Review - How I Wrote Ten Books

13 January 2018
By Ruxyn Tang

Since we're still in the new year mood, I figured that it might be good that I start the first post of the year with this entry. If it is one of your resolutions this year to read more books, or even write more, then perhaps this is quite fitting.


Lydia Teh's 'How I Wrote Ten Books' (HIWTB) is a lot about her own journey as an author. I think in many aspects, the books is a memoir on its own as Teh breaks down systematically the processes involved. From identifying her readers to marketing campaigns, she goes step-by-step into her concerns and her triumphs; all in relation to her writing and getting her books published.

It's very easy to read - I finished in just a couple of hours. To a certain extent, the book can be a little disjointed but I like that it's organised this way because that means I could read it in parts.

As always, Teh is true to herself and I've liked her books because they're always very witty and honest. Teh's not afraid to disclose her past mistakes and she'd even go into details on things like why some books work and some don't - things perhaps most of us would find embarrassing to admit.

Some may pick up such a book expecting to finish it knowing what to do and how to do it - there are plenty of examples from Teh here. Teh has a lot of insights on her journey, like what worked for her and what didn't, so pick up those that might be relevant to you. One of the things that stood out for me is that Teh's story reminded me a lot about the power of networking.

I personally don't find HIWTB as a cheerleader-style kind of writing to inspire you to write and get published. It's a lot more than Teh sharing what is the art of good writing, or the craft. Rather, there are little nuggets waiting to be found within the book, like what was going on behind the scenes in the industry and the various aspects of book promotion, especially in local context. I think these are extremely valuable advice, given that Teh is of one of the most famous Malaysian authors in the 21st century.

My favourite line from the book: "Here's another universal truth: writing is recycling." As someone who writes almost everyday, I can resonate. Of course, there's a full context to this, go grab the book and read it. ;)

You can purchase How I Wrote Ten Books online here from MPH.

PS: Huge thanks to Lydia Teh for sending a copy for the review. I enjoyed it thoroughly!

Source : www.ruxyn.com

Review - Cow Sense for Young People

10 December 2015
By Ruxyn Tang

I buy dozens of books every year but I'm guilty because I probably only read half of them most of the time. Although I love reading, I've never written a book review. So here's my first attempt, and this is for Lydia Teh's latest book, 'Cow Sense for Young People'.

'Cow Sense for Young People' is the author's 9th book, a compilation of articles first published in The Sun. The book is structured in a series of frequently asked questions (FAQ) format.

Frankly, I personally feel that humor is always a hit and miss thing but one thing's for sure, Lydia Teh is one witty writer. The book is perfect for light reading, and the style of writing (plus the usage of Manglish) makes this book not just relatable but also enjoyable and easy to read. Though it is difficult for me to say that it's the kind of book that I will pack inside a bag and bring with for an adventure, I do see myself picking up the book and re-reading it over and over again for leisure.

On surface, people may quickly dismiss it as a book under the 'Funny' genre, but really it's a self-development book that offers nuggets of wisdom and plenty useful advice for youngsters. I can foresee that some may not completely agree with the author on certain points, but I believe they are great food for thought.

On another note, I am pleased to find lots of reference to pop icons such as Adele, Simon Cowell and even Youtube personality, Ryan Higa. These names should resonate with the ordinary youth and young adult.

Perhaps I'm nitpicking but I think it's crucial to mention the following since the book is targeted at young people (though it's also obvious that adults may also enjoy this book). There's a reference in the book to Finding Nemo's Dory but the name was referenced as 'Dora'. So yes, the popular fish is Dory, not Dora (The Explorer). I do think that young people would have spotted this mistake since Finding Nemo is extremely popular - one of the highest grossing animated film of all time and is the best selling DVD of all time. And personal pet peeve, Nicol David was spelled as Nicole David.

Favourite line from the book: Once you’ve decided that happiness is a choice, it is easier to align your attitude to make happiness a reality.

In essence, 'Cow Sense for Young People' appears to be a book of answers to questions that I may not have even thought about before, and it's a great read. There's nothing really controversial except perhaps (it's arguable) that the author often offers a conventional worldview of things which the modern youth may cease to agree.

