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, October 20, 2010


Lynn Wong- the author writes

"As Time Goes By.." is written by a lady, for the ladies on issues that concern
ladies but that is not to say that it cannot be a good read for the Male
population as well. However, from the color scheme, cover including over all
design, and contents, the book admittedly aims to attract the Female Readership.

It is Daring To Be Different!
Break The Convention.
Think Out Of The Box.. Challenge The Norm.
Hey, look at the design of ATGB for example. Who would want to put her own photo
on the cover unless she is Angelina Jolie, or Cameron Diaz or Catherine Zeta Jones?
Names that sell! Ouch! Double Ouch!!

Still I did.
There are some raised eyebrows no doubt and...ahem...plenty of applause,
maybe for different reasons! Perhaps, you could look at it and tell me!
I would like to be distinct. The book has only been in the market for about
3 weeks and I think people are curious, bordering on liking her distinctiveness.
(Anyway, that's that I've been told.) By the way, ladies are the ones seeking the 
book. Maybe it's a sign that we are'maturing', gradually and eventually breaking
the shackles of average-ness or mediocrity that stifles our growth progress.

Ladies need to know that they too have voices that deserve to be heard.
It takes courage, patience and perseverance if you want to make positive changes.
And you can be the change you want to see happen in and around you.

When someone says to you it can't be done, look him in the eye and firmly reply,
"Watch me." If another, even if she is a well-meaning friend, says to you "Why go
through all the hassle?" Stop her in her tracks, cup both her cheeks, look intently
at her and whisper, "Why not. It's worth it"

At this juncture, we shift our focus to the men who are forever scratching their
heads and throwing up their hands in exasperation on pounding tables in 
frustration; wondering why they are once again the receiving end of a cold war,
open floodgates of tears, stormy emotional weather? Uh-duh!
Talking about the relationships with the women in their lives!

What did the poor fellow do? What did he say (or didn't say)?
Gosh you know, he hasn't a clue.
ATGB reveals a woman's heart. It doesn't provide ALL the answers,
of course but you, Prince Charming (who is forever thinking that you are
God's gift to women but unfortunately treated like a second hand treadmill)
will find answers to some of your relationship challenges with women!

It's a book for everybody, really.
Yes, even for the macho man with his wash-board abs and the man who would
like to be seen as being in touch with his feminine side.

Enjoy the read and have a good laugh on the house!

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