Sunday, January 31, 2010
The good old days
Kirkby: The Life and the Loves by Shaari Isa -- The Right Connections (2009) -- RM29.90As the title suggests, this novel tells the story of the life at Kirkby College, a college established by the Federation of Malaya to train its teachers in England from 1952 to 1962. In this sense the College is unique in the annals of educational history.
This novel is a work of fiction set within the framework of facts which are described in great details. It is a fascinating story of the loves and conflicts weaved within the life of the students in the College who lived within an island of diverse Malayan cultures surrounded by the sea of British life.
The book is also a historical document because it describes the curricular and extra curricular activities, also the actual staff and physical facilities of the College at the time.
Dr. Shaari has an educational background having been trained as a teacher at Kirkby then went on to become a professional accountant. He has written several novels and a set of short stories in Malay and several academic books on accounting mainly in English.
Like all of Shaari's creative works, this novel focuses on human relation in society. It portrays that human emotion and life cut across all cultures, races and boundaries.
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Friday, January 15, 2010
Annexe Gallery lectures
What your teacher didn't tell you by Farish A Noor -- Matahari Books (RM40.00)Farish A Noor might just be Malaysia's hippest intellectual. His gifts are on full display in these expanded versions of public lectures that he delivered at The Annexe Gallery, Central Market Kuala Lumpur in 2008 and 2009. There is even a bonus chapter!
Find out how 'racial difference' became a big deal in Malaysia, and contrast this against the way our distant ancestors lived. Discover the hidden stories of the keris, Hang Tuah and PAS. There's also quite a bit of sex. Erudite, impassioned and often plain naughty, What Your Teacher Didn't Tell You is a stimulating plunge into aspects of our past that have been kept from us.
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Friday, January 01, 2010
Islamic Architecture in Malaysia
Rethinking Islamic Architecture by Mohamad Tajuddin Mohamad Rasdi (RM 30.00)Islamic architecture has never undergone a sustained period of self-criticism and creative renewal. Arguing in favour of a return to humility, humanism and the eternal values of Islam, the author shows a way out of the impasse in Islamic architecture by a close reading of the Islamic sources in tandem with a re-examination of the work of visionary Western modernists.
Professor Tajuddin also restores the importance of appreciating the integrity and sustainable design and technologies of Southeast Asian Islamic architecture as well as such postcolonial designs such as the National Mosque, the brilliant use of vernacular design in the Amanah Saham Pahang mosques and an organic, community-centred Islamic mosque-complex in Kota Baru -- all in Malaysia. Rethinking Islamic
Architecture challenges clients, architects, student and the general reader alike to rethink their assumptions and practices, and open their minds to a wealth of less explored possibilities.
This provocative yet accessible book should be read by anyone concerned about the need to restore sustainable human-centred design and shared value to contemporary cities.
Other Malaysian titles:
Tropical Affairs by Robert Raymer (RM 32.90)
Kirkby: The Life and the Loves by Shaari Isa (RM 29.90)
SUARAM: 20 Years Defending Human Rights by Kua Kia Soong (RM 20.00)
Where is Justic? Death and Brutality in Custody edited by John Lee & Nathaniel Tan (RM 29.00)
Call if You Need Me (DVD) by James Lee (RM 20.00)
All My Failed Attempts (DVD) by Tan Chui Mui (RM 20.00)
Sikh Community in Malaysia by Darshan Singh Gill (RM 89.90)
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Tuesday, December 15, 2009
History of Malaysia
History of Malaysia -- A Children's Encyclopedia by Tunku Halim (RM 68.00)Every member of the family will enjoy this engaging encyclopedia. Its richly illustrated pages not only bring Malaysian history to life, but its clear and comprehensive explanations make it an essential resource. It helps children understand the country's history and how it relates to today's news. It records a dazzling panorama of peoples, cultures and events from the Stone Age until the present day. The main sections include regional maps, an encyclopedic A to Z, beginners to advance quizzes, a historical time chart, a chronology and glossary.