Finally, sit back and relax as you read on as Lydia Teh is going to give you an entertaining look at the world of young people who wonders about the practicalities of life.

Source: www.ruxyn.com

Review of Still Honking in The Expat - March 2015

Fun at Roundatbout KL

Fun for Kids in Malaysia

Written by Lydia Teh this is a book bursting with information about what to do / see with children in Malaysia. The author basically came up with the idea because her four kids used to complain that there was nothing to do during the school holidays … sound familiar?

The need to keep children constantly entertained / happy / healthy is tiring and time-consuming. Having a guide with pages of ideas and contact information is a massive help. When I had my first child, I had to discover things on my own and there really weren’t many child-friendly venues around. KL is evolving and has more to offer kids now.

The book covers the entire country from Penang to Labuan and every state in between. Each geographical section begins with a concise intro, information on how to get there and around; and delves into everything that would appeal to a kid within the state from natural wonders and sports to museums and festivals.

Every house should have one of these … it definitely helps to think of something to do when that whiney voice says, ‘I’m bored … what can we do?’.

Retailing for RM29.90 at all leading bookstores.

Note from Lydia: Actually this book was commissioned by Marshall Cavendish.

Fun at Mychild

Title: Fun for Kids in Malaysia
Author: Lydia Teh
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Editions

"What are we going to do during the coming holidays, Mum?" comes the dreaded question from the restless children of a highly frazzled mother with a small budget and no more ideas left in her weary mind.

Fret no more....Lydia Teh offers you salvation in a book called Fun for Kids in Malaysia. At RM29.90 per copy, salvation is pretty reasonably priced, considering that much of our domestic incapacitation stems from a lack of finances in the first place.


Here's a summary of Teh's book:

* A comprehensive guide to child-friendly attractions in the whole of Malaysia conveniently categorised into five regions - Northern; Eastern; Central; Southern; Sabah, Sarawak & Labuan

* Complete with contact details, opening hours, price guide, features and courses

* Listings include places to go for dance classes, cooking classes, art classes and outdoor activities

* Helps parents plan and utilise fully their children’s free time and school holidays (You might find this immediately handy for the upcoming Nov/Dec 2010 holidays!)

About the Book

Quite possibly the first of its kind in Malaysia, Fun for Kids in Malaysia is an organised listing of what to do, where to do it and how you can get it done - all in a slim A5-sized volume. (There is another book titled, Kids in KL by an expatriate couple, which highlights only activities in KL.)

Dedicated to kids, these suggested activities make up a checklist of to-do things when you are planning to go to, or are already at, a specific town/state.

This book is not only helpful to tourists and expatriates but is also relevant to Malaysians who have not yet discovered several under-publicised spots in their own country.

Schools, learning centres, family-based associations, libraries, travel agencies and the Tourism Ministry should consider taking up copies of this book.


About the Author

Lydia Teh has four children who constantly moaned about how boring the school holidays were. She wished this book was written ten years earlier when all her kids were below ten so that she could earn the title of Most Fun-tastic Mom. It is better late than never though. Armed with this book, she would be dragging her brood around Malaysia to have some fun before they reach the age when they would rather hang out with their friends than their parents.


For more information, please contact the following person(s):

Distribution sales
Michelle Low
Tel: (03) 5628 6928
Email: Michelle@my.marshallcavendish.com

Marketing
Mei Li
Tel: (03) 5628 6806
Email: meili@my.marshallcavendish.com

Fun at Virtual Malaysia

Book Review - Fun for Kids in Malaysia

For someone who's single and obviously not intending to have children any time soon, I found "Fun For Kids in Malaysia: An essential guide to fun-tastic activities for children" by Lydia Teh rather amusing, as it really brought out the (hidden) kid in me.

Separated by states in Malaysia, the book offers attractions which bring interests to children, but as I read on, it would also be great for adults (those who are young at heart) to tag along.

