Taiwan's "notebook boy" commits his memories in writing
Chen Hong-zhi's notebooks are his life.
Nine years ago, Chen seriously damaged his hippocampus, a part of the brain associated with forming memories, in a traffic accident.
Left: "July 2, 2018 Make chopped bamboos a little rain 5898 rain sell uncle Liao wax gourds T$500 10:08 ZZZ".
Right: Chen holds a wax gourd.
Left: "November 7 10:28 ZZZ help mother buy stuff 1998 morning go sister Jhang's home help uncle Shao".
Right: Chen carries persimmons collected from his neighbour Uncle Shao's garden.
Left: "July 31 go to hospital alone Shao's home YA 100 3898 10:08".
Right: Dr Lin shows X-ray images explaining the difference between a normal brain (left) and Chen Hong-zhi's brain.
Left: "August 17 overcast go to Beipu alone 5898 Shao's house go ground tea go sister Jhang give bread 1 packet x6".
Right: Chen reacts as he walks in Beipu Old Street area.
Left: "YA sell sister Jhang third prize 6600 September 26 Shao's dog OK 888 go to Beipu alone visit sister Jhang 9:28".
Right: Chen talks to his friend, Sister Jhang.
Left: A note details Chen's day on October 26.
Right: Chen looks for the mobile phone he lost.
Left: "November 6 YA found phone and KFC tonight go to eat election campaign rally 10:38 ZZZ".
Right: Chen claps during an election campaign rally.
Story
Ten days later, he found his phone, documenting the find in his notebook, of course.
Chen takes a shower.
Chen prepares to boil water.
Chen prays at a temple to be helped to find his lost mobile phone.
Chen is reflected in a broken mirror at his home.
Chen looks at a photograph of himself on his mobile phone.
Old photographs of Chen.
A notebook of Chen.
Chen arranges lottery tickets.
Chen poses with an electric fan he won in a lottery.
Chen reacts after removing weeds at his farmland.
Chen removes weeds.
Chen talks to his friend at his neighbour's home.
Chen eats his lunch.
Chen shops at a supermarket.
Chen takes an afternoon nap next to his stepmother.
Chen adjusts clock hands.
Chen sleeps.
