20 Cerita Tentang Tuhan - S.M. Zakir

Finally, an anthology of short stories worth reading. Written in "pleasing to the mind" sort of language. Needs some imagination. Unlike those books that do not offer much challenge to the mind. Just a point to note. There are subtle messages within the stories. Some politically inclined. Some plain life lessons. But that's what good writers are. Infiltrating their agenda and beliefs into the mass.

Points to learn:

• let the imaginations run wild..and you will start to appreciate what you read

Rating:✮✮✮

Bangau Oh Bangau Antologi Puisi Tiga Sekawan

A poem anthology by three poets. A. Ghani Abdullah. Taha Kadir. Abdul Mutallib Rani. Poems always carries different messages to each reader. It may or may not be the same with the writer. It's based on the writer's personal life experiences. This particular anthology is quite light..not the type with heavy thought-pondering messages. Worth mentioning..the poem Bangau Oh Bangau by Taha Kadir was released as a children's song with a catchy tune in 2016. Should check it out !

Check out this retake on  Bangau Oh Bangau

Points to learn:

• life's path is full of lessons to be shared

Rating:✮✮

Oase Al-Quran Penyejuk Kehidupan- Dr K.H. Ahsin Sakho Muhammad

A pleasant read, soothing the heart. Pieces of life advises based on the Quranic verses. Concise and clear.

Points to learn:

• Islam shows the way of life in every aspect
• read and read Quran..each read you'll find a new "gem"

Rating: ✮✮✮

HAMKA Pujangga Islam Kebanggaan Rumpun Melayu - H.Rusydi Hamka

Definitely a good pick. Written by HAMKA's son, H.Rusydi Hamka. A good writer by his own virtue. Nevertheless, a tinge of HAMKA is unavoidable. The interesting thing about this book is it opens up the life of HAMKA as it is. The ulama..the husband..the father..and a man with his own trials and tribulations.

Points to learn :

• no matter who you are...we all have our strength and weaknesses

Rating : ✮✮✮

Kumpulan cerpen Merisik ke Seberang - Sharif Putera

Another anthology. Another collection of stories. Fast read to pass the time. The storyline seems a bit predictable. Lacks the intrigue, mystique (and all the ..que) factor. As usual my "golden rules" applies, there's always a "gem" hidden between the lines. So, it's never a waste of time.

Points to learn:

• life with principles and compassion is worth living..and dying for.

Rating : ✮

Kumpulan Cerpen Telus Untuk Dia - Siti Jasmina Ibrahim

There are many talented writers out there. Yet many are not well-known. This is one of them. Written in pleasant words. What is unique is how the writer has ended the anthology. Read and find out !

Points to learn:

• life is interwoven

Ratings:✮✮

Setelah Ammar Tinggalkan Kita - Grup Penjejak Tamadun Dunia (GPTD)

A sequel to the first book "Cerita Cinta Ahmad Ammar". A moving personal narrations by his parents, family members, close friends and also surprisingly by people who have never met him. A potrait of a "one-of-a-kind" lad with life vision and mission that challenges every reader to become a better person. Do read it!

Points to learn:

• life has a purpose
• ..and that purpose is for the good of mankind

Rating: ✮✮✮

1 Hari 1 Prestasi - Ustaz Abdullah Khairi

First glance, good impression. Unfortunately, many typos and written in quite a "not-so-reader-friendly" manner. More often than not, there are attempts at literal translation from sources written in English. Nevertheless, remember my "Reading Tips". There is always a "gem" hiding somewhere behind the lines. This time it is the "Waverly Novels" by Sir Walter Scott and "Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan. Written in the 19th and 17th century! 

Points to learn:

• finish your book EVEN if it's a challenge, you may never know where the "gem" is hidden

Rating:✮

Jom Audit ! Kekal Positif - Datuk Prof Dr Muhaya Mohamad

Another "chicken soup for the soul" kind of book. Written beautifully by Prof Muhaya /Bahruddin Bekri. Based on "Live Video FB" from the famous motivational speaker and TV personality. Recommended to uplift the spirit and to create a paradigm shift in our outlook of life.

Points to learn:

• change has to start from within

Rating:✮✮✮

Borak-borak Berisi - Dr Kamaru Salam Yusof

A light read. It's actually a contemplation of the writer on the words of the Quran (parts of Juz Amma). When it comes to contemplation, the words of Quran touches each of us uniquely..and differently. Thus, you may need to be in the same mind-set (and also life experiences) of the writer to actually appreciate the written thoughts. I doubt many of us would.

Points to learn:

• the words of Quran transcends time and space

Rating:✮

What The Hell Happened To My Brain - Kate Swaffer

This is one of those books that you would probably skip unless you have "special interest" in it. That makes the two of us. In my case, it's my Mom. I have grown a deep interest in this field, an effort to understand what my Mom is going through and to care for her the "right" way. An highly recommended book for those in the same predicament.

Points to learn:

• the myths in dementia care
• guide for the care partners
• non-pharmacological approach in managing PWDs

Rating:✮✮✮