101 Malaysian Anecdotes, written by Salmiah Alias is published by Al-Ameen Serve Holdings S/B. Salmiah Alias practised law for more than 20 years. However, this book is not about law but rather a charming collection of Malaysian anecdotes covers a wide variety of topics.

Pn. Adibah Amin the Malaysian renowned writer and journalist has written a beautiful introduction for this book. She pointed out that the reader will find this book a candid and cheerful companion and after finishing it, I found it truly so!

I enjoyed this book very much and to my amusement each of the author's narrative is accompanied by cartoons. It is hilarious! The font itself is depicted in a "comic-san" font so that I felt as if I was reading a daily life journal of Salmiah Alias. Priced at RM34.00 but I got it for ten ringgit less at the bookfair. It is suitable for everyone, anyone even for foreigners who'd like to have a glimpse of what Malaysian's culture is all about.

As I read through, so many memories of my childhood days keeps zooming back. I even had the perfect picture of certain scenes at the back of my mind for example when she talked about padi-field or about "chasing the devil" or even the croaking of the frogs during monsoon seasons. The author wrote about Tuk Haji Kam, how she has become Tuk Haji Kam now (and I think me too in near future!). Then she wrote about a medicine woman whom she called Tuk Lada Hitam (lada hitam is a black peper seed). It is hilarious and yet have its own message and poignant at the same time. If you were once a boy or a girl who used to live in a kampung just like me, you will surely appreciate this book. I couldn't help myself chuckling as I read the book and with the matching cartoons on every pages, it is much more enteresting and that should explain why I finished reading it overnight. I must say this is a very creative way to present a story!

There's one page that makes my heart mellowed i.e about Old Photo Albums. The author has nine children (I salute to that!) and her words really, really touched my heart:

..So, for young mothers, this is my advice....Firstly, take a lot of photos of your children as they grow, if possible everyday, for those faces would soon be just a memory. Secondly, enjoy your life with your young children while they still depend on you and listen to most of your words. Hug them, kiss them and smell them while they are still sweet smelling and allow to be hugged. Carry them and walk with them, holding them by their hands, for soon you will be walking, dragging your feet and holding on to theirs!

What a wise advice! Finally, I personally think this book is a must have for Malaysians! Go and get your copy today!

Post Script:

As I walked to Al-Ameen's booth that day there wasn't any customer yet at that time and having purchased Bacalah Anakku and Read Easy Phonics from this publisher, I want to check out their booth because I know that they have good quality books. There were four persons attending to the booth and one of them was a quite senior lady. So, when we approached them, I was looking at the children's books and slowly sliding alongside towards the lady at the other end. I spotted a book "How to become a blogger" or something like that and one guy approached me and said, "Hah, kalau nak buat belajar buat blog inilah bukunya" (if you want to start a blog, this is the right book for you). I smiled and I told them I already am a blogger, they pointed me to another book and I picked this book. At that moment, the lady talked to me, she said "Mak Chik yang tulis buku ni, belilah." (I wrote the book, go on buy it). I was like ermm..stunned. First, this lady whom she called herself "mak chik" (mak chik is an endearment that we called to an elderly malay lady here meaning "auntie/aunt") was wearing a modest baju kurung with tudung bawal "ustazah" style not the "lilit-lilit"-do. Without much make-up, she looks like a normal ordinary "mak chik" indeed BUT when she speaks to me..Wow! Then, I noticed that the book that I'm holding is an english book! She speaks english with style! Then we chit-chat a bit. She told me she practised law before (and I guess she was a lawyer!) and she asked me whether I am a teacher! (hehehe..that is very normal, I guess I have that teacher look which makes me proud actually).

I told her what I am and I didn't even once called her "mak chik" as she addressed herself. She was just being modest and I should play my part too. She said one lady engineer bought her book and after that asked her to conduct an english class for her! After reading her book, I wasn't surprised! Anyway, she then jot down something at the back of my copy and that is so meaningful to me having her signature on my book! I am actually looking forward for her next book. I personally feel there should be more malay author writing english book!

11:29 - Friday, May 4, 2007

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