Punching Bag

De: Rex Ogle

Narrado por: Ramon De Ocampo

The companion to Rex Ogle’s award-winning Free Lunch is a searing account of adolescence in a household torn by domestic violence.

Punching Bag is the compelling true story of a high school career defined by poverty and punctuated by outbreaks of domestic abuse. Rex Ogle, who brilliantly mapped his experience of hunger in Free Lunch, here describes his struggle to survive; reflects on his complex, often paradoxical relationship with his passionate, fierce mother; and charts the trajectory of his stepdad’s anger. Hovering over Rex’s story is the talismanic presence of his unborn baby sister.

Through it all, Rex threads moments of grace and humor that act as beacons of light in the darkness. Thoroughly enjoyable, beautifully crafted, and authentically told, Punching Bag is a remarkable memoir about one teenager’s cycle of violence, blame, and attempts to forgive his parents - and himself.

©2021 Rex Ogle (P)2021 Recorded Books

I lived how he really explained his life

the only think that I didn't think was amazing was maybe the cuss words

Another brilliant memoir

Rex and Ramon both do it again. This one is darker then his last one, but, I don't mind that. With a title like Punching Bag, I was expecting domestic violence to be part of the storyline. Another amazing performance by Ramon.

Rex Ogle is a hero

It’s horrible that Rex had to go through everything he did to become the man he is today. So many children have a rough and violent childhood, and lots of children cannot say they made it through to the other side, like Rex did. I’m so glad he’s happy now. I had a great childhood with a loving mother. After reading Rex’s books it might make me a little more present if I see a child struggling like he did. Thank you Rex for sharing your stories.

Painful and Inspiring

This book is a tough one. Very real and honest look at abusive relationships and mental illness. Despite the difficulties of experiencing Rex’s pain through his words, it was also inspiring to let teens know that there is truly a light at the end of the tunnel.

Really Hits Home

I discovered this author thru my 8th grade English Teacher Daughter she introduced it to her students. And I’m so glad I did.

If you work with children you MUST listen to this book.

This follow up to free lunch gives you a 1st person view into the real lives that children live everyday. It isn't every life but even child living in abuse, shame, guilt, poverty, etc. deserves us to understand what life is like for them. This book can help us be more understanding and compassionate. My soul and my heart were moved by this book. I was a version of Rex in my childhood. We need more people to see us.

The first page

I liked all of it and wish i had read it sooner this page gave me the inspiration to read again

Resilience and strength

Great narration. I bought this after I listened to Free Lunch which was free. I wanted to hear more about Rex and his life even though it was heartwrenching. I hope kids who are going thru hard times at home know they aren’t alone and that they will persevere to be successful like Rex! God Bless all of the kids who have terrible home lives. God Bless Rex!