Manila, Philippines, September 27, 2020 – Recently launched via Kindle Books on Amazon, “58 Minutes in Driftland” is a sci-fi novel written by Filipino writer I.S.A. Crisostomo-Lopez. The book is a coming-of-age story that takes the reader through an exciting journey on what goes on in the life of a 17-year-old Filipino immigrant, Alunsinag Bayani. His mother Mercedes or “Chedeng” Bayani is a nurse who works at a community hospital in Los Angeles, while his father Artemio “Miyo” Bayani is a travel writer who is mostly out of town on assignment to feature endangered plants or animals.
Alunsinag or “Al” as his friends call him, is trying to find his place in the world and gets help from his two best friends, Ming Ju-long, a Chinese immigrant from Hong Kong, and Tej Ondrej, an Indian immigrant from Bangalore.
While Filipinos are known for their warm personality and resilience amid changes while working or living abroad, the boy Alunsinag was not spared from experiencing discrimination and bullying. With self-doubt fast rising in his young heart, the adventure begins when he accidentally steps into Driftland and discovers he can switch places with his alternate, more efficient self for 58 minutes. The switch opens doors to discovering one’s strengths and regaining confidence.
“58 Minutes in Driftland” also explores current issues facing young people today like belongingness and discrimination, domestic violence, standing up to bullies, and falling in love.
“Teenagers today are faced with pressures from their peers as well as their families, which could create insecurities. I wrote “58 Minutes in Driftland” with the hope of inspiring young people to look beyond the self they have always known and discover their hidden potential,” said author I.S.A. Crisostomo-Lopez, who is a full-time mother of four. She is based in Binan City, Laguna, Philippines.
As an added attraction, the book also takes the reader on a culture and nature trip by interlacing the plot with cultural beliefs, native dishes, exotic animals, and pop icons.
“58 Minutes in Driftland” is available in both digital and paperback editions on amazon.com.
For more information on the book, please visit this link: https://www.amazon.com/58-Minutes-Driftland-Journey-Alternate-ebook/dp/B08H44HG9H/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=58+minutes+in+driftland&qid=1599298467&sr=8-1