Gen Zers and millennials familiar with the concept of “ghosting” can very much relate to Girl with a Broken String, a coming-of-age story by Therese Villarente.

When her first love J leaves with no explanation, singer-songwriter Sam deals with heartbreak in the only way she knows how: writing. She starts a blog and writes him letters and songs in the hopes that he is out there, reading and listening somehow… and comes back.

Through the stunning combination of prose, illustration, song, and animation, Villarante draws her readers into a one-of-a-kind immersive experience that—before the emergence of e-books—has never been quite done before.

To bring Sam’s world to life, Villarante collaborates with Maeren Sanoria as illustrator, Jude Gitamondoc as co-songwriter, Ivy Gallur and Daryl Leong as singers, and Lee Anthony Pada as 2D animator. The result is an intense and truthful exploration of heartbreak and healing that you can truly see, hear, and feel all at once in the most visceral way.

Girl with a Broken String will be launched on June 24, 2023 (Saturday), at 6 PM at Bintana Coffee House, featuring musical performances by Davey Langit, Vincent Eco, Mary Anchit, LOURDES, James Gulles, and Ivy Gallur, and a special reading and book signing by the writer herself. The event is free and open to the public. Join Sam on her journey of ache, fear, the grace of creative expression, and being transformed by love.