and fantasy genre.

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One Plus One Is Not Equal To Two: Finding Meaning When Life Doesn’t Add Up by Nathaniel Malabonga Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Nathaniel Malabonga shares some insights and fundamental truths about life and the fairness that often eludes us all in the book “One Plus One Is Not Equal To Two.”

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The Synopsis

Life is filled with things that shouldn’t occur but happen anyway, and none of it adds up.

Picture this. A CEO runs a company to the ground yet gets a golden exit package worth millions of dollars. Meanwhile, an ordinary hard-working person struggles to pay the bills and is one illness away from becoming homeless, even if they work 2 or 3 jobs at a time. How does any of that make sense?

It’s one of the most demotivating situations one can go through. It builds up a general resentment towards life that’s hard to shake off because it’s born out of the idea that we deserve better. If this describes your life in broad strokes, then it’s time to return to something more basic.

You are more than just a unit of production. This book is a journey back to yourself, to a fundamental truth that most people have ignored for too long and with tragic results. And unlike the intangible soul or the mind, this is a truth that you can touch and feel but is no less profound. It’s a realization that can lead you to rebuild yourself and give you the one thing you may need the most: hope.

The Review

This was an insightful and engaging read. The author had a way with words that spoke to the heart and felt thought-provoking at the same time. The book itself felt conversational in its delivery, with the author able to relate specific themes and topics to personal experiences, pop culture references, and everyday life in an easy and relatable manner.

The themes the author wrote about were timeless and compelling. Two chapters in particular spoke to me. One chapter spoke of holding onto the little things that give people a sense of respite, allowing them to find some form of escapism and understanding others who experience a loss of that escape from their lives. Then there was another chapter that spoke of family versus friendship, and the reality that proves that people can choose their friends, but they cannot choose their family, for better or for worse. These musings and artful approaches to life’s experiences were compelling to get lost in.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, authentic, and engaging, author Nathaniel Malabonga’s “One Plus One Is Not Equal To Two” is a must-read nonfiction self-help book. The authenticity and heartfelt nature of the book’s message, along with the relatability readers will have with the author and their journey, make this a compelling book to revisit time and time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Nathaniel Malabonga grew up in Marikina City, Philippines. He is an avid gamer who plays tabletop roleplaying games and computer games. He also enjoys anime and manga. For a time, he was into airsoft and dabbled in various martial arts like arnis and BJJ. Eventually, he developed an interest in esoteric energy and healing systems like pranic healing and acupuncture.

A bookworm at heart, the first full-length book he read was the Bible and then Gone With The Wind before discovering Isaac Asimov’s The Foundation series, which ignited his interest in the sci-fi and fantasy genre.