A review by:

Mr. Chan Bing Fai

Former school teacher, Headmaster and educational technologist

Lynn Wong's latest book is SMILE though your heart is ACHING. This is a much awaited book, a worthy sequel to her first book "As Time Goes By" published five years ago. Both her books are generally about life and living. They are not autobiographies.

Her first book is centred more on childhood memories and growing up pains based more on events, observations and her responses and reactions to them, with the innocence of a child. Her latest book, however, is about the adult world with its ups and downs.

It is also about fighting corporate battles.

The words she has chosen carry her thoughts succinctly. They are warm and friendly without being pretentious. The topics included in both her books cover a broad spectrum of subjects and events. Some are more hilarious and many are focused on a more serious note.

Her approach to life is spontaneous, governed by prudence and common sense. It appears lighthearted and easy. Being a keen observer, even trifles, will not escape her scrutiny. Her response to these is largely based on common sense and knowledge; laced with wisdom.

Her thoughts flow through smoothly from one idea to another and the transition is gentle, methodical, tidy and logical. Lynn's philosophy appears simple and yet very profound and thoughtful; gracious and tinged with a lot of human skills and understanding.

Her books are very personal and subjective; unique, highly perceptive, intimate and reflective. I have enjoyed reading both her books and excitedly look forward to her next one which I hope will not take too long to come to fruition.

Her artist -illustrator- is equally talented in bringing out the many encounters and experiences of the author through her drawings; depicting expressions, moods and emotions subtly and with precision. Congratulations to both of you for complementing each other perfectly!

The typography and layout is attractive and designed for easy reading. The book is available in major bookstores.

It is priced at RM27.90.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

From the chapter on "Marilyn Monroe Moment" by Lynn Wong

As befitting the occasion, the red carpet was rolled out and the 
marquee in which the reception was held could only be described as lavish 
and tasteful despite the fact that it was erected on the wharf front!

The guest list consisted of all the who's who in the shipping fraternity. Food were 
aplenty and wine flowed freely as the people mingled.....

At some point we were invited to go up the gargantuan vessel. As I tread precariously 
up the gangway, gripping the ropes on both sides, minding my three-and-half inch 
Ferragamo stilettos; a sudden gust of wind came and my skirt billowed.
I froze momentarily!
Should I hang on to my hat or press my skirt down? Surely I wasn’t going to do 
a Marilyn Monroe in full view of two hundred spectators!
And they say maneuvering a ship was difficult......





Monday, August 23, 2010

From the chapter on "Chinatown- Bustling Business Centre" by Lynn Wong

In the movies, Chinatown tends to conjure up images of dirty, stinking dark alleys, gang fights, Bruce Lee and kung fu, sleazy clubs, brothels and prostitutes, run-down inns and shifty-eyed inn keepers, opium dealings etc. In contrast, Chinatown also brings to mind exotic pretty Chinese girls in pigtails and cheong sam, trishaw rides and colourful hand-driven cars, dramatic opera singers, quaint tea houses and tim sum, hawker stalls offering an assortment of wanton mee, Hainanese chicken rice, Teowchew porridge with salt fish and century eggs, the sweetly scented smell of burning incense and joss sticks which permeates the air and intoxicates the senses…

MALAYSIA’S OWN CHINATOWN might have evolved from these same intriguing and nostalgic beginnings. A walk down Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur also known as Chinatown, today is a new revelation that will not only tickle your senses, thrill and tease your mind but also fill you with an elation, an unmistakable mysterious aura as you take in the colour, sights and smells around you.

Here in the main hub of Kuala Lumpur’s commercial centre, time stands still 
as is evident by the remaining relics of old buildings conserved with minimum 
renovation for their historic significance. The window displays of shops here are 
as ancient as the shops themselves, the owner being insusceptible to change......

Saturday, August 21, 2010

From the chapter on "My Little Man" by Lynn Wong

We are entitled to make some mistakes in life and they aren’t all bad when they serve to point us to the right direction. Without the wrong moves, we will never know the right ones.I love you for teaching me that we don’t need to be so hard on ourselves, that it’s okay to spill tomato ketchup on the computer keyboard, keep a pony-tail, fail every subject in school, come home with a broken bloodied nose, being summoned by the headmistress for the umpteenth time for disciplinary action. The times when you were caught smoking in the school toilet and the occasions when you smashed up the car not once, not twice but three times.


