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.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

BREAD AND BUTTER


I feel really sad and sorry for people who are stuck in their job. No way out, they lament. Long hours, underpaid, unappreciated, scrutinized with suspicion, suppressed into submission; doomed. 
They hate it but can do nothing about it. Uh!

And so the poor soul plods on, agonized, tortured; dragging his feet into a hell he's created for himself.
And it doesn't help to see the long, sour faces of colleagues who are probably in a similar pitiful state, facing the same plight.

Is it worth it? To continue slogging? What of those empty promises? Is there light at the end of the tunnel?
Should he throw in the towel now or wait another 6 months, a year? Perhaps things will be different, improved. He's skeptical but continues hoping.


Maybe, someday ...

A suggestion, if you are in that predicament.
Observe how previous colleagues who have gone before you were treated. With dignity, decency or degradation? 
Did you approve? Did it ignite fear or disgust in you? Consider those actions and your reactions. These are helpful tips in your own decision making. If others were treated unkindly, be warned, you'll probably face the same fate.

With the New Year, resolve to make things better all around and it jolly well starts with that job-activity that brings in the bread and butter. Cut the bitter.

The work place should be fun, in an atmosphere of co-operation, healthy competition and strong team work for mutual benefits.




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