Metal Tigers By Peck Soo Hong

Synopsis

Peck Soo Hong had written an absorbing tale of friendship. Set in the 60's, Metal Tigers will transport you to the era gone by.

Peck Soo Hong pulls you into the heart of the story with her memorable characters and breathtaking drama. A deeply touching book that will make you think about your true friends.

(Source from the back flap of the book)

My Comments :

I agree fully with the description above. It is truly a deeply touching book

Do you remember your first love? Love during school days? Well, this is a story from school days to adult life. The wonders and the pain.

Guess, am moved by this book as it brought back a lot of old school days memories. I can still remember "dating" is prohibited and frown on. However, many "couples" still did that in school. Some couples got called up for "counselling" and even parents were notified.

"Dating" then was frown upon as the reason being it affect their studies and yet some couples did well in their studies. The same goes here in this book.

Aahhh...the joy of young love. Innocent, uncomplicated and untainted by anything else. But this is also a book about friendship and sacrifices.

Kudos to the author who managed to bring the characters to life. The scene and feeling were so real.

The author managed to bring me to tears with this book. Or was it because of all the cough syrup that I have been taking for the cough. No matter what, I love this book.

I love the ending and the song "Tell Laura I Love Her". 

The Family Way By Tony Parson

The story of three sisters.

Jessica, wants a baby but she can't have a baby no matter how hard she tried. Her husband, Paulo would do  anything and everything to please her.

Megan, does not want a baby but she finds herself pregnant after  one night stand. She was at a crossroad. She is now a trainee doctor. Would she be able to handle a demanding career on top of a baby which require her constant attention?

Cat, doesn't know what she wants. At first she thought she don't want a baby but when she discovered that the option is no longer available to her due to something that her older boyfriend had done, she thought she should have the option in the first place.

All these add on with the story from their respective spouse/boyfriends, makes this book a great big pot of mixed emotions.

It's a very balance plot. To me, it practically covers most reason why people have babies and why some don't. It's very perceptive.

My only grouse is that the flashing from one character to another was too frequent. At times, it made me loose my concentration.

Nevertheless, this book is for keeps.

The Vagrants by YiYun Li

It was 1970, a young woman, Gu Shan, was to be executed. Her crime? Loss of faith in Communism. She was a stout supporter of Chairman Mao's believes. So Strong was her believes till her father could barely recognised the person that she had become. But one day she start questioning those believes and foolish enough to let another person know of it.

She was sentenced to jail. For ten years she rot in jail. One day out of the blue, her case was re-trialed and she was sentenced to death.

Her father was sadden by the sentence. Her mother refused to let go. Most of the citizen of the town were united to protest over her death. The plan conceived by Gu Shan's former classmate, Kai and her male friends. Many came and join the protest. Among them were Nini the cripple, Bashi the idler, Gu Shan's mother.

This protest made the Central Government came down harshly against those who were involved in the protest.

It is amazing to read how the story unfolds. The author is brilliant in linking the life of all the characters together.  Story told were vivid and frank. It's interesting to see how the dominoes fell together. Yes, it's a brilliant stroke.

However, I feel there are parts where the story are tedious to read. For example, the part where Bashi's grandmother died and the hassle gone through to bury her.

Now a bad read

While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky

Molly Snow is the younger sister of a world class runner, Robin Snow. She is now in her late twenties. Since a baby, she was constantly overshadowed by the achievement of her elder sister.

One particular day, Molly did not accompany Robin for her usual training and Robin collapsed on the road side. A good Samaritan, David came to her rescue. But that was not enough. Robin was in a critical condition.

Subsequently, Molly was pushed into the lime-light. She had to takeover many things that should have been done but her parents and elder brother Chris.

 Is she capable of making the correct decision and inspire the others to do the same? What is the correct decision?. These questions are top off with the guilt of not being there when Robin collapsed and of discovering a family secret.

The first half of this book left me felt so frustrated. Nobody seems to want to make any decision. Her brother Chris, seems to be a pushover. A coward. Can't even communicate properly with the wife. Makes me wonder how in the world did these two got married?