In the end, everything would be okay and if everything is not, then it is not the end yet. There is always hope. I learnt from you precious but difficult lessons in patience, tolerance,understanding, acceptance, and in our journey with the young and restless we need extra doses of faith, hope and love. You are my pride and joy, flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood. You complete me. Our journey through life continues seemingly to be one hell bound roller coaster ride, and boy, what a ride.
*Click on the post for enlargement*

Friday, August 20, 2010

From the chapter on " The Power Of Love" by Lynn Wong

A woman who is loved, adored and cherished always makes sure she looks her best; smells her best. She makes every attempt to stay in good shape. Her fashion sense like her manners improve; from simple to stylish, from essential to elegant, from hand-me-downs to haute couture. She exudes femininity and oozes charm from every pore.

Life at fifty, sixty, and even seventy can still be exciting, exuberant, exceptional and all encompassing, a time for enthusiastic indulgence. Who says the old cannot play the game of love. A solid, fun, compatible relationship is a good thing, an anchor to weather the storm, another option and perhaps the best one to prepare for the wintry season of chilly loneliness. You needn’t be left out in the cold, alone.

“A woman in love. I know what’s beautiful... looking at you “

Wednesday, August 18, 2010


*Click on the post for enlargement*

Sunday, August 15, 2010

More About the Author


This author was traipsing in Europe recently to find inspiration to complete the final chapters of AS TIME GOES BY.

And she did...
from the snow capped mountains of Aberdeen to the lush greenery of the immaculate gardens at Brussels;
from stately mansions at South Lodge to the quaint village at Gatwick;
from Harrods at London to feeding the ducks at Horsham;
from talking to the locals at Stonehaven (Scottish mountain) and stopping for photos at Manchester City;
In the twist and turn of every corner; in the faces of people and their gestures, all of these hold stories just waiting to unfold.
Please, join me on this pleasure trip.....
















































Saturday, August 14, 2010

From the chapter on " Pain Is Necessary" by Lynn Wong

Every morning, from Mondays to Saturdays, it is a ritual for most of us to fight the wish-I-could-sleep-forever syndrome before struggling out of bed, grumbling. We grope in semi-consciousness to the bath room, wash and put on a clean dress in an attempt to look decent before we face the world. On especially bad mornings, when we are in a terrible rush, in our haste, we knock over the mugful of coffee, scalding ourselves and staining the only clean blouse that's not in the dhobi, our toast falls butter-side down, we misplace the car keys and forget to top up the car's fuel tank; and step on the cat's tail - ouch!

Why does one have to go through the motion of going to work?......






















"Work is painful. It's full of bad breaks, heartaches, hard knocks and impossible situations. You will fall and hurt yourself many times. When that happens, just pick yourself up, dust off, brace yourself; put on your BRIGHTEST SMILE, fake it if you must until you make it and go back into the ring, FIGHTING....."

Friday, August 13, 2010

From the chapter on "This One Night"

The senses are stirred, the heart is warmed.
She feels light headed; enchanted and frivolous. There is a sweet song in the air.
Cigar smoke mingled with the lingering scent of a rich perfume, permeates the air creating a hazy haven. Lost in the abandonment of this new feeling, other thoughts are firmly set aside. Nothing else matters except this hour; this moment in time....

Marianne knows she is treading on unfamiliar ground, dangerous and yet exciting. She is standing on a tight rope but cannot help herself surrendering to this magic....



"I get intoxicated just by looking in your eyes. Baby, be mine..."

Thursday, August 12, 2010

From the Chapter ' Keep Dreaming..And Believing' by Lynn Wong

In dreams there are no limits.
All achievements in the past, present and future - great inventions,
successful businesses, production of books, arts, movies, sports, great symphonies–begin with a dream. Some one dares and some one does.
Dream on.


























“The poorest person is not one without money but one without dreams.”

Keep Dreaming...And Believing

Dreams are the vehicles on which we ride our fantasies and fantasies keep us alive. Dreams are free, fuelled only by our imagination and at will, we soar reaching for the stars. In dreams there are no limits. (by Lynn Wong from "As Time Goes By)


A book by Lynn Wong