The Boy with a Snake in His Schoolbag: A Memoir from Manila (or Something Like That)

By Bob Ong

Book Overview

A Fascinating and Funny Coming-of-Age Story set in the Philippines

This humorous coming-of-age memoir follows the author from kindergarten through high school and college to his own experiences as a young teacher. Set in Manila, it explores universal themes of friendship, love, school life, depression, academic struggles and personal successes. A National Bestseller in the Philippines, the book also includes illustrations by award-winning cartoonist Freely Abrigo, a concept artist for Warner Brothers.

This collection of warm and humorous essays candidly chronicles Bob Ong's experiences growing up in the Marcos-era Manila of the 1980s. The author casts a satirical and nostalgic eye on the events of everyday life including: Fighting for a seat in a classroom with limited chairsMunching on Nutribuns (UNICEF's nutrient-enriched bread sent to developing countries)Having your sister discover a 20-inch rubber snake in your schoolbag Taking part in a disastrous school production of Star WarsStruggling to adapt to university lifeDiscovering a new perspective of the classroom when he becomes a teacher himself
Whether you're nostalgic for your own schooldays in the Philippines or simply want to enjoy an entertaining memoir set against the backdrop of a chaotic Asian city, this book is for you.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804855218
• ISBN13: 9780804855211
• Release Date: March 2023
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 8.1"