The author signs a book. — VNS Photos

HCM CITY (VNS) — After its debut in 1970, the autobiography Toi Di Hoc (I Went to School) by disabled teacher Nguyen Ngoc Ky is being republished by First News and will be displayed at the 2014 Book Festival in HCM City on Monday.

The 204-page book recounts the writer's challenges during his four years of studying literature at Ha Noi General University from 1968 to 1970.

It also tells the dreams and hopes of Ky, a young student at Nam Dinh Province who suffered a severe illness as a child and lost the use of his arms when he was four years old. Undeterred, he taught himself to write with his feet and became a good student.

The book was first published under the title Nhung Nam Thang Khong Quen (Unforgetable Years) by Kim Dong Publishing House in 1970, the year Ky graduated from university, and later was reprinted with the name Toi Di Hoc by prestigious publishers.

As a member of the Viet Nam Writers' Association, Ky has also released many books and collections of poems for children such as Chu Nhen Du Dua (Swaying Spider) and Qua Bi Ky La (The Miraculous Pumpkin).

Ablo:The cover of Toi Di Hoc, Nguyen Ngoc Ky's autobiography. The second edition of the book will be released on Monday at the 2014 Book Festival in HCM City.

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

Ky and his life and career have been an inspirational role model to students, showing that anyone can overcome adversity and have success.

"Teacher Nguyen Ngoc Ky and his books are popular with both children and adults because they are full of passion and bravery," said Nguyen Thi Thanh Hang of HCM City.

"My husband and I loved Ky's Toi Di Hoc when we were young. Today I buy the book for our little kids. We hope they will learn valuable lessons," she said.

The publisher said this time Toi Di Hoc includes new writing by Ky, who works as a teacher for Go Vap Education Centre. — VNS