Contemporary life – in all its shapes, sizes and imperfections – is the subject of Surreality, Carissa Villacorta's acclaimed collection of essays. As a young Filipina surrounded by people, events and experiences in New York City, she ponders on life's mysteries: its joys, conflicts, and compromises. A big theme to take on, but she writes with specificity and simplicity; her heart is for the taking as she turns glib notions into impassioned dissertations for us, the living wounded. It's old-fashioned wisdom mingled with new-age wonder: a singular mix that Surreality brims with and basks in.

Carissa's sense of empathy is charming, natural and bountiful - the extraordinary gift that she shares with her readers. If her fan base is huge, it is no accident. The effusiveness of people's responses is matched only by Carissa's commitment to inspire her readers in rich, incandescent ways. As you will discover by embracing this book, her words are the kind that we need to read in today's postmodern world. The only way to get a clearer, sharper view of life would be a visit to an eye doctor: no fun compared to the wit and vitality that Ms. Villacorta brings to each of her delightfully entertaining pieces.