Tomorrow's Memories: A Diary, 1924-1928

Intersections: Asian and Pacific American Transcultural Studies

by Angeles Monrayo

Twelve-year-old Angeles Monrayo began her diary a few months before she and her family moved to Pablo Manlapit's strike camp in Honolulu. Angeles' diary not only provides a rare glimpse into the lives of Pinays during the 1920s and 1930s, but also contributes valuable insights into the study of race, class, and gender in American history and the study of power and resistance in Asian American and ethnic studies.

Hardcover

First published May 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's really rare to read a story from the 1920's from a Filipina's perspective during this time since most Filipinos moving to Hawaii / U.S. was historically male.

I would recommend this (easy) read to those interested in learning about what life was like in the 1920's from a young Filipina's perspective (~12-16 y/o).

The first couple pages are noting the family history and then most of the rest of the book is Angeles' journal entries. They are written in chronological order, but Angeles does recount older memories or goes into more detail of past experiences later in the book which can be confusing, but again this is her diary so it's okay - just something to catch as you read along!

I love how honest and truthful Angeles is, as she speaks about the way in life from her perspective. The conflicts she faces and figuring out life during the same time she does. I love how strong-minded and independent Angeles is and how unwavering she is when she sets her mind to it. I really felt like I was there with Angeles as she wrote down her life events.

TW there is a couple of bits of S/A , murder, and kidnapping mentioned in this book although very minimal and not outwardly explicit for the most part

But in all, I think this was a great read and I am thankful to Angeles' family for deciding to publish their mom's work. As I said, there aren't a lot of recounts of Filipinas during this time and at the very end of the book, the author graciously added more history of what was going on and historical events which give more context.

[rei · Rating 3 out of 5]

dnf at page 82 mainly because that was where my professor wanted us to read to and i wasn't that invested to continue (maybe one day).

it was interesting to read about her childhood, where i was surprised to relate to a lot of things. it reminds me very much of the diary of anne frank. however, some parts were repetitive and others were all over the place so it was confusing at times.