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.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

EVOLUTION

A long time ago I started out into the world, a gauche and gawky teenager quite lost, forlorn and lonely.
You took me under your wing and taught me precious lessons in integrity, fairness, sensitivity, resilience; to be strong, steady and always to stand for my beliefs.  These shaped my character as an impressionable young adult.
I like best your sense of humor - the ability and spontaneity to laugh at yourself.  Your hilarity is contagious and that inherited trait from you has seen me through many, many, disastrous situations and I have laughed away a lot of my challenges.
I've tried to live my life based on those invaluable principles you taught me as best I could.  Sometimes I excel but at other times, I fail miserably. 
You said never to dwell in the past or let it overtake my present or haunt the future.
Get up, dust off and move on.
Through all the blunders, blisters and boos boos, I blossomed.
I love how you fuss over me.  You are my protector and my provider. All the dramas that have taken place in my life have taken their toll but never once did you leave me to face them alone.

Neither did you judge, condemn or criticize me. You are Divinity.  I see a loving God in your eyes, in your gentle smile, in your generous spirit. God is evident in your words and deeds.  Through spiritual understanding, I now see that the hand you offered to wipe my tears and the shoulder you volunteered for my comfort were those of a loving God.  The warm embrace that drew me close to your heart were the extended arms of  divine love; amazing grace calling out, truly, how sweet the sound.


No comments: