EDITOR’S CHOICE
Powerful, raw, and beautifully written—Boy Wander is a courageous journey of identity, resilience, and self-discovery that deeply resonates.
Jobert E. Abueva’s Boy Wander is a bold, unflinching memoir that navigates the complexities of identity, ambition, and survival with striking candour. Set against the backdrop of 1970s and 80s Asia and America, this coming-of-age tale traces the extraordinary journey of a young boy living two lives: the celebrated golden child by day and a secret sex worker by night.
From the elite international school halls of Tokyo to the hushed corridors of the Imperial Hotel, Abueva’s life is a juxtaposition of brilliance and burden. His achievements—student leader, academic star, athlete—mask a hidden reality that’s both heartbreaking and haunting. The tension between societal expectations and his concealed truth is palpable throughout, making the memoir as emotionally resonant as it is revealing.
What elevates Boy Wander is Abueva’s storytelling—fluid, deeply personal, and remarkably self-aware. His voice matures with each chapter, shifting from youthful deflection to profound reflection. The geographic scope—Manila to Kathmandu, Tokyo to San Francisco—adds rich cultural texture, making his journey feel not only intimate but also global.
While it confronts painful truths, this is ultimately a story of resilience, self-discovery, and quiet triumph. Even decades on, the memoir resonates deeply in today’s conversations around identity, acceptance, and the many faces we wear to survive.
Courageous and thought-provoking, Boy Wander is an unforgettable read. It’s not just a memoir—it’s a mirror for anyone who’s ever felt the need to hide who they are to be loved.
