Rex Ogle, PUNCHING BAG

Rex Ogle, PUNCHING BAG

Author Rex Ogle returns to discuss his second memoir, Punching Bag, which is a follow-up to his debut memoir, Free Lunch. Rex and Zibby talk about the moments in Rex's childhood that ended up being so significant as he grew older, why his abusive past is important to talk about even though doing so is often painful, and the ways in which he is trying to reach kids who might be in similar situations today. Rex also shares the book he's working on next about his grandmother who remains such a powerful force in his life.

Rex Ogle, FREE LUNCH

Rex Ogle, FREE LUNCH

Rex: When I first started writing it, I had been dabbling in writing short stories about my childhood. I'd write a chapter. Then I'd basically have a panic attack. I was like, I can't keep writing this. Everyone kept saying we need important stories and stories that can help kids live a better life or have a different experience or have hope. When someone said the word hope, I was like, god, I had so little hope as a kid. I wanted to write something that gave hope and showed kids you can live through bad things. You can still come out the other side and be better.