Author: Dean Koontz

Only die-hard Dean Koontz fans will like this one.

I’m not actually into Koontz but I read books by almost anyone. The first few chapters of this book are actually gripping and very often, I would be reading at the edge of my seat. However, as the story (or lack of) unfolds, I find myself wondering – is this guy kidding or what?

This is a fiction, thus I will not spoil the ‘fun’ for you if you choose to pick this book up and begin the literacy journey. As mentioned, only die-hard fans of Koontz can appreciate the drama and plot of this book. I simply cannot.

.:The TRUIzM

To attempt only if you are a fan. Else, you will end up frustrated, with the almost comical and out-of-the-world plot. The title is good, though, as a gift for your other half.

How To Get Rich

Author: Donald Trump

(with Meredith McIver)

I’m a fan of ‘The Apprentice’ and I’ll let you know that yes, I’m a fan of Donald Trump too. I have read his biographies, his books and somehow, I can rattle off his achievements, feats and even the names of his children.

But I’ll also tell you the truth. If you get this book with the main objective on how to get rich – well, forget it. The content of this book does not steer you in that direction at all – it will, however, tell you how to work smarter and many other things which, at least to me, are already acknowledged (the importance of staying focused, branding, being optimistic etc.) but hard to maintain.

Regardless, this book is handy, abrupt and quick to the point. Each chapter in Part 1 is almost a summary. Reading is a breeze and Mr Trump (and Ms Meredith McIver) makes it energetic and comprehensive by using simple words and being brief but straightforward. You will also be allowed a glimpse on how Mr Trump works his office and business.

.: The TRUIzM
Do not be fooled by the title. However, reading it – if you are a fan of Donald Trump or if you read for the sake of reading – is an enjoyable activity.

The Kite Runner (The Book)

Author: Khaleed Hosseini
http://www.khaledhosseini.com/

I am glad the Kite Runner is a book of fiction. I know of at least 3 persons who have shed tears over the book. I’m one of them.

Since this is a fiction, I will not commit the sin of Spoiling the End (pg 357). I will let you find out the many twists and turns of this anecdote on your own, set from Afghanistan to California, from state of affairs like Taliban to adoption.

I do, however, would like to point out certain things here:-

1./ The passage of time was not clear in this book. When I moved on to Chapter 10, it was not apparent that I had already moved on to another timeframe. The subtitle ‘March 1981’ was not evident and I had to make my own assumption of Amir’s age at that time. Similarly, throughout the story, Amir’s age was not stated clearly. It would certainly help readers to know the narrator’s age so as to better understand his train of thoughts at that point of time.

2./ Despite of what happened to Hassan, due to Amir’s cowardice, Amir still lived on to live a life full of blessings, in certain aspects. He was away from the chaos in Afghanistan, was successful in his career of choice and his partner in life was remarkably kind and understanding. At times, I do not know whether to sympathize with him (his burden of guilt) or to despise him (his easy carefree life as compared to Hassan’s).

3./ I may be wrong to assume this but when I read that Hassan wanted a son to ‘carry on my father’s name’ (pg 206), I’d imagine Hassan’s unborn child would be his father’s namesake. However, this was not the case (pg 211). I was confused.

4./ I thoroughly like the metaphors and descriptives used in this book. An excellent example was the following sentence on page 197: ‘Then, a thing made of skin and bones pretending to be Rahim Khan opened the door.’ And on page 185, the difference between a man’s and a woman’s reproductive system (plumbing system) is very humorously detailed.

5./ My favourite part is when Amir was waiting at the hospital for news on Sohrab after his (Sohrab's) incident. Amir was at a loss, he didn't know what to do for very long minutes. Suddenly, it dawned to him that that was the time he should be facing west and pleading to God, begging Him. The author did such a fine work in reflecting Amir's desperation and his eventual realisation to God's existence - I could not resist reading those paragraphs again and again. As a Muslim, I can identify with Amir's source of solace in his hour of need.

