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.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Dad hasn't been well for awhile now. He's a fraction of the man he used to be and has lost much of the self confident and 'macho' image. He's frail, frighten and unsure of himself and it bothers me and breaks my heart sometimes when I see him in this state. The life he used to know --- ball room dancing, karaoke, yum-cha with his friends, wild boar hunting, food, travel, exotic cars, his dreams --- all gone. His days are now spent in recluse. Mom cares for him 24/7 and this has taken a toll on her. Still she relentlessly carries on. Sacrificial love for her man keeps her going. I asked Dad the other day if there's anything he needs in particular. Anything. He shook his head, but he did say this, "If you could come home more often to visit, sit by my side, talk with me, I'll be very happy. And even if we don't talk, it would be enough just to have you close to share the silence together." Oh, Dad...



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