"Monks and Filipinos: An Abridged Translation of Dr. Jose Rizal's Tagalog Novel Touch Me Not" is a fascinating book that reveals the depths of Philippine society and political life in the 19th century. Dr. Jose Rizal, as the author of this work, successfully reproduces the complex relationship between the colonizers and the colonized, revealing various aspects of the life and culture of the Filipinos of that time. Each character in the book has its own unique story and inner world, which makes the story multi-layered and fascinating. Readers will be able to experience the soul of the Philippines through the prism of social and ethical issues that are highlighted in this book. "Monks and Filipinos" is a work that leaves a deep impression on readers and makes them think about the essence of civil society and social transformations.