Other new Malaysian titles:
1)1 Funny Malaysia by ZUNAR (RM 20.00)
2)Building Bridges, Crossing Boundaries Edited by Francis Loh Kok Wah (RM 40.00)
3)Meor Sembang Tepi Jalan by Meor Yusof Aziddin (RM 20.00)
4)Laut Lebih Indah Dari Bulan: Antologi Skrip Teater Nam Ron (RM 15.00)
5)IPOH: When Tin was King (Hardback) by Ho Tak Ming (RM 120.00)
6)What Your Teacher Didn't Tell You, Vol 1 by Farish A Noor (RM 40.00)
2)Building Bridges, Crossing Boundaries Edited by Francis Loh Kok Wah (RM 40.00)
3)Meor Sembang Tepi Jalan by Meor Yusof Aziddin (RM 20.00)
4)Laut Lebih Indah Dari Bulan: Antologi Skrip Teater Nam Ron (RM 15.00)
5)IPOH: When Tin was King (Hardback) by Ho Tak Ming (RM 120.00)
6)What Your Teacher Didn't Tell You, Vol 1 by Farish A Noor (RM 40.00)
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Labels: History
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Sunday, November 29, 2009
Remembering Yasmin Ahmad
Yasmin Ahmad's Films by Amir Muhammad (RM 30.00)Yasmin Ahmad left a vibrant legacy, and it is still strange to talk about her in the past tense.
In order to deal with his grief, Amir Muhammad, fellow Malaysian filmmaker and friend, watched anew her six feature-length films (Rabun, Sepet, Gubra, Mukhsin, Muallaf and Talentime), as well as several of her most popular commercials. Neither an obituary nor a conventional work of film criticism, this book was written just a month after her funeral and is Amir's personal look at the stories, but with quite a few tangents of his own.
Chatty and informative, Yasmin Ahmad's Films can be devoured not only by established fans but newcomers to her work. It is also a tribute to one of Malaysia's most amazing daughters.
Other new Malaysian books:
1. Planter Upriver by Mahbob Abdullah
2. Penang Under the East India Company 1786-1858 by Andrew Barber
(All these books are available at the Silverfish Online Bookstore).
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Monday, November 16, 2009
A Taste of Terengganu
Kulit Manis: A Taste of Terengganu's Heritage by To' Puan Rosita Abdullah -- Yayasan Prihatin (RM250.00)
Kulit Manis: A Taste of Terengganu's Heritage, is an unusual cookbook in that it is a 252 page literary 'heirloom'. Kulit Manis is a labour of love, a painstaking journey which reconnects the author, To' Puan Rosita, to her beloved state. Indeed, the author discovered many things that she had forgotten or never knew about Terengganu.
Kulit Manis takes a look at Terengganu's heritage from its culinary history. It delights readers with anecdotes and stories on personalities behind the recipes. It is a respectful appreciation of history, culture, places, nature and the citizens of Terengganu. The eighty-eight recipes in the book represent the true flavour of Terengganu; be it Malay, Chinese or Indian, or an amalgamation of all the three cultures. The recipes are unusual in that most of them require the chef to be instinctive: most have no precise measurements -- with a pinch of this and a dash of that. But they are all works of love.
The beautiful and energetic To' Puan Rosita Abdullah is as keen and passionate about cooking, as she is excited about Terengganu's heritage and culture.
Kulit Manis took three years to complete, juggling her roles as a housewife and mother, and interviewing strangers for recipes and history. She made many friends as she discovered new secrets about her home state. And the more she learned, the more she loved Terengganu.
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Kulit Manis: A Taste of Terengganu's Heritage, is an unusual cookbook in that it is a 252 page literary 'heirloom'. Kulit Manis is a labour of love, a painstaking journey which reconnects the author, To' Puan Rosita, to her beloved state. Indeed, the author discovered many things that she had forgotten or never knew about Terengganu.Kulit Manis takes a look at Terengganu's heritage from its culinary history. It delights readers with anecdotes and stories on personalities behind the recipes. It is a respectful appreciation of history, culture, places, nature and the citizens of Terengganu. The eighty-eight recipes in the book represent the true flavour of Terengganu; be it Malay, Chinese or Indian, or an amalgamation of all the three cultures. The recipes are unusual in that most of them require the chef to be instinctive: most have no precise measurements -- with a pinch of this and a dash of that. But they are all works of love.