Molly's mother, Katheryn, was portray as the prime force that inspire Robbin in her running. But when Robin collapsed, she seems to put the blame one everyone except for herself. Decisions that need to be made for Robin well being was pushed away and delayed by her 'grieve'

This 'personality' just does not make sense to me. For someone who can inspire Robin to run and is said to be the strong woman behind Robin;  what Kathryn did when Robin was hospitalise does not jibe well with what I imagine her to be. It leaves me with the impression that Kathryn was like an empty vase. All talks and no action. Decisions and blame was pushed to Molly and other people. Even the good Samaritan was not out of her "People to Blame List".

Yes, everyone are grieving but her grief portrayed here were a bit too over done.

I am also equally frustrated by the father figure in this story with his quote "I want what your mother, Kathryn wants."

Lucky for me as the author put in an unexpected twist in the middle of this book of which the mystery factor interest me to read more about it.

The ending was not bad. However, the 'reaction' of this character Kathryn was not convincing enough for me. But that is my personal opinion.

A Different Sky by Meira Chand

Fuih...finally finish reading this terrific book. Started reading this yesterday. Just can't stop.

Story about the life of 3 people in Singapore between 1927 to the year Singapore obtain its Independence.

Raj, Mei Lan and Howard met once in a trolley when they were young. They were trap in the the trolley because there was a riot. Each have different view about the riot.

Raj was a young Indian from India who came to Singapore to seek his fortune. He wants to work to become a successful businessman. He has a kind heart.

Mei Lan was born in a rich and famous Chinese family which have very constricting views about how females should conduct themselves. Mei Lan felt that she is suffocating from that. She have dreams and ambition. She works on that. From young she was taught that Singapore is just a place to stay while China is their home. Thus when Japanese launched war at China, her family worked to help China. But then Japanese came to Singapore also. Everyone suffered greatly


Howard was an Eurasian boy born here who unfortunately have darker skin than his fellow Europeans. During that time, it was frowns on if Europeans marries local woman. He was never really accepted by the locals and was look down on by the Europeans. He does not really agree with the Communist view but was forced to work with them for survival.

Somehow fate have brought Raj, Mei Lan and Howard together again and again in an unexpected ways throughout this book.

They had to go through World War II. Suffered before, during and after the Japanese Occupation. Each have their own story to tell and experience.

It is really amazing how Meira Chand spin the tales of these 3 people lives. They are bound together by fate and yet they are separate.

Meira managed to capture the view point of each characters aptly.Everything was so vividly described.

Another wonderful book bought from The Big Bad Wolf Sale. RM8. Jangan Jealous.

Peony In Love by Lisa See

Set in the seventeen century China, Peony is a young girl of 16 years age from the Chen family. She is betrothed to the second son of the Wu family.

Being the only daughter of the first wife and all the rests of the concubine bears only girls, Peony, is much loved by her parents.

During that era, unmarried girls are secluded at home and are trained to be good wife to their future husband. The same happen to Peony. She was taught to sew, play musical instrument and most important of all to read.

At that time the work of Tang Xianzi "The Peony Pavilion" is one of the most popular work and have been made into opera.

As fate would have it, Peony loves The peony Pavilion and had tried to get her hands on as many version of it as possible. On the month of her 16th birthday which also coincide with the 7th month celebration of the Weaver Maid and Cowherd, her father commission an opera troupe to their luxurious home to entertains them and their guests.

Her mother was against it. For her mother thinks it is not appropriate for unmarried girls to be seen in public. However, her father assured her that all will be taken care of.

That night turns out to be the turning point of Peony cloistered and protected life. For that night she bump into a man which makes her thinks of the seven feelings that makes us human.

 Here starts her journey from this life and later one the journey to the realm beyond.

This is truly one of the most wonderful and beautifully written book that I have ever read. The description of the love and lost that Peony had was very heart wrenching. It is a adventure itself to see her trying to do the right thing and things kept turning out unexpectedly

There are so many layers of stories in this book. Nothing is what it seems.

I stared reading this book last night and it is a real page turner. This is definitely a MUST READ. This is indeed a sad day for me. Why? Because I fear the next book which I laid my hand onto may not be as good as this.

Flawless by Tilly Bagshawe

Diamond is a girl's best friend. Do you agreed? This book is all about diamond.

