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The Teenage Workbook, or, The Passing of an April Shower
The Sequel to Singapore's Bestselling Humour THE TEENAGE TEXTBOOKLustier than the last, faster than the first, the Teenage Workbook takes an unexpurgated romp through the home, school and love life of people teetering on the brink of teen and adulthood.Yes, people like Dr E (We'll tell you what E stands for) Sopramaniam, MA (East Anglia), PhD (Calcutta). People like Mills & Boon, Bikini Nikki and a hunky Dream Guy named Daniel. People like our old friends Chung Kai, Mui Ee, Kok Sean and Sissy.Theirs is a story of loony turns and unexpected twists, as crazy and unpredictable as the April weather. It is a story about wild cars and mad wives, hot foods and piercing screams. It's a story that's shamelessly frank.Read it to believe it.
253 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 31, 2022
Re-read this book and while there are some funny parts, some of the humour falls a bit flat years later. It’s still a gem in Singlit though so if you’ve never read it, do give it a go.
May 5, 2024
A worthy sequel to the earlier book, and also with some characters more fleshed out then others. I felt that Sissy Chong took centre stage here with the object of her affection, Daniel compared to Mui and Kai. Also sharing the same amount of limelight was Daniel’s sister and teacher of PJC, Miss Boon Siew Gay.
Like its predecessor, the novel is a light read, and for those who came of age in the 1980s and 1990s, the situations are readily identifiable (though the driving of cars and the grand ball at the end are a bit of a stretch. But the language use in some parts to refer to LGBTQ and gender relations shows the novel’s age - but it reflected the zeitgeist and conventions of that period. Nothing really bad, but contemporary writers today will definitely steer clear of writing on those issues in the way Adrian Tan did. Again, this book came out in 1988 so that needs to be kept in mind
In any case the book brings back many memories - first love, first kisses, the shenanigans that JC kids at that time got up to, with the absence of social media and whatnot (thank goodness for that!). It was in a sense a simpler and more innocent time for us in our 40s and 50s now, without having any of those responsibilities and what not. That I think is what the book did for me.
Like its predecessor, the novel is a light read, and for those who came of age in the 1980s and 1990s, the situations are readily identifiable (though the driving of cars and the grand ball at the end are a bit of a stretch. But the language use in some parts to refer to LGBTQ and gender relations shows the novel’s age - but it reflected the zeitgeist and conventions of that period. Nothing really bad, but contemporary writers today will definitely steer clear of writing on those issues in the way Adrian Tan did. Again, this book came out in 1988 so that needs to be kept in mind
In any case the book brings back many memories - first love, first kisses, the shenanigans that JC kids at that time got up to, with the absence of social media and whatnot (thank goodness for that!). It was in a sense a simpler and more innocent time for us in our 40s and 50s now, without having any of those responsibilities and what not. That I think is what the book did for me.
July 30, 2018
What a relaxing and delightful read!
This series is like the myth of Singlit, a classic but not well known among the younger generation.
I was chuckling at every other page, while the story is simple, it is filled with cheesy, witty and quintessential Singaporean humor.
This series is like the myth of Singlit, a classic but not well known among the younger generation.
I was chuckling at every other page, while the story is simple, it is filled with cheesy, witty and quintessential Singaporean humor.
December 31, 2018
Oh! What a sweet ending!
September 12, 2020
Much better than the first book.
January 24, 2021
Still funny. Glad I finally got around to reading the two books and watching the movie..
September 17, 2023
was puzzled at the diff btw the jc experience in this book n our current jc experience, then realised it was written in 1989. insane
July 11, 2025
Funny, enjoyable, and light hearted book. It’s a sequel to The Teenage Textbook.
Does a good job at showing Singaporean teenager lives in the 1980s.
Does a good job at showing Singaporean teenager lives in the 1980s.
December 29, 2024
At least there are two men in this series who are marginally green flags
September 14, 2008
I read The Teenage Textbook when I was in Junior College and I totally identified with it. From next year onwards, JCs will only have one intake a year, instead of once in January and once in March. Therefore The Teenage Textbook and Workbook will henceforth become a reference point of the divided experience. An excellent read for secondary school students and JC students, or any adult who wants to reminiscence their bashful teenage years.
December 1, 2012
A fresh tale with many doses of ironic Humour that makes you reflect back on your school years with fondness. A must read for teens and anyone who wants to know what it's like to be a student in Singapore.
July 25, 2016
Brilliantly funny
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews