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When I Was a Kid
A charming collection of black and white drawings and handwritten narratives that depict short stories from Boey's childhood growing up in Malaysia. This graphic novel is filled with stories of surviving school, siblings, and parents from a time when the world was seen simply as black and white. "When I Was a Kid" is dedicated to the forgotten child in all of us. These are tales of imaginary heroes; lies that adults like to tell children; and of the dangerous mix of boredom with curiosity. Boey's stories appeal widely to anyone who might long for a more innocent time when, as little kids, we all had stories we promised never to tell our parents. For many years, TED Award recipient Boey has entertained a handful of readers with good taste through his daily blog (www.iamboey.com).
188 pages, Paperback
First published December 21, 2011
46 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Boey
7 books91 followersboey is a malaysian animator/artist/author and a TED award recipient best known for his art on foam cups.
he has written 5 books, and they are pretty good, he thinks.
website: www.instagram.com/iamboey
http://www.youtube.com/user/rectangle...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheeming...
he has written 5 books, and they are pretty good, he thinks.
website: www.instagram.com/iamboey
http://www.youtube.com/user/rectangle...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheeming...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 8, 2012
Finally, Malaysia's answer to Calvin and Hobbes. This slice-of-life from the author's childhood in the pre-internet 80's is filled with hilarious recollections and accompanied by tiny, exquisite stick-like drawings of himself and most commonly, his loving and garang (fierce) mom who also provides the most awesome foreword I've ever read.
For a lot of us who grew up in that era, this is a must read. The descriptions of his childhood home, his pets, the hobbies and games that mostly used his imagination and basically whatever was lying around - are particularly vivid and resonating.
There are jarring moments when he uses Americanisms to refer to certain things like first grade instead of standard one but these are minor. I'd think his best market would be Malaysians.
This charming little picture-biography deserves to be more widely read. It was self-funded mostly through a kickstarter project and I hope there's a sequel. Check out his blog iamboey.com!
For a lot of us who grew up in that era, this is a must read. The descriptions of his childhood home, his pets, the hobbies and games that mostly used his imagination and basically whatever was lying around - are particularly vivid and resonating.
There are jarring moments when he uses Americanisms to refer to certain things like first grade instead of standard one but these are minor. I'd think his best market would be Malaysians.
This charming little picture-biography deserves to be more widely read. It was self-funded mostly through a kickstarter project and I hope there's a sequel. Check out his blog iamboey.com!
July 25, 2016
Very entertaining.
I love the simplistic concept.
But the RM30 ++ price tag is way too high for a book that's mainly blank paper.
I love the simplistic concept.
But the RM30 ++ price tag is way too high for a book that's mainly blank paper.
August 13, 2016
I loved it!! Drawings are super simple but so charming. It’s narrated in a straightforward, deadpan manner which I found hilarious and I laughed out loud/ snorted many times. His recollection of childhood events is remarkable— these memories are all familiar to me but it takes a special talent to recall and narrate them in such a funny and interesting way. I love how he tells it as is without worrying about political correctness or how it might seem to others. This is pretty much a Malaysian version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I’m a big fan and I’ve read most of the sequels to this book, which are filled with more of the same. Nostalgic and hilarious, a must read for all Malaysians who grew up in the 80s/90s. 5 stars!
July 13, 2014
This book brought back thousands of memories. Since I'm a Malaysian and also Johorean ( Boey's hometown ), i can relate to some of the things that he mentioned in this book like the dirty beach near the hospital and so on. Loved and enjoyed reading this book.Boey
November 7, 2013
I really love this book. It is an enjoyable reading. I couldn't stop laughing from the very beginning I read this book. The book's cover itself is kinda catchy yet the inside is really awesome. Yes, Boey is a good story-teller.
January 7, 2025
Berhubung buku ini udah lama, langsung review pakai bahasa Indonesia aja ya 😁 Buku pertama di tahun 2025 dan bikin happy banget. Buku ini ditulis & digambar oleh seniman Malaysia, menceritakan tentang masa kecilnya. Gambarnya sederhana banget dan ditulis pakai tulisan tangan. POV-nya berasa banget POV anak-anak yang... Asian kids banget (😂) dengan orang tua yang galak dan tekanan untuk dapat nilai bagus di sekolah. Boey pun menggambarkan dirinya bukan sebagai anak yang super polos dan baik where life was all rainbow & butterflies, ada banyak kebandelan dan dark thoughts yang saya yakin relate dengan sebagian millennial & gen X Indonesia. Cocok untuk nostalgia dan ketawa-ketawa ❤️
July 19, 2022
First Read & Reread Thoughts:
Have pretty vivid memories of how my dad and I found this book, and the anticipation of buying the sequel. In 2013, I absolutely loved this book the first time. I thought it was witty, funny, a little edgy and somewhat nostalgic.
