Theory of Fil

Phil Bolser was in late stage renal failure when he wrote his memoir. His journey begins in junior high school, working for a janitor that molds his world view and teaches him lessons for life. As Phil shares his early experiences, we are introduced to boyhood friends and a way of life long past. Phil uses story telling and a narrative style to move the reader from vignette to vignette as he describes his family life, and his approach to managing schools and teachers. He explains his haves/have-nots theory as he continually brings the reader back to Mr. Bartlow, the school janitor. Phils world view, his deviate from the norm thinking, and his desire to help the have-not's through education are front and center in his journey from Tilton Elementary School, in Illinois to Highland Heights Elementary and Hibberd Middle School in Richmond, Indiana.