THE TRUIzM

If there is one last book that you have to read to close off this Roman year, I’ll highly recommend the Kite Runner. The strong story with its many plots and twists will ensure a thrilling roller-coaster ride, and will make you appreciate and embrace life and last but not least, the existence of God.

The Kite Runner (The Site)

http://www.kiterunnermovie.com/

I was a designer previously and I view sites albeit critically.

As the kite sails through this site, it catches my breath along as well. This is an exceptional metamorphic site – having a bird-eye’s view of the ground as the background is an excellent idea to portray the movement of the kite. As you move your mouse, the scene moves along as well – as if you are the kite floating around.

Each link loads without much fuss and time and featuring a kite in almost all links is a good continuity move. The soundtrack is appropriate and blends very well with the theme of the site.

My only grouse is that most of the texts are too tight in their leadings – making eligibility a bit straining.

.: The TRUIzM

Will I watch the movie? I do not know – one person who cried over the book did mention that she may not be able to bear the movie. I suspect I may fall in the same category. In any case, I’ve always been a reader than a watcher. Regardless, this promotional site is an excellent example of portraying messages accurately, creatively and without any fuss.

Girl's Leg Caught in MRT Platform Gap

TODAY Paper – Friday, 28 December 2007.
Girl's leg caught in MRT platform gap
By Lin Yanqin

An except:-
According to the girl's friends who were with her, a fellow commuter called the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) while they tried to comfort her and get her out. "It was very crowded and we kept getting pushed back. People were crowding around and trying to look and take photos of her," said a friend, one of her schoolmates at Northview Secondary School.

I suspect the ‘people who were crowding’ and ‘trying’ to ‘take photos of her’ are active Stompers (http://www.stomp.com.sg/). Would you people please take a break?

I Look, I See

Produced by
Yusuf Islam, Friends & Children

A couple of months ago, while browsing at a shop at Larkin (JB, Malaysia), we came across this CD. At MR19.90, it was a steal.

My own boys (aged 3 and 4) initially enjoyed ‘Your Mother’ (written by Yusuf Islam). With such simple lyric, this song reaches out to pre-school aged children and with such an addictive rhythm, it is definitely impressionable.

Excerpt from ‘Your Mother’:-

Who should I give my love to?
My respect and my honour to?
Who should I pay good mind to – after Allah
And Rasul-Allah?
Comes your mother
Who next? Your mother
Who next? Your mother
And then your father

Others are just as powerful and inspirational. ‘Months in Islam’ makes it easy to remember and recite the months in the Islamic calendar, in chronological order. My personal favorite is ‘Our Guide is the Quran’. The vocal is absolutely mesmerizing. But then again, almost all the tracks featured here boast of powerful vocals and very clear diction of the Arabic language. It is very soothing to hear and calms the nerves, especially during driving.

Yusuf Islam himself sang the title song ‘I Look, I see’ - another track with easy lyric and a catchy tune. And there’s a disclaimer: The girls on this album were below the age of maturity at the time of recording.

My only grouse is that this CD is pretty short. With 9 songs, before you even knew it, you are already listening to the same song twice.

.: The TRUIzM

I have no regrets on spending money on this CD. It is a good buy (where I got it from, with the different currency) and my entire family loves it.

For more information, surf over to http://www.jamalrecords.com/ilookisee

Cat Stevens Becomes Yusuf Islam

I was intrigued to find out more about Yusuf Islam after purchasing his ‘I Look, I See’ CD. My boys are crazy about the CD. Almost every other time we are in the car, the CD would be turned on and the boys would sing in unison.

Of course, I know who YI is. Vaguely, I knew about his musician beginning. But one night, I wanted to know more.

I came across this video. And I spent an hour just watching. The content is comprehensive and the video runs smoothly. The only irritation is the constant images (or flashbacks or close-ups of YI) being played again and again (after commercial breaks).



