I was lent this book by a friend and, having returned it to them, I must now buy one for myself and to share with others. Stephanie's story combines the best of people, places, and adventures with the worst a person can imagine. She is one courageous lady now sharing this story that the world needs to know. It has been kept secret too long.

The Tyrant and The Teen: the engaging memoir of author Stephanie McCarthy, tells of her teenage self, an exchange student who scores the opportunity of a lifetime in 1968 to spend a year in the Philippines. Stephanie’s wonderful delivery puts the reader right there with her — every step of the way.
What begins as her exciting cultural adventure morphs into a nightmare following a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos. With only her wits and good fortune, Stephanie navigates a labyrinth of fear as she fights to survive while not placing her new friends in danger.

This is a memoir of pride, joy, learning and abject terror ending with an epilogue that speaks to those who weren’t as lucky.

Great read – fascinating to learn more about the Philippines and the madness that existed back in the 60’s through a first hand experience. Hard to believe it’s a true story in today’s world.

Stephanie's narrative of her experiences as a Rotary exchange in Zamboanga City in 1968 is captivating and compelling. She's a very, very talented writer! There are countless charming moments as she relates her warm and uplifting times with the Filipino families and friends she grew close to over that year. And her detailed account of her dreadful encounter with Marcos and his henchmen stands as a warning to all about the threats which a tyrant poses to democracy and the rule of law. I lived some of those months as Stephanie's friend and companion. (She did err slightly in my college ... I got straight A's at Whittier College, not Harvard!) Her graphic description of our trip to Siocon brought back happy memories. I'll attach a photo of Steph, Claro, and me at the ruins of the Spanish fort's tower, covered in snarled roots, as she described.

An amazing story. To think a well meaning Rotary Exchange could result in one of their students fearing for her life is hard to believe.
This is a riveting read. I certainly can recommend this as a can't put down read.