Entering A New Phase
1. MY LIFELONG CHALLENGE - An absolutely brilliant and deeply insightful book on how language can determine the success of a country. Malaysia’s troubles are similar to the language battles Singapore endured in the 1960s, merely substitute the Malay supremacists with the Chinese communist sympathisers. The Chinese fought a passionate battle for Mandarin against Lee who was determined English - the language of science and trade be made the language of business. Yet, Lee was against pseudo- Westernism and deculturalisation. With language comes identity. Lee writes and speaks fluently in Mandarin, frowning at pidgin English. Truly an outstanding statesman.
2. TALKING TO STRANGERS - Malcolm Gladwell books ought to be made school textbooks for the level of 21st century insight into human behaviour. Did you know that suicide often requires intent and convenience of location (a bridge) for the morbid event to succeed? That it is human nature to believe a person innocent when a report of misconduct is brought to us? Hence why criminals like Bernie Madoff in the clear light of the day went on to perpetuate many crimes before finally brought to justice.
3. OUTLIERS - A wonderful book that points out the various lesser-known factors of success. Most billionaires were strikingly born in the 1840s or 1950s. Chance? Nope. Great transformation of economy. Opportunity. Why did the Jews beat the Irish and Italians in accumulating wealth in New York? Not only were their garment expertise in greater demand, the industry provided complexity that made career fulfilling and lasting. Everyone from Bill Gates to Bill Joy (co-founder of Sun Microsystems) to world class hockey players started out with a slight advantage, received rare opportunity and went on to become superior in their fields. Please read this book!
4. REAL TIME - Beautiful stories that bring you to the hustle and bustle of Calcutta, of a country and it’s people finding their way amid post-colonisation and traditions.
5. THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY - I regret to inform that one day after completing the book, I was still bawling like a baby. A tragic love story that shows the hold of a dull marriage; how most people never leave, preferring to be martyrs for their children. Noble, responsible surely, yet debatable in my opinion.
6. BALZAC AND THE LITTLE CHINESE SEAMSTRESS - A semi-autobiography about two hapless teenagers sent to the mountains after Chairman Mao’s Cultural Revolution for re-education. Thousands of youths were separated from their parents and sent to work in the sloshing fields, banned from reading foreign book. Dai Sijie is a wonderful writer, transforming grim poverty and hopelessness into a humorous account of two adventurous boys seeking life in desolate China.
“I read a book one day and my whole life was changed.” – Orhan Pamuk