Note: To activate the video above, press SPACEBAR or ENTER after page refreshes. Else, proceed to the actual link: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6157965900354777626

.: The TRUIzM

If you want to know more about YI, you need only to view this video out of the many hundreds out there.

Women’s Venture, Women’s Visions

Author: Shoshana Alexander
Format: Paperback, 214 pages
Published: 1997, USA

I can’t take it.

Before I was even done with the very first chapter, I was almost ready to throw in the towel. I just cannot follow the flow of the narrator (first is Lynn Winter, owner of Paradise Café in Kentucky, USA). The content is extremely superficial, and it failed to engage me as the reader. I failed to sympathize with Ms Winter or follow her along on her trip of passion to open her first café.

The narration is too abrupt - in one instance, somebody out of the blue just called her for a position, and coincidentally, it was someone from a place which she was vying to work at but had no courage to apply. An excerpt (pg 14):-

‘How in the world did you ever get my name?’ I asked her.
‘I don’t really know.’ she said.

Hello, is this a book on miracles or women’s ventures?

A good book, regardless of fiction or non, is one that is able to draw its readers to feel ’emotionally related’ to the characters. Good authors should know how to create that magical link.

.: The TRUIzM

This is one book not worth spending your time reading it.

The Kite Runner

Author: Khaled Hosseini

At least two people have mentioned this title in less than 5 days. Apparently, this is a lead. I shall work on getting a copy soon. Watch out for the review.

Confessions of a Serial Entrepreneur

Full title: Confessions of a Serial Entrepreneur
(Why I Can’t Stop Starting Over)
Author: Stuart Skorman
(with Catherine Guthrie)
Format: Hardcover, 193 pages
Published: 2007, USA

This was my second entrepreneurship book in a row.

Once again, I was introduced to this book by Hubs, who seemed to be chain-reading on books of this genre. I was in the middle of SMEE when he was devouring CSE. Once again I asked: Is the book any good? He replied: Yes.

Paused. Looked over to the SMEE in my hand. Then he elaborated: Better than that. That only gives you the overview, while this (indicating CSE in his hand) details how the problems are solved.

Ho-hum. Well, as soon as I am done with SMEE, I jumped over to CSE. And oh boy, what a ride it was!

Stuart Skorman, together with Catherine Guthrie, is an extremely gifted entrepreneur and storyteller. He details his journeys and forays into the entrepreneur world as one would relate a magical fairy tale with thrilling plots. His narrations are easy to comprehend, very light and humorous in many areas. It has been very easy to follow him along as he journeyed through the various start-ups and the failures and successes that come along the way.

Skorman’s resume and very varied work/life experiences are very impressive and colorful. From managing a rock band, he then went on to try to salvage (which he failed eventually) his dying family business. Next, he discovered fitness and well-being and he preached healthy and organic foods. This interest and passion led to an on/off relationship with his employer/mentor. After that stint, he decided to rediscover himself by going cross-country on his bike. His experiences and encounters with colorful characters that he met during his bike tour unknowingly prepared him to be an entrepreneur.

His first Midas touch was an video empire. Skorman was intelligent enough to identify the needs and wants of a certain neighborhood town and he went on relentlessly to fill that need. He even went as far as to CREATE a need that his customers did not even know exist (his movie matchmaking).

He departed from his video business a millionaire but he realized early that he could not just retire. He was itching too much. He became a professional poker player – an experience that he claimed has taught him on how to identify risks and when to take it and when to bluff your way out.

Skorman also took advantage of the dot.com bubble and within three years, his Internet dot.com company was sold for $100 million.

Of course, all these successes are not without the failures and miseries. He also relates the reasons behind the downfall of another dot.com company and the constant friction that he had with his then-mentor during his stint in the health foods industry.

He gives the insight on how and why he thinks this way and that – at that point of time – and his explanations are very simple and straightforward. He often injects humor in his tales that I almost forgot that this is a non-fiction book to start with!