Picked it up again this month as it's a really relaxed and easy read. My thoughts have changed a lot after reading it again. It felt like a drag getting through the chapters sometimes. They didn't hook me in like I used to. Although it still has its charm and I would recommend it to others, probably. It's just lost its magic for me which is alright. I might reread the second and third book.
Have pretty vivid memories of how my dad and I found this book, and the anticipation of buying the sequel. In 2013, I absolutely loved this book the first time. I thought it was witty, funny, a little edgy and somewhat nostalgic.
Picked it up again this month as it's a really relaxed and easy read. My thoughts have changed a lot after reading it again. It felt like a drag getting through the chapters sometimes. They didn't hook me in like I used to. Although it still has its charm and I would recommend it to others, probably. It's just lost its magic for me which is alright. I might reread the second and third book.
April 30, 2018
Very entertaining. and LOVE IT so much..I continue reading the others books too.
May 12, 2017
I have no idea how I heard about this book, but it took me forever to track it down. I finally had to use my connections working at a university to request an inter library loan....and got a copy from MN! The book especially piqued my interest bc the author is Malaysian and....well, I love all things graphic.
I enjoyed the book--- his childhood stories are cute and sweet. A reminder of how innocent we used to all be. The story can be told on its own--- so if you are looking to teach (especially to ESL students), this book could be fun. The drawings are not noteworthy. I don't envision him as much of an artist, but maybe that is his appeal? I do have to say his stories make up for the lack of art....he obviously loves his family (though they often told him he was fat and lazy), and you can see a lot of the Malaysian influence in how he was brought up.
Read if you enjoy stories of childhood.
I enjoyed the book--- his childhood stories are cute and sweet. A reminder of how innocent we used to all be. The story can be told on its own--- so if you are looking to teach (especially to ESL students), this book could be fun. The drawings are not noteworthy. I don't envision him as much of an artist, but maybe that is his appeal? I do have to say his stories make up for the lack of art....he obviously loves his family (though they often told him he was fat and lazy), and you can see a lot of the Malaysian influence in how he was brought up.
Read if you enjoy stories of childhood.
March 12, 2015
This book has everything it needs to become a page turner and a timeless piece of art.
Of course he doesn't cover his whole life in one book but at the end, it feels as if the reader has just led an innocent yet courageous childhood, all in one perfectly packaged book. It leaves the reader wanting more and the reader will be sated because there are two more books!
However, with all addiction, there comes withdrawal. Only, the reader may peruse the books as often as they like until they become lumps of salted vegetables, like mine.
Good job, Boey. I await more material from you!
Of course he doesn't cover his whole life in one book but at the end, it feels as if the reader has just led an innocent yet courageous childhood, all in one perfectly packaged book. It leaves the reader wanting more and the reader will be sated because there are two more books!
However, with all addiction, there comes withdrawal. Only, the reader may peruse the books as often as they like until they become lumps of salted vegetables, like mine.
Good job, Boey. I await more material from you!
October 24, 2013
haha I really like this book. its so funny and cute. I like the way he drew his pictures of him self and family and everything else. I like how he talks about at the bad things he would do and steel from his parents, and talk about his favorite chips and the things he hated doing and all the things he imagined when he like 9 years old. haha this book really made me smile, laught and think about the same things I would do when I was kid. this book is really heartwarming. I love it.!
March 17, 2013
i am a fan of weird, cute drawing. this book reminds me of my colorful childhood. the only down side of this book is it took only a little time to finish, as if i am reading a comic book. in fact, it really look like one.
July 24, 2013
Love d this so much, bought three boos to give away to other people! And constantly reading his blog (iamboey.com), taking pictures and whatsapping (like iBuddy) to my friends. i would buys every comic this guy wrote. Have never been a fangirl type, but I would totally be his fangirl! hahahaaaa
November 29, 2014
The author has shown how does it feels like growing up with such a child-like imagination. A great story about reliving one's childhood and how certain things that you do/think now can evoke such memories. And I'm wondering who is Princess Carla of Uruguay :-)
December 15, 2014
No doubt that I see a lot of myself in this compilation of childhood memories.
"I'm getting 'clap-ons' when I get my house.
