I didn’t know what I was expecting going in but what I did enjoy from this story is how Shogo is constantly looking for better opportunities to improve his quality of life.

This story follows Shogo Onoe, who left his mundane life in Japan for the vibrant cities of Mexico. He shared about his working life and expectations in Japan and how much his life had improved when he moved to Mexico and learnt to live his life to the fullest.

The whole premise was great. It’s the kind of story I usually gravitate to but what held me back from enjoying this was the language used. I did not appreciate the use of ‘vagina’ to describe the girls he had met. I understand this is a reference for the way Shogo communicates with his friends but as a woman, I didn’t appreciate the sentiment.

Another thing I didn’t enjoy was how he criticised his Japanese co-workers no matter how unpleasant they were. He was clearly not happy in his job but it felt as though he was finding reasons to hate on his co-workers as well instead of taking charge and just resign.

I enjoyed reading about the comparisons between Japan and Mexico and how different their cultures are. I would have wanted to read more about how living in Mexico changed Shogo’s perspective instead of his constant partying with his new friends and looking to get laid.

Although I enjoyed snippets of Shogo’s story, this one wasn’t for me. Thank you Netgalley and Buzznet for the arc.

Thanks to @netgalley & BuzzNet for the chance to read this #gifted E-Advanced Reader Copy of Mexican Rhapsody in enhance for an honest review.

This book focuses on a soul-searching adventure to Mexico for a better life.

It follows Shogo Onoe’s remarkable story as he casts aside his old life in Japan for the vibrant cities and landscapes of Central America. It blends thoughtful philosophical and spiritual wisdom with an undying message of living your life to the fullest – no matter what other people might think – this book paints a vivid picture of one man’s exodus in search of a better life. We see how three Mexican friends transformed Shogo’s destiny...

As an English teacher I struggled somewhat with some of the language use in this book... there was an overuse of adjectives and adverbs amongst other things. I felt like he merged his own voice with the narrative of other's voices - the distinction wasn't always clear.

But beneath that there was a level of uniqueness and the story and journey he went on was good - I just struggled with the way it was written.

Rating ~ ⭐️⭐️.5/5

#MexicanRhapsody #netgally #BookNerd #BookReview

Highly recommend this one! This was my first book to read by this author but definitely won't be my last. The characters will stay with you long after you finish the book and you will find yourself wishing the story would never end.

If you're looking for an inspiring read with a message of hope, look no further than Mexican Rhapsody: Having a Second Chance. This beautifully written and profoundly personal novel follows author Shogo Onoe as he leaves his old life in Japan for the vibrant cities and landscapes of Mexico. Blending thoughtful philosophical and spiritual wisdom with an undying message of living your life to the fullest - no matter what other people might think - this book paints a vivid picture of one man's exodus in search of a better life.

Mexican Rhapsody is a must-read for dreamers, soul-searchers, and creative spirits, and will touch your heart encouraging you to refuse to be inauthentic and stay true to what you really feel. If you're looking for an inspiring read that will change your life, look no further.

Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me and I didn’t finish it. I enjoyed the premise of it being a fictionalised sort of autobiography however felt that the main character was not one that I liked nor cared about.

I enjoyed the strong voice of the protagonist though, you really get into his head quickly and it feels like he’s telling you almost every thought. The reason I DNFed it was that I found the language to be quite stilted and that disconnected me from the characters making me not absorb the book as I wished.