Scarlett(what a name!) is a stunning British girl with an artistic stripe. The jewellery she designed is simply gorgeous. And she uses certified diamonds only.

She is not just any beautiful girl. She have talent and the stubbornness of an ox. She champions the right of the poor diamond miners in Africa and Siberia. Her stubbornness had lead her into a dangerous path.

Brogan is the tycoon which she had offended. He owns a company which invested in diamond mining in Siberia. It's a very big business and he does not like bad publicity. He is determined to crush Scarlett.

At the same time, fate brings her face to face with Jake Meyer. A devilish handsome and charming diamond supplier whose supplies comes from dubious origin. Outwardly she hates him but somehow fate seems to conspired against her and forced the two of them together.

To add suspend to the story, in comes Jake's twin brother, Danny. He fell in love with Brogan's young wife. Wow..it's like adding fuel to a fire.

Anyone who loves Sidney Sheldon's book would certainly love this book. It have a good dose of  charm, suspense, mystery, drama and romance.

I have read two of Tilly Bagshawe's books. I love "Sidney Sheldon's Mistress of The Game"  but did not like "Do Not Disturb".

Fairytale of New York by Miranda Dickinson

I was going crazy after reading two tear jerking books in a row. I dug into my vast collection of books pending to be read for something "happier" when I chance upon this book. Actually, I had kinda forgotten that I have this book. That's the hazard of having too many books.

Well, I guess ones can't go wrong with Chit-lit if ones wanted something light to pass time.

Rosie Duncan was badly hurt emotionally but she managed to rebuilt her life in New York as the owner of a small florist shop. She thought by building a wall around herself and running away from her past would keep her from getting hurt again. Outward, she looks happy. Her business is blooming and she have a set of great friends. None of her friends know of her secret except from Celia.

She thought all is well until she met Nate who at times seems to be interest to be more than just her friend.

Meantime, there is another worry. Her brother, James arrived at her doorsteps and he seems to be keeping a secret.

On top of all the confusion, suddenly, her past caught up with her. She thought of running away and hide but then her pride wouldn't let her.

Frankly I didn't have high expectation on this book. Thought it's just another mindless chit-lit that would get me pass the sadness of the previous two book. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book presented just ample dose of drama, love and friendship.

It leaves me with a warm and optimistic feeling inside. Rosie was such an optimistic girl. If only all things in life could be wrapped up in such a neat packet.

The Concubine's Daughter by Pai Kit Fai

This book spin the saga of a mother and daughter in early 20th century based in China.

The mother, Li-Xia meaning The Beautiful One by her father in hope to boost her selling price higher. Li-Xia's mother was the Chen Jin(Thousand pieces of gold) from a noble house which become poor. She was sold to the uncouth Yikk Mun a spice merchant as a concubine.

She gave her life ad saved Li-Xia when Yikk Mun wanted to kill the newborn daughter. There were gossip flying everywhere that they are of the Fox Spirit.

Li-Xia was ignored most of the time by her father. He had tried to cripple her in order to make her have the prized "Lotus Feet".

When she came to an aged, she was sold to another merchant. There another part of her life begin. Li-Xia had always dreamt of being a scholar like her mother and this dream had lead her to a lot trouble.

Her dream had lead her to near death experience till she met Benjamin Devereaux. Would love between two opposing culture survived? And what about the treachery of the servants and the revenge of the notorious Sau-hai when Li-Xia escaped their crunches? 

Among all these evil, Siu Sing was born. She was whisked away by a faithful servant(Fish) at the instruction of Li-Xia for her safety before her Benjamin get the chance to look at her.

Fish brought the near death baby to her cousin in the hills. Here, Siu Sing earned another foe in her life. She learn the marital art and to be a scholar from Fish cousin. Then treachery happen and Siu Sing was left all alone in the world. Her "brother", Ah Keung, from the same master seems to came to her help but in the end he was one of her worst foe.

In Siu Sing's quest to look for her father, she came face-to-face with all types of people. She had to relied on her learning to survive. 

I love the first part of this book very much. Li-Xia's plight was very real and vivid. I was really depressed to read of the cruelty of the people against her.

