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.

Monday, February 15, 2016

THE FALL

Heard an all too familiar story recently…
She had risked everything for him whereas he had regarded her only as good sport for his amusement!
He broke her heart and left her desolate, with no apology.
The poor girl was in limbo, cried a lot and even contemplated suicide.
She blamed herself and fell into deep depression… a hell no one could save her from.  Death would be a welcome respite.

After months of therapy, counselling and with understanding, support and assurance from her family and small circle of caring friends she gradually plucked up enough courage to leave her hiding place.  Slowly with baby steps, she fumbled to regain her self-esteem.  She worked hard at it. It wasn’t easy but each time she stumbled, and wanted to give up, she clung on to the faith and hope of loving people, when she had exhausted her own.

Steadily she got over the trauma; dealt with the anger, hate and resentment that boiled over.  She gave vent to her feelings, allowed her emotions to run their course, sighed a lot, cried buckets and even became an ugly, unkempt and unrecognizable recluse; afraid of being around people.  
In hibernation, she healed.

She survived. 
Yes, she has made her peace, found her balance and thankfully, dreaming again; coming out of her shell, taking risks and loving it.  She’s one of the fortunate few who came out of this intensely heartbreaking situation still intact, unlike many others who have fallen apart irrevocably.

Why do people delight in taking advantage of others, especially when it involves matters of the heart? Is it a game to them?  To feed the ego?  To demonstrate superiority?  A sadistic act?  A cowardice reaction? 

Whatever the reason, it is inexcusable to cause such grievous injury to another human being especially when it’s unprovoked.

God help us!





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