At the end of each chapter, Skorman would put together a bunch of useful entrepreneurship tips, from the importance of having mentors to making the transition from a big company to a start-up.

I’ve tried to pull out a couple of juicy gist here and there, but I realize that this book does not allow me to. I realize very quickly, because of the way the narration is being told as in a story, I am unable to identify certain highlights. One highlight is correlated to another in the next chapter. There is no way to break these down.

.: The TRUIzM

This book is a bonus – to aspiring entrepreneurs and to bookworms. As I fall in the latter category, I am hooked on it since Page 1. And even if I do not fall into the first category (yet), I find that the tips and lessons that Skorman dispenses and teaches are very easy to follow, straightforward and idiot-proof.

This is one book that you cannot do without.

Secrets of Male Entrepreneurs Exposed!

Author: Dale Beaumont
Price: S$28.50*

Format: Paperback, 290 pages

Published: 2005, Australia

*http://store.attributes.com.sg/

I’m not really one who digs into books like self-help, self-development and even about being entrepreneurs. Hubs was the one who was reading this book and I happened to glance at the contents now and then as he read it on our way to work. The little glimpses that I got revealed a very comprehensive content, especially for a book that ‘talks businesses’. I asked Hubs: Is the book any good? He replied: Yes, not bad.

It is very seldom that I, an avid reader with a very strong reading stamina, would spend my time reading about a subject, when it comes to non-fiction topics like entrepreneurs and entrepreneurships.

However, SMEE cajoles to me from the very beginning and I have to admit, I am hooked since Page 1.

As the synopsis says it all, this book is really about a bunch of successful entrepreneurs who ‘made it in life’. The subject is pretty normal but what attracts me most is the way the contents are being presented. It is in a Q & A format, which makes it very much easier to digest and the content is very layman-ish – meaning, even a person like me, whose interest and knowledge in entrepreneurship is just 3 inches above the bottom line, can understand perfectly well.

(EAIIB should take a peep at the layout of this book – both books use the same Q & A format, but the former fails miserably in terms of visual clarity)

You do not need a dictionary to understand this book nor do you need a very high IQ to comprehend the contents and tips. The layout is pleasing and I must say, having the Q & A format is a winner in this case. Very easy to read, digest and identify with.

The size of the book is also handy – not too thick or small for you to make notations and not too bulky that it cannot be kept in your standard sling bag.

And oh, among the 15 entrepreneurs featured, one of them is local boy, Douglass Foo, owner of Apex-Pal, the company who owns the popular Sakae Sushi chain of restaurants.

And yes, I do have to add though – out of the 15 stories of success here, I skip one. It’s about Micheal Twelftree. He owns a successful winery. Why I skipped it? Wine. You get?

Alright now, come.. it’s time to dissect the contents even further.

Relatively, the messages these entrepreneurs have are pretty similar – you must have passion in what you do, you must build excellent branding and you must be good to your staff. Some of the peeps featured are those who practically started from scratch, and there are others who are lucky to have had a good foundation at the beginning.

My favorite entrepreneur is Justin Herald, founder of Attitude Gear and Intimidate, who is now one of the most sought-after speakers in the field of business and motivational talks. He started his multi-million empire with just $50. Lucky? Go on, read on (pgs 89 – 106).

Prior to that, in view of my extensive design background, I can relate very easily to Siimon Reynolds (pgs 71 – 88), who made it big in advertising, before moving onto being a speaker on marketing ad success principles. His hard climb to success in the advertising world started with only his guts and he made it all the way up solely based on his talents and hardwork and his ability not to accept a ‘No’.

I do find that, although relatively, the core message of the book is similar, there are some opposing views between a couple of them. Jim Penman, founder of the Jim’s Group, said that although his empire is worth millions now, he still chooses to drive a 22-year-old car. His reason is simple – he does not see the need to drive a better one. He is one who is not into extravagant lifestyle (pg 51). Now, you go over to page 102, you will find Justin Herald telling you not to trust people who earn $200k per annum but yet drive ‘crappy old cars’ (pg 102). Alright now, who to trust now?

