My #MalaysiaMembaca list, in no particular order:
1) Lord of the Rings (all 3, they are supposed to be 1 book anyway)
The fantasy novel that started it all. Its not the easiest read, but once you get into its rhythm, you cannot put it down. I have read the book more than once.
1) Lord of the Rings (all 3, they are supposed to be 1 book anyway)
The fantasy novel that started it all. Its not the easiest read, but once you get into its rhythm, you cannot put it down. I have read the book more than once.
2) Matilda, by Roald Dahl
A book I discovered as a child, about a girl who loves books. Mr Dahl is a master storyteller, and Matilda is one of his best.
A book I discovered as a child, about a girl who loves books. Mr Dahl is a master storyteller, and Matilda is one of his best.
3) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
I love the Harry Potter series, but Goblet is probably the best. When Cedric Diggory was killed, it was the point when the series went really dark.
I love the Harry Potter series, but Goblet is probably the best. When Cedric Diggory was killed, it was the point when the series went really dark.
4) Sejarah Melayu (Sulalatus Salatin)
Hang Tuah, Franks, Chinese Emperors, Indian warrior kings, a lion, swordfishes and many, many Malay kings. Its the grand epic of the Malay world, and its awesome.
Hang Tuah, Franks, Chinese Emperors, Indian warrior kings, a lion, swordfishes and many, many Malay kings. Its the grand epic of the Malay world, and its awesome.
5) Shogun, by James Clavell
My first historical fiction novel. Looking back, Clavell's depiction of non-whites is problematic, but as a piece of fiction it is gripping.
My first historical fiction novel. Looking back, Clavell's depiction of non-whites is problematic, but as a piece of fiction it is gripping.
6) Mat Som, by Lat
Its not a comic, its a graphic novel. And it is a wonderful codification of Kuala Lumpur in the late 80s/early 90s. Reading it again today is like going back in time.
Its not a comic, its a graphic novel. And it is a wonderful codification of Kuala Lumpur in the late 80s/early 90s. Reading it again today is like going back in time.
7) The Prague Cemetery, by Umberto Eco
Arguably the best novel by the late great Umberto Eco, it requires some knowledge of European history (Eco just assumes that you do), but its a thrilling journey from start to end.
Arguably the best novel by the late great Umberto Eco, it requires some knowledge of European history (Eco just assumes that you do), but its a thrilling journey from start to end.
8) American Gods, by Neil Gaiman
Gods in the 20th century by a master storyteller. Hailed as Mr Gaiman's best work, and rightly so.
And Mr Wednesday is one of the most intriguing characters ever created.
Gods in the 20th century by a master storyteller. Hailed as Mr Gaiman's best work, and rightly so.
And Mr Wednesday is one of the most intriguing characters ever created.
9) Muhammad, by Martin Lings
Probably the best English language biography of the Prophet (PBUH), I learned a lot about the life and times through Mr Lings' work.
Probably the best English language biography of the Prophet (PBUH), I learned a lot about the life and times through Mr Lings' work.
10) Confesions of an Old Boy, by Kam Raslan
You have not lived if you have not read the tales of Dato Hamid. It is really funny, and some sharp satire can be found in its pages.
Still waiting for a sequel, @kamraslan
You have not lived if you have not read the tales of Dato Hamid. It is really funny, and some sharp satire can be found in its pages.
Still waiting for a sequel, @kamraslan
So thats my list. Its all fiction btw. Will do a non-fiction list soon. Maybe.
Honourable mentions: The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman, Ranjau Sepanjang Jalan by Shanon Ahmad, The Harmony Silk Factory by Tash Aw, Angels and Demons by Dan Brown.