But the same cannot applies to the part of her daughter, Siu Sing. It seems so far fetch and like a scene out of those Hong Kong TVB Kungfu Drama where one go to learn martial arts up the mountains. As suddenly as she was whisked up the mountain, she was also suddenly plunged into the art of erotic pleasure. The art of pleasuring men.

Despite the so-so plot on the second part of the book, this books is still worth the read. The first part of the book is worth all the tears. Wonderfully written.

Skimming by Claire Tham

The story focus on the lives of 3 person who known each other since their college days.

Wai Keong is the quiet and obedient son of a rich man. David is agressive and comes from a poor family. Li is the girl which both of them coveted on.


Wai Keong know Li first and they have dated through their university days. David was Wai Keong best friend and had felt in love with Li the first time he set his eyes on her in Wai Keong's room.

Wai Keong found that Li is special and different from other girls. Li was fond of Wai Keong but some how David kept pursuing her and she found that David seems to be rather exciting.

Li started to avoid Wai Keong and finally Wai Keong discovered their relationship during one of their travel. He left David and Li without a word.

Meantime, David and Li become a pair.Li had wanted to meet David's family but David was ashamed of his family. Finally he brought her to meet with his family and Li discovered the difference between the two family. She didn't mind at first. She also brought David to meet her family but things does not work out as she imagined. This casted a doubt in her mind. David sensing this and had pestered her to marry him. She had refused initially but she discovered that she might be pregnant and she quickly agree.

They married and lived in an apartment which were loan to them buy Li's family. David was not happy with that. Then Li discovered that she is not really pregnant. She had wanted to be the perfect wife. They conceived again and again but each time met with failure.

David started to distance himself from Li. Meantime Li bumped into Wai Keong at a reunion party. And their love "rekindled".

 Wai Keong knew that Li was using him but he still went ahead with it. Li and David got divorced and yet Li still harbor feelings towards David.

Finally Wai Keong could not stand being the second fiddle anymore and confronted Li.

I find that in the first chapter about Wai Keong was rather boring. But things started to speed up when it comes to the part about Li and David.

The characters are well developed. Wai Keong is someone which I would love to knock some senses into for being so "soft" and boneless. Li seems to be a two timing slut which can't seems to make up her mind which I would love to "cekik". Last but not least, David the so call best friend who would go behind his best friend and steal his girl...haiz what can I say? It takes all type to make up a world

A very frustrating story.

The Root Of All Evil By Dewi Anggraeni

Komalasari had left Jakarta, Indonesia for 9 years and reside in Australia. She have a husband, Drew and two kids who loves her.

One day, she got to know that her father was seriously ill. She just had to go back and see her father.

When she arrived in Jakarta, she had a real cultural shock. So many things had changed.

The people in Australia are always straight forward. In Jakarta, everything is not as it seems to be. One word can have a thousand different meaning. Injustice seems to be a way of life. To them, it's fated.

She met her ex-boyfriend who had jilted her and now assumed that they can continue where they left it last time.

Then she also met a night club hostess who had to do what she is doing for the sake of her children. But when injustice done to her, everyone kept quiet.

I don't under stand the tile of this story. The Root of All Evil. At first I thought it had to do with some mambo jumbo. But then it seems to me this story is about cultural shock. Ones can have cultural shock when one returned to own country

To me this book worth 1 star. Too long winded and a lot of hesitation

The Magpie Bridge by Liu Hong

This book is about Jiao Mei who is in London to further study. She is staying with Barbara, her father's former lover who sponsor her to further study there.

One night she was visited by her grandmother,Tie Mei, spirit. At first she thought it's just a dream. But later on the visit become more frequent.

The spirit told her that she is pregnant with British boyfriend's baby

At first it was unclear the purpose of the visit but later it was revealed that Tie Mei wanted Jiao Mei to find their ancestor's treasure, a piece of brass mirror which carries a terrible curse.

To me this book tried to imitate Amy Tan's Joy Luck Club but fail.

There are flash back between present and past for Tie Mei, Jiao Mei and Barbara. Also trying the merge the western influence and eastern influence together. Instead of making the story flow nicely together, this confused me. The constant flash back and changing view point makes me unable to enjoy the "mood" of the story.

Not a good read. I give it 2 stars out of 5.

This is my personal opinion only