Boyhood in Monsoon Country
About this book
Maximo D. Ramos wrote a number of books detailing the history and culture of the Philippines. Boyhood in Monsoon Country is a collection of little essays about village life as a boy. It is not just the content here, which presents a fascinating range of topics from the food to the bird life to even the mythological creatures that kept him and his friends scared of entering into the woods -- what really speaks to the reader is the lyrical and conversational quality of the writing. Ramos's observations are often hilarious, often poignant, and always stream of consciousness, like a warm grandfather relaying his adventures to his grandchildren who gather around him to take it all in. As Ramos explores his own life and times, his invitation is a simple but profound now that he has shared his life, he implores the reader to think about and celebrate their own. Reading Boyhood in Monsoon Country feels like an exchange of lives-- a conversation that lets us into Ramos' world, and encourages us to think of the humanity that unites us all. Early School DaysWe Had Gizzards of IronWe Had Food Specials, TooOur Peer GroupThe Games We PlayedThe Birds We KnewOur Homely NamesThe Harmful Gods of Our CountrysideWe Had Just About All We NeededA Note to Agents of ChangeThe Magic of Old Place-NamesHoliday in BlackSweet Were the Uses of NecromancyPicnicHoly Week in Monsoon CountryGlossary of lloko Terms