If you want to be a writer and you are looking for books to fuel your passion, you got to check out Bob Ong’s Stainless Longganisa.
Don’t expect detailed steps on writing though. For some who have read Bob Ong’s works before, you can assume that this is not like typical how-to’s you can see in bookstores.
Published in 2005 as his fifth book, Stainless Longganisa is about Bob’s journey and “misadventures” in writing, his previous books, and the importance of reading. It is written in Filipino and has his same informal yet witty tone.
For those who don’t know, Bob Ong is a pseudonym of an unidentified Filipino writer. He is known for his narrations and novels that juggle truth and humor on political and social issues. Even though his readers have had a dive of how he thinks, they are still clueless about his physical identity.
What to expect
You surely won’t regret adding this book to your room’s bookshelf. Here’s what you can expect from this 180-plus-page book.
In each of its 11 chapters, Bob Ong starts with a quote from and about authors, from Gene Fowler to Winston Churchill and Stephen King. These quotes talk about the wonders of writing and the mysteries of writers, but also their doom.
He also listed his recommended books and authors he liked the most. Everyone has his own reading journey, but it’s exceptionally insightful to know which books have influenced him, especially if you’re his reader.
Somewhere near the centerfold, there’s also a “self-interview” about Bob Ong with an imaginary character from his other book, Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas. Those who want to know more about him should definitely check out this part.
Also written throughout are his notes on reading and his adventures in writing and publishing books, features that can add knowledge to every person who wants to develop a knack in telling stories.
How it is similar and different from his other books
Talk about Bob Ong and (at least, if you know him) your mind will immediately register humor and wit. Bob is a master in adding such flavor to his writings, setting his own cards in a long list of writers.
As for Stainless Longganisa, the similarity with his previous works lies in terms of spontaneous narrations. It’s the same Bob who will tell you deep stories, but will suddenly make you laugh, making you feel like you and him are just talking at the opposite corners of the table.
The difference? There’s more room about his own stories.
The next time you walk in to your favorite bookstore, go straight to the Philippine Literature section and find Stainless Longganisa. Read it well, and see that you won’t regret spending a few hundred pesos for a worthy read.
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