Memoir traces Ilocano boyhood, trauma and belonging in Hawaii

David S. Salazar Jr.’s new memoir follows his childhood in Na’alehu, Hawaii, after emigrating from the Philippines in 1974. The book blends humor, Ilocano memory and Hawaiian Pidgin with a hard look at family violence, immigration and the long shadow of childhood trauma.

Why it matters: - Diary of an Ilocano Boy: Between the Pasagad and the Banyan Tree adds a personal immigrant story to the growing conversation about childhood trauma, cultural identity and mental health. - The memoir is aimed at young adults, parents, teachers, school counselors, social workers, behavioral therapists and mental health workers. - David S. Salazar Jr. wants the book to help readers understand Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the effects of trauma that can continue into adulthood. - The book also asks readers to consider how early intervention for children experiencing trauma at home could affect later life outcomes.

What happened: - David S. Salazar Jr. released Diary of an Ilocano Boy: Between the Pasagad and the Banyan Tree, a memoir about growing up in Na’alehu, Hawaii. - The story follows his childhood after his move from Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, to Hawaii. - Salazar emigrated from the Philippine countryside to Na’alehu in September 1974. - He was known as Amboy during childhood. - The memoir is available now. - Readers can get the book on Amazon.

The details: - The memoir covers Salazar’s life from kindergarten through eighth grade. - The narrative explores immigration, language barriers and school life alongside family violence. - Teachers, friends and relatives helped Amboy navigate those years. - The book includes accounts of alcoholism, neglect, physical abuse and his father’s infidelity. - A key episode takes place in the summer of 1982 after seventh grade. - Salazar’s mother sent him to find his father. - Amboy found his father with another woman and ran to the town cemetery. - The Superman T-shirt he wore that day became tied to his goal of becoming Super Amboy, someone strong enough to protect his mother and defend himself. - The memoir uses humor, Hawaiian Pidgin and Ilocano memory to tell painful material. - Na’alehu appears in the book as a place of both happiness and hardship.

Between the lines: - The memoir frames childhood school experiences and friendships as part of survival, not as a break from home conflict. - Salazar says Hurricane Lala helped trigger memories that pushed him to write about his upbringing. - The book reflects a desire to turn personal pain into education for both families and professionals. - The focus on CPTSD signals a broader effort to distinguish deep, childhood-rooted trauma from other mental health conditions. - The immigrant experience in the book is presented as both a cultural adjustment and a struggle for belonging.

What's next: - Salazar hopes the memoir will deepen understanding among mental health workers and educators. - He also wants readers to stay open to the experiences of immigrants adjusting to life in the United States. - Review copies, interviews and additional information are available through BrightKey PR.