Dela Cruz said the inspiration to write the book came a couple of years ago at a time when he was thinking of what to do to keep busy.
“It was my wife Rita’s suggestion to write a book, but she didn’t tell me what book to write,” Dela Cruz said.
He said he originally planned to write a novel but changed course after 10 or 15 pages and instead wrote a historical account of what life was like growing up in the islands.
“From Colonialism to Self Government: The Northern Marianas Experience” has five parts: religion and island culture, pre-war history, the trusteeship administration and land ownership cases, the commencement of the commonwealth government and the dream of Manuel, an imaginary character.
This part offers some thoughts and insights regarding the NMI’s experience during the past 30 years.
The book costs $21.99.
Dela Cruz said it took him over a year to finish the book.
“I usually write very early in the morning, when my mind is fresh and active,” Dela Cruz told reporters after the presentation.
Born and raised in the Northern Marianas, Dela Cruz attended Mt. Carmel School and is a 1974 graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law.
