HCM CITY — Handicapped teacher Nguyễn Ngọc Ký has released a new autobiography in HCM City.

The 358-page book entitled Nguyễn Ngọc Ký -Tâm Huyết Trao Đời (Nguyễn Ngọc Ký - Passion for Life) includes 50 pieces featuring the writer’s challenges during his life, from a boy living in the northern province of Nam Định to a student at Hà Nội National University from 1968 to 1970. 

It also describes the dreams and the strong will of Ký, who suffered a severe illness as a child and lost the use of his arms when he was four years old. He taught himself to write with his feet and became a good student.

The book recounts his time as a teacher in his native province and an educator at the Gò Vấp Education Centre in HCM City.    

Nguyễn Ngọc Ký-Tâm Huyết Trao Đời is published and distributed by the HCM City General Publishing House in co-operation with its partner Trí Việt-First News.  

Ký’s first  autobiography, Tôi Đi Học (I Went to School), was released by the Kim Đồng Publishing House in 1970. His second autobiography, Tôi Học Đại Học (I Went to the University), appeared in 2013.

Both have been reprinted many times by prestigious publishers.

As a member of the Việt Nam Writers Association, Ký has released many books and poetry collections for children such as Chú Nhện Đu Đưa (Balancing Spider) and Quả Bí Kỳ Lạ (The Miraculous Pumpkin).

For his tenacious spirit, he received a medal of honour presented by President Hồ Chí Minh in 1963 and the title of Meritorious Teacher in 1992.

The 70-year-old Ký and his life and career have been an inspirational role model to students. 

"Teacher Nguyễn Văn Ký and his books are popular with both children and adults of different generations because they are full of passion and courage,” Đỗ Kim Thoa, a reader from HCM City, said.

"My children loved Ký’s books when they were young. Today I am going to buy the books for my grandchildren. I believe they’ll learn valuable lessons after reading it,” said the 78-year-old woman. — VNS