Juanita, Freedom Seeker: Volume 1
by Juan Cenon Marasigan

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Though the choice seems simple, Juanita is torn. What is freedom really, if you’re separated from those you love? Does living the life of a wealthy socialite mean turning her back on her poor family? Does she have the courage to face up to the rich girls who bully her in her new school? Juanita Freedom Seeker is a story of love, despair, and liberation. Enjoy Juanita’s spunk as well as her serious side as she straddles the class barrier on her way to adulthood in San Carlos. She shares many valuable lessons to all, regardless of age, seeking freedom to transcend limits.

www.jmarasigan.ca

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A girl gets the chance to help her family and see how the affluent live in this debut YA novel. Always helpful, logical, and striving to do the right thing by her family, Juanita is an admirable role model for teen readers, and her insecurities will certainly ring true for many adolescents. A sweet but uneven tale about family and class. — Kirkus Reviews The book is a very good easy read. I enjoyed all the characters and looked forward to turning each page as the story unfolded. — Catherine Cella Fun, easy-reading with delightful, lovable main characters...hard to put it down from the start. — Connie Nicholson Juanita is an insightful glimpse into the life and personal sacrifices of a young girl struggling to make a better life for herself and her family. — Denise Bower I enjoyed reading a glimpse of life in San Carlos from 2 perspectives. Juanita is a great role model for young girls today. She’s beyond her years in maturity and yet still has the same struggles as most teenagers. Her love of family taught her to ‘rise above.’ A great lesson for all of us. — Janice Siddall Juanita is both a strong and empathetic character who offers a positive role model for young girls during the difficult time of adolescence. — Kathy McKay Even though Juanita comes from a different cultural background and a unique “two-family” situation, the uncertainties regarding personal relationships and future plans that she exhibits are typical of teen-agers worldwide. In spite of the conflicting life styles she experiences, she remains steadfast and true to herself. This is a thoughtful book that elicits sympathy for a young girl faced with unusual decisions. — Pat Fine Juanita Freedom Seeker is a compelling story that reveals the complexities of family life and social development for a young person living in modern times. Dr. Marasigan has brought his deep experience as an educator as well as his insights into human development to crafting a story that is both poignant and touching. — Dr. Peter M. Meehan, College President This is a fascinating first novel, a compelling read that held my interest throughout the main plot and all the twists and turns of the subplots. Written from the perspective of a mature and intelligent 16-year-old girl, it deals with struggles that few people face - moving from poverty to riches. Dr. Marasigan in his work of fiction blends insights from his professional studies in examining the struggles his Juanita overcomes. — Roger Elmes, Dean Emeritus A charming tale of maturity, new beginnings, and the importance of love and family. — Timothy James I enjoyed reading the book and I can personally relate to Juanita’s life story. I once heard someone say, “Freedom isn’t free!” This person sacrificed so much to secure my freedom. — Tony S.M. Juan Cenon Marasigan has captured a moment in time with Juanita Freedom Seeker. His poignant portrayal of Juanita’s desire to lift herself and her family out of poverty paints an accurate picture of the challenges that face anyone wishing to achieve a goal while holding onto dearly cherished values. Mature beyond her years, yet naïve about the world beyond her neighborhood, she struggles, and ultimately overcomes, dilemmas that adults would not want to face—leaving her family, rising above the shame of her background, the lure of wealth, and the temptation to betray. Juanita’s personal battles offer lessons of character in Marasigan’s heartfelt and engagingly innocent debut novel. — Cindy Savage A thought-provoking rags-to-riches tale exploring the value of personal sacrifice for the greater good of her family and community, and how love can drive us to strive to be the best version of ourselves possible. — Jackie Siddall Juanita’s sheer determination and love for family is just amazing! A must read not just for teens but for every member of the family. — Nenette Estrada Kudos to Juan Cenon Marasigan for his excellent debut novel! The plot, sub-plots, settings, and character portrayal (especially the protagonist’s) are all captivating and authentic. I highly recommend this fiction for both young and older adults because social and family values of love and forgiveness are gleaned from it. — Norma Villanueva

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Juan Cenon started his career teaching high school Biology at the age of 19 immediately after his first bachelor’s degree. He completed 8 degrees and specializations in 3 continents. After working in industry and government, he returned to teach psychology, his Ph.D. specialization. He still teaches it to date. He wishes to continue teaching indefinitely by writing stories about love, hope, and life, infused with the values he shares with his students as an educator. He serves as a liturgical minister in two parishes in Richmond, British Columbia. He enjoys with his wife working out in the gym and traveling the world. He loves cooking for his family, especially his two little granddaughters.

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Contributors

Author

Juan Cenon Marasigan

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