I also want a disco ball for my living room. And a human fish tank." -Boey
"I'm getting 'clap-ons' when I get my house.
I also want a disco ball for my living room. And a human fish tank." -Boey
March 23, 2015
My friend gave me this book for Christmas.
It's hilarious.
And a very insightful (I think) look at growing up in Malaysia in the '80s.
And I am writing like this because this is how Boey writes.
I can't draw.
It's hilarious.
And a very insightful (I think) look at growing up in Malaysia in the '80s.
And I am writing like this because this is how Boey writes.
I can't draw.
August 10, 2016
I love this book because:
1. Boey is from where I am and it encourages me to write and gives me hope that a Malaysian can also publish a book internationally.
2. It is funny and reminds me of my childhood (though some not because I live a different era)
1. Boey is from where I am and it encourages me to write and gives me hope that a Malaysian can also publish a book internationally.
2. It is funny and reminds me of my childhood (though some not because I live a different era)
August 7, 2012
I actually did laugh out loud quite a number of times while reading this book. Being a Malaysian and grown up within the same period as Boey, I could relate to his stories very very well.
August 14, 2012
sometimes legit funny and charming but also boey often comes across as callous and homophobic
March 10, 2013
I love how this too reminded me of my childhood.
August 6, 2013
Nostalgic. 80s and 90s kids can relate... I originally picked this book for my younger siblings. But now I'm not sure whether they can appreciate this book as I did.
November 20, 2013
it is hilarious. Malaysians ans Singaporeans will easily relate to this. XD
March 25, 2014
One student in KMS lend this book to me. Thanks Aqeel. ^^
December 11, 2014
Boey help me express my feel that I have when I am a kid.
December 11, 2018
Eh, this was ok I guess. Pulls in the requisite nostalgia points, and some of the stories are sweet/funny. I think the random, rambling nature of the writing is meant to be part of the charm, but I personally would’ve preferred it to be tighter and punchier. Also I’m gonna give Boey the benefit of the doubt here and assume the casual homophobia (“I didn’t want my parents to think I was gay” “what a queer”) is meant to be ironic, but it was unwelcome nonetheless.
June 5, 2020
I thought it was just a children storybook until I picked it up and give it a read. Amazing at how the author, Boey being a Malaysian animater/artist decided to draw his childhood memories and stories into a book. Each story itself is short and self contained which can be read in any order. I must say the stories are pretty funny, poignant and honest. It brings me back to my childhood journey too with some relatable encounters.
November 1, 2021
Những mẩu kỷ ức dễ thương và không hề thiếu nhiều chút hài hước trong đó!!
Vì tác giả là người Châu Á luôn nên mình cũng có một vài ký ức giống với tác giả. Có những mẩu chuyện hơi buồn một xíu, những cũng có những mẩu chuyện làm mình cười nghiêng ngả. Ấn tượng nhất việc bố anh ấy kêu ảnh rằng "con chim dậy sớm sẽ bắt được sâu", lớn lên ảnh mới nhận ra rằng con sâu dậy sớm thì chết chắc :)))
Opps, đấy là cuốn sách tiếng Anh đầu tiên mình đọc và đã finished ẻm hahaha.
Vì tác giả là người Châu Á luôn nên mình cũng có một vài ký ức giống với tác giả. Có những mẩu chuyện hơi buồn một xíu, những cũng có những mẩu chuyện làm mình cười nghiêng ngả. Ấn tượng nhất việc bố anh ấy kêu ảnh rằng "con chim dậy sớm sẽ bắt được sâu", lớn lên ảnh mới nhận ra rằng con sâu dậy sớm thì chết chắc :)))
Opps, đấy là cuốn sách tiếng Anh đầu tiên mình đọc và đã finished ẻm hahaha.
December 31, 2019
Brilliant in it's simplicity, wickedly hilarious at times, but mostly highly relatible on so many levels to those who grew up in Malaysia, especially those of us who knew a childhood before the internet and smartphones. Boey has compiled the stories most of us lived through as kids that we, not only promised not to tell our parents, but are also scared to do so.
October 28, 2023
Interesting premise, but not very well executed. His stories about growing up in Malaysia in the 1980s aren't well developed and most are not that interesting. The deliberately simple drawings grow tedious after a hundred pages. This is the first of five similar volumes. So some people are getting more out of this than I am.
February 13, 2018
Its a must-read for those who would like to travel back to childhood days. Mixed with different contents, it will make you ponder your thoughts, laugh, and sometimes cry. This will remind you as a kid that you are not alone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews