Five Star Billionaire (Tash Aw)

 

It is safe to say that I have not read many English books written by Malaysians (despite being a Malaysian), neither have I shown much interest in them. But I knew I just had to read this after reading JoV's review

It is sad being a Malaysian Chinese. I have learned to accept everything but that doesn't mean I give in with resignation. I believe if one were determined to thrive, regardless of the system/ country/ whatever-it-is, he or she would still make it.

Back to the book, it was awfully comforting to read the familiarity, except the parts about Shanghai (because I have yet to go there). I identified myself with Phoebe  the most because I read self-help books, I rely on my personal mantras when things get tough and I do keep a goddamn diary which records everyday's challenge(s), fears and lessons learnt. As always, I was impressed with male authors who are able to narrate the emotional turmoils of the female well, particularly Yinghui's wish for a more intimate relationship with Walter. 

As much as I enjoyed reading this book (I actually read it on the way to and back from work), I doubt I wanna reread. It is simply too much to go through the pain and loss suffered by the characters. 

My Latest Purchase

Total damage: RM227

My Bad Habit

Oh no. April has come and will be gone in few hours. Time sure flies. I've been so caught up with work. There are simply too many things to learn and ask. 

Don't worry, I am still faithfully following book bloggers I like. Just that I am too ashamed to leave any comment because I have not been reading much! In fact, I have spent more time than ever reading online book reviews compared to before. Though, it might not be a good thing after all. 

In my opinion, resources (i.e. time and money) are limited. So before going to any movie, I make sure that I do my "homework" - look up Wikipedia for the plot and Rotten Tomatoes for the rating. However, that irritates The Boyfriend and brothers because it defeats the purpose of enjoying a movie when I have already known the details and have had my perception on whether the movie is good or bad. Most often than not, I skipped movies that didn't receive favorable reviews.

Same goes to buying and reading books. I survey for reviews and I look up the rating system on Goodreads. In a way, I have limited my options - I go for those that are well-received. What works for others might not work for me. As a result, I miss out the fun and surprise of discovering authors (and books) whom I might really like. 

So what's your take on this?

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother (Amy Chua)

(This is not a post about how I find Chinese and Western parenting & whether or not I support/ condemn Amy Chua's parenting although I truly enjoyed her memoir and I certainly agreed with most of her views)

When I first read this memoir, after discovering it among a stack of leadership books at my training center's library, I found it hilarious and honest. I then got myself a copy and took my time to read it for the second time two months later.

I was filled with mainly two thoughts. Firstly, I recall with bitterness those days with an oppressively strict and demanding mom. Yes, I had a tiger mom. Afterall, I am an Asian living in a developing Asian country. But then again, I think it is unjustified to relate it to my background because my younger siblings were not entirely subject to the same parenting style. Everything Amy Chua shared was no stranger to me, except the part about playing musical instruments. Like Lulu, I rebelled. I was determined to make her life hell. At one point, things got so bad between us that we didn't speak to each other for a minimum 5 years. My liberal and supportive dad, who gave me all the choices and freedom in life, borne the brunt of the conflict. Things finally improved when I turned 18. Nevertheless, we still have this love-hate relationship going on today. After reading this memoir, I realized I was not alone as I previously assumed other teenage daughter-mother pairs seemed to have no problem getting along just fine.

Secondly, I start to question whether I have pushed myself hard enough to the limit. There are truths we simply can't deny. The younger generation, who has it so easy compared to their parents and grandparents, can be self-indulgent and pathetic. I looked around and saw peers who felt entitled to good things in life without wanting to fight hard for them. Then I was reminded that I too, was guilty of spoiledness and laziness. If we don't work as hard as possible and climb as high a mountain as we can when we are still young, we will never have the energy to do it when we are older. Among the meaningful quotes are:

'Everything valuable and worthwhile is difficult.'

"Nothing is fun until you are good at it."

"There is nothing better for building confidence than learning you can do something you thought you couldn't."