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Testimony
While reading her book "Stories for my Mother", Chong Sheau Ching at times made me laugh and at
times made me think. In a wide variety of cultures, she examines many issues common to all. As an
expatriate living and working abroad it gives insight into those situations where I often come
away wondering what was going on. Looking at the cultural differences with sensitivity, the book
again and again makes me realize how similar we are after all.
Carol Jean Cady, Canadian lecturer, teaching at a Malaysia private college.
[email protected]
I have been reading Ms. Chong's articles for a number of years. Her writing style at times, makes me
feel I am there, experiencing what is happening as the events unfold.
In other stories, I am left wondering .. what would I have done? How would I react to the issue at hand. It
is so easy to say one thing, but when the time comes and I am faced with the decision .. would I choose the
righteous path or would I take the easy way out? Would I stand by another person
when persecuted or would I step away, or worse yet, join those against the person?
Ms. Chong's works have made me laugh. They have made me cry. They have made me stop and reflect on what I have
done in the past and wonder about what will I do when that choice presents it's self tomorrow.
Her works have made me aware of the impact of my choice of action / inaction. They have shown that one person
making a different, sometimes spontaneous choice can make a difference to another. Change is made one person
at a time.
I am a Grandfather now, with two adult daughters. I have friends and acquaintances from a number of places
in the U.S. and other countries. I know I am fortunate to have this diverse set of people to open, and keep my
eyes open.
Ms. Chong's writings re-enforce the standard that there is much to learn from one another and that this world
would be a much better place if we each tried just a little to get along with one another.
Micheal J Driessen
Project Leader in IS for a major electronics retailer in the USA
It is really a good book, I must say. After reading it, I felt so moved, the feeling inside me was joy,
anger, disappointment, and peace. The book is such a strong instrument in drawing out different kinds of
feelings and emotions. I wanted to write something to you right after finished reading it but could not
find any words to express what I wanted to say. You can say I am running out of words here.
You have truly a gift in writing. Do you know about a book series called "Chicken soup of the day" by Mark...
can't recall the full name. It is a series of inspiration book. I found that your book too can really
make people think about the surrounding. Some of the issues we really take for granted but we
need to be more sensitive to the surrounding, to be more alert at what's happening around us.
Jeffrey Yek, Sabah.
After
reading Chong Sheau Ching's column in the Star every week while visiting
my wife's family in Penang recently, I managed to get a copy of the book.
I am widely-traveled myself, having served in the U.S. Navy in the 70's,
and traveled most of Southeast Asia. I have observed many cultures in my
travels. I could relate to her in her travels to strange lands and
different cultures. Some of the stories brought out many different
emotions, and really made me think about people, cultures, and how
different things are around the world. Her writing is good at helping you
feel compassion for many of the people in the stories, and of the cruelty
of some cultures towards their own people. An excellent book, I recommend
it for everyone... Fred
Belanger White
Tiger Consulting, IT consulting, USA, and new host/maintainer of this
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Malaysian
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