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, April 17, 2017

WOW FACTOR

A lone elderly cleaning attendant was at her job scrubbing toilets. No one paid attention to the lowly labourer. She might as well be transparent. 
I felt compelled to do something nice. Hugging her would have sent her screaming 'lunatic on the loose!' That was certainly not my intention! Instead I approached and handed her a five dollar note and said, "minum kopi." (for your coffee break). 
The cleaner was stunned momentarily and then thundered back excitedly, "TERIMA KASIH" (Thank you) Her short shout sounded like an applause. A fiver means very little to us but it can provide a decent simple meal for someone who is really hungry. Maybe she'll save the money for candies for her grandchildren later. The thought brought a smile. 
Even as I have recorded this small incident, she too may have relayed her five dollar blessing story to her family, friends and neighbours and perhaps drew a couple of WOWS! On hindsight, I should have given her ten! My, what a story that would spin...


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