Footnote to Youth: Tales of the Philippines and Others

by José García Villa

"Here was the first collection of short stories by a Filipino to be published in the United States, just eight years
since the publication of what is generally acknowledged as the first successful short story in English by a Filipino, Paz Marquez Benitez’s 'Dead Stars.'" - Jonathan Chua, 2013

323 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1933

About the author

Jose Garcia Villa was a Filipino poet, literary critic, short story writer, and painter. He was awarded the National Artist of the Philippines title for literature in 1973, as well as the Guggenheim Fellowship in creative writing by Conrad Aiken. He is known to have introduced the "reversed consonance rime scheme" in writing poetry, as well as the extensive use of punctuation marks—especially commas, which made him known as the Comma Poet. He used the penname Doveglion (derived from "Dove, Eagle, Lion"), based on the characters he derived from himself. These animals were also explored by another poet e.e. cummings in Doveglion, Adventures in Value, a poem dedicated to Villa.

(From wikipedia.org, retrieved 14 March 2011. More info here.)

Reviews

[rhea ᝰ.ᐟ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rather than romanticize teenage pregnancy and poverty, Villa illustrates the reality for most poor Filipino. They have no access to reproductive healthcare nor accessible education. But must the masses be blamed for this lapse of the system? It had captured the devastating cycle that chains the poor to the crippling generational sickness that impales the youth towards impulsiveness. So I guess the the author intends to raise awareness, and create action from the readers to respond to the societal issues that prevails on the story.

[Melma Kerstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story by Jose Garcia Villa is a very honest story. I have never read something which narrated life as honestly as this. The author did a very great job in writing this one. It is something a lot of us can reflect on, especially the youth. All in all, this story is a must-read! I highly recommend this one.

[Lyza · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narrative illustrates a problem in Philippine society, and it is devastating to say that half of our population right now is still dealing with this kind of problem. One of the most compelling aspects of this book is how the story puts a microscope on this cycle of marrying young and then suffering through life.It calls attention to the longevity of life and not letting youthful mistakes become the burden of old age. It also speaks about the trials of marriage and that it demands sacrifices, which one should be willing to offer if the marriage is based on trust and love. I was able to broaden my perspective and practice remaining calm and patient before making earth-shattering and life-altering decisions. I deeply adore how this book encourages the youth's to refrain from letting their hormones and emotions get the better of them and then rue the consequences. I also admire how this story offers a captivating exploration of identity, a tantalizing journey of getting married at a young age, and the reality and rawness of life as it unfolds right in front of their eyes and passes through them.

[Aquino Kc · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this for class i dont know how to feel abt it.. sure its one of the classic but i couldn't shake off the feeling how it romanticized teenage pregnancy and how the characters itself dont have agents (there written like that) the story also tells more rather than show ...the pacing was good tho on the other hand the characters were blunt.

[si · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't understand why some see this as romanticizing the teenage pregnancy when it clearly shows the cycle of youthful mistakes and its lifetime consequences. Love the idea of love but never dream that there will always be an easy way out.

[Cris Name · Rating 2 out of 5]

so good

[Granny]

for educational purposes only

[Clewen Clewen · Rating 5 out of 5]

interestedhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...#

[pan]

i think that young people should read this. i see you all with your facebook posts. lmao huhu

[Clowreadsandrambles · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[nepenthescne · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I love about philippine literature is its sheer simplicity yet it doesn't hold back from evoking strong emotions and making a lasting impression.

[Skye Jewel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean okay…

[Bianca Sy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very wonderful story that everyone must read.

The story tells about the current issue of the teenagers nowadays and this will surely help each and everyone for it gives a moral lesson that every person must know (especially the youngsters).

(I only read Footnote to Youth by Jose Garcia Villa and not the whole book since it's the only copy I have.)

[Annah Cabrales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story. The reason why it is called Footnote to Youth, it's because the footnote could be seen on the back page of the story. So, in this case, the author wanted to focus on the ending of the story. The fruit at the end. To youth, because it's for all the teenagers that can relate this days.

[Benz Melancio · Rating 4 out of 5]

i want to read this!

[Algyne Claire]

good