You go to page 136 and you will find Tom Potter’s (founder of Eagle Boys) 7 top tips on how to become a successful entrepreneur. Tip no. 2 advises you to ‘take plenty of time’ to ‘write your business plan and research it thoroughly’. Once again, Justin Herald (in pg 97) – when asked to describe his style of doing business – maintains that he does not do business plans, he does not do profit and losses and he does not do budget nor forecast anything. To him, it’s ‘easy as it goes’ approach – taking each day as it comes.

Now, you have to remember these two are very successful in their businesses and they are dispensing very different advises on how to achieve that success.

Scratch.

Now, here are some useful highlights of the book:-

1/ Siimon Reynolds says you have nothing to lose at the beginning, so do not be afraid to ask for anything – ‘just ask’ (pg 75). Jim Zavos (founder of EzyDVD) said the exact same thing (pg 251).

2/ Siimon Reynolds advises you NOT to do a marketing degree – you can learn so much more (and in so little time) from books (pg 81) – which I totally agree. He also mentioned the importance of having mentors.

3/ Justin Herald says that you have to create awareness for your products, in order to generate demand. For example, he got his mates to ring up shops to ask for his Attitude outfits BEFORE he even created the clothing line (pg 93). Such brilliant tactic.

4/ The difference and definition of patent, trademark, copyright and registration are clearly stated (pg 234), courtesy of lawyer Trevor Choy, an expert in IP laws.

5/ This should be a shout-out to most local companies of a certain race – the importance of branding, as according to Tim Pethick, founder of nudie (pg 178). Branding is not just a name and logo – it involves a growing (hopefully healthy) relationship between your products and your consumers. Your product or service must connect to your consumers emotionally.

.: The TRUIzM

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, do not borrow this book from your neighborhood library. BUY it. KEEP it. Make it your MANUAL.

Otherwise, it is a very enjoyable read.

English As It Is Broken

Price: S$7.50

Format: Paperback, 196 pages

Published: 2007, Singapore

.: On the Surface
Produced by The Straits Times in conjunction with the Speak Good English Movement, and in collaboration with the National Library Board, the Ministry of Education and Panpac Education Private Limited. Touted as THE BOOK to read if you want to improve your English.

.: What Have Been Said
From http://www.selectbooks.com.sg > Presented in a Question and Answer format, many vivid examples - some hilarious, some hair-raising - taken from advertising billboards and other public signs around the island are used to illustrate where the error lies. The cases are divided into three broad groups, each highlighting pitfalls in English usage, vocabulary and grammar. The panel of experts are made up of specialists from the Ministry of Education, who addressed these errors in a weekly column of the local newspaper, The Sunday Times, as part of Singapore's Speak Good English Movement.

.: My Take
Listen. What do you expect from a book that has been produced in conjunction with a government campaign? Surely, this book must be a must-read and a must-have, at least for students who struggle with real English and the well-used Singlish. In addition, this book is a collection of queries and ‘sightings’ taken from a very popular local site, Stomp. The production of the book itself is enough to generate much hype and a big following, considering its source.

I’ve taken a look at the Stomp site, where the contents came from. I read, absorbed, scrolled up and scrolled down. Reading is a breeze – both queries and answers are well laid out, with big-sized fonts and different treatment for easier distinction (bold for query and normal for answer). Furthermore, the site is peppered with a myriad of colours and ‘sightings’ (uploaded pictures for emphasis) are clear and engaging, especially when you really have to look more closely than usual at the contents.

I have to admit – if the book has not been published, I would not be enticed to sneak a peek at the site. So, I do not really know, if this book is made popular due to the site, or it is the vice versa. At least, it is the latter for me.