The beautiful and energetic To' Puan Rosita Abdullah is as keen and passionate about cooking, as she is excited about Terengganu's heritage and culture.
Kulit Manis took three years to complete, juggling her roles as a housewife and mother, and interviewing strangers for recipes and history. She made many friends as she discovered new secrets about her home state. And the more she learned, the more she loved Terengganu.
Labels: Society
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Thursday, October 29, 2009
Qur'an and Cricket
qur'an and cricket: Travels through the madrasahs of Asia and other stories by Farish A Noor. RM40.00
This book is a travelogue by Farish Noor that spans the period from 2004 to early 2009. Versions of many of these pieces have appeared elsewhere before, but many have been completely rewritten. Here is an excerpt from the book:
However, in the course of the same research I have also visited some rather dodgy institutions that can hardly be called madrasahs. Once in Pakistan I had to interview some students while in the corner of the room played a videotape of the gruesome murder and decapitation of the American journalist Daniel Pearl. The boys I was speaking to were between seven to ten years of age, and were smiling and laughing -- while others lay asleep. I tried to look away as long as I could, resisting the urge to puke.
Farish A Noor, academic, activist, traveller extraordinaire, visits, lives and interviews students (and others) in 'jihad factory' madrasahs (Islamic seminaries) from Patani to Pakistan and from Kashmir to Cairo, and comes away dazed and confused. In attempting to make sense of it all, he ends up confronting his own demons and nightmares.
This is a book that only Farish A Noor will attempt and can write. He visits locations we would like to avoid even in our worst nightmares. Although he writes with his sense of humour firmly in place throughout, that does not obscure the seriousness of the subject. Is the world ready for some truth?
quran and cricket is now available in all major bookstore in Malaysia, or you may buy it online from http://www.silverfishbooks.com/buybooks/index.php
Also available (at Silverfish Books only) are a set of six postcards with photographs and drawings by Farish A Noor. These are priced at RM5.00 a set, but will be given away free with every purchase of quran and cricket (at Silverfish Books only) while stocks last.
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This book is a travelogue by Farish Noor that spans the period from 2004 to early 2009. Versions of many of these pieces have appeared elsewhere before, but many have been completely rewritten. Here is an excerpt from the book:However, in the course of the same research I have also visited some rather dodgy institutions that can hardly be called madrasahs. Once in Pakistan I had to interview some students while in the corner of the room played a videotape of the gruesome murder and decapitation of the American journalist Daniel Pearl. The boys I was speaking to were between seven to ten years of age, and were smiling and laughing -- while others lay asleep. I tried to look away as long as I could, resisting the urge to puke.
(From Santri: Another Look at the Pesantren al-Mukmin of Abu Bakar Ba'ashir.)
Farish A Noor, academic, activist, traveller extraordinaire, visits, lives and interviews students (and others) in 'jihad factory' madrasahs (Islamic seminaries) from Patani to Pakistan and from Kashmir to Cairo, and comes away dazed and confused. In attempting to make sense of it all, he ends up confronting his own demons and nightmares.
This is a book that only Farish A Noor will attempt and can write. He visits locations we would like to avoid even in our worst nightmares. Although he writes with his sense of humour firmly in place throughout, that does not obscure the seriousness of the subject. Is the world ready for some truth?
quran and cricket is now available in all major bookstore in Malaysia, or you may buy it online from http://www.silverfishbooks.com/buybooks/index.php
Also available (at Silverfish Books only) are a set of six postcards with photographs and drawings by Farish A Noor. These are priced at RM5.00 a set, but will be given away free with every purchase of quran and cricket (at Silverfish Books only) while stocks last.
share this:
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