Content-wise, I do find it interesting and yes, I do know more than I did after reading the book. I know now when to use ‘terminal’ and ‘interchange’ (see page 80) and I learn new words like ‘tautology’ (see page 49). I have come across many tautologies in my everyday readings, and prior to learning about tautology, I have not thought much about it.

This book also enlightens me on how to use the word ‘appreciate’. My work requires me to communicate very regularly via email and letters and I use this word at least 5 times a day. I was always irritated whenever any of my co-workers used the word in this context – ‘I would appreciate it if you would …’.

My take – what did ‘it’ refer to? So redundant. Often, I would delete the ‘it’. To me, it should be ‘I would appreciate if you would …’.

Well, page 26 tells me that the word ‘appreciate’ cannot stand on its own – it must always be accompanied with something. And in this context, ‘it’ is the most ideal.

Sigh.

As mentioned earlier, content-wise, this book does not fail to deliver. To me, whenever I learn more than I did prior to reading it, any book is worth its salt.

However, I am very disappointed at the presentation of the content. Very unlike the online version, the book is (of course) monotonous and ‘sightings’ are monochrome.

Each query is headed by a number and a title. Beneath it, a very funny Q and an equally funny A pose themselves as acronyms for Questions and Answers. Granted, the query is being highlighted with a greyish round-cornered rectangles as the backdrop. But this does not happen to all queries. Take a look at number 42 on page 89. I failed to see the funny Q but was greeted with the funny A on the next page. Which query does this answer belong to?

Scratch.

Have a look at number 60 on page 30. Read the last sentence. Let me quote here, ‘If you like somebody less than you like Math, you would say, “I like

Yes? What’s that?

Have I stopped suddenly? In a middle of a sentence? Afraid not – I am merely printing EXACTLY what I see on the page.

Yes! The sentence hangs! That’s it!

Sigh.

Another one – take a look at page 67, under Your Say. Let me quote here, ‘Where Americans say “parking lot”, Singaporeans say “carpark”. A “lot” in Singaporese is an individual parking space.”

Spot anything? This is a book that is supposed to highlight the errors of English and well, excuse me, did I spot a spelling error there?

Sigh.

I also cannot make the sense of the Your Say, The Experts Reply, Your Say, The Experts Reply (see pages 66 & 67). Where’s the head? Where’s the tail? If you can figure the maze, drop me a line.

I do wonder, why couldn’t the YS and TER be numbered, just like the others.

.: The TRUIzM

A good enjoyable read, but a major disappointment in terms on layout (lack of creative emphasis) and flow of contents. Mistakes as listed above (especially spelling errors and ‘hanging sentences’) should not occur at all in published books. Where’s the proofreading?

Should you buy? You are better off reading the contents from the site. If you need to take notes, print the pages that matter most and do your notations there. Reading monotonous page after page is a sure-way to put you off English, at least temporarily.

Definition of TRUIzM

TRUIzM is a tweak from ‘truism’ – a noun, which simply means ‘a self-evident truth’. The Z stands instead of the S reflect the unique-ness and exclusivity of this site.

Be fooled no more, because here is where the truth lies (!).

So, you have heard of this book and that article and those clippings. These publications are made ‘famous’, at times, by their contents, and at times, by their authors. Occasionally, readers too made these ‘worth their salt’, if any.

But have you really read through and think deep? Are the contents worth the price, or the amount of glory they generate? Are you one of those who depend on reviews alone to judge a book by its cover?

Here, TRUIzM will attempt to show you the actual grain of each salt that is said to be worth the amount of glory generated by these popular writings. Here, I will peel each page and list down what is right, what is wrong, what is fabulous and what is horrendous. I will also do justice – I will tell you, in layman terms, if a book is worth reading AND buying and if an article is worth reading AND be passed on. I will uncover just what made these writings deserve such high honours. Or not.

So, if you have anything that you would like an honest opinion of, send those over to me. I will show you the TRUIzM way.