15% discount at Borders

From camping, swimming, to performing extreme sports and such, the book caters to the needs and interests of the whole family - and you know what they say - the family that plays together, stays together.
"I grew up with six brothers. That's how I learned to dance- waiting for the bathroom" (Bob Hope) - a favourite quote of mine, which Lydia puts in the book as well.

How I wish I could have learned capoeira (Afro-Brazilian martial art that incorporates music, dance and acobatics) when I was a kid; I was really into it after watching the movie "Only The Strong" - and only managed to practise the moves on my brothers. Now, there are even packages that cater to the art, and cool parents know better than not to enrol their children in it.

All the quotes that Lydia included in Fun for Kids in Malaysia are tied up to the subject of the book - entertaining children so that they don't end up whining, "I'm bored, there's nothing to do".

However, one thing that is lacking from the "guide" book are pictures - there are only some cartoons showing the attractions and drawings of children. That, to me, took the "fun" out of the book, making it rather monotonous and detracts from conveying the fun-factor of the activities.

Parents who get hold of a copy of this book will have plenty of pointers to make their family holidays fun and enjoyable for the children. In fact, it may just earn them not only the label The Greatest Parents on Earth, but also the coolest!

Fun for Kids in Malaysia: An essential guide to fun-tastic activities for children by Lydia Teh retails at RM29.90. Get 15% off this month at Borders.

By : Nazreen Tajul Arif

ParenThots Review of Fun for Kids in Malaysia

Must-have book on activities for kids
27 September 2010
The Star
Review by BRIGITTE ROZARIO


FUN FOR KIDS IN MALAYSIA
An essential guide to fun-tastic activities for children
By Lydia Teh
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish

Author Lydia Teh has really put in a lot of research for this book. It is the guide book for all families.

Often parents are left at a loss as to what to do during the school holidays and how to entertain their kids on the weekend.

The number of places we visit seem to be few and the number of activities we are familiar with are even fewer. You could probably count all of them on one hand. And, often, the kids end up going nowhere and doing nothing or we just keep taking them back to the shopping malls.

Take heart, you need not bring up a mall rat.

That's where this book comes in. It offers stuff to do in all states and that includes Sabah and Sarawak. There's even what to do in Labuan!

The list covers information like how to get there and getting around each state. Included in the list of activities are museums, libraries, nature attractions, adventure activities, sports, performing arts, arts & crafts, festivals and shopping.

You will be pleasantly surprised to find out the kinds of stuff you could do in your state. For example, I didn't know that you could roll down a hill in a giant plastic ball at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa or fly a plane at Subang Skypark.

The author has included info like what the activity/event is, where it can be found, what time the place is open, contact details and how to get there.

Apparently, there are a lot of activities in Malaysia that we may not even be aware of.

I liked that the author included things like where to adopt animals and societies/associations for children with special needs.

In addition to the state by state breakdown and the special needs information, there are also details on festivals that might be celebrated by all states – Chinese New Year, Christmas, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Chap Goh Meh, Hungry Ghost, Mooncake, Wesak and Thaipusam.

Then there are the school holiday programmes offered by Club Med, Cambridge English for Life, Children's Technology Workshop, Polgar Chess and Xtreem Adventure.

If your child is into uniformed activities, you might be interested in the contact details for Girl Guides, Cadet Corps, Polis Kadet, Red Crescent Society, Scouts and St John Ambulance.

To top all of that, the author has included right at the back of the book, hiking guidelines and safety at waterfalls tips.

In all, this is a great guide and every family should have one. You will be amazed at what you can do in Malaysia and you probably don't know about any of the libraries near you.

Highly recommended.

* Want to win a FREE copy of the book? Go to the contest page to find out how you can win one.

1childrenbooks.com Review of Fun for Kids in Malaysia

Description

This handbook is for parents who have to plan their children’s activities. It is divided into the states of Malaysia, with Kuala Lumpur and Selangor combined as one. In each state, the fun activities and places to visit are further categorised generally into the following, with some categories being omitted in smaller states:

* Fast facts – state’s tourism office.
* Getting there – how to go there by plane, car, bus and train.
* Getting around – information on buses and taxis in the main towns.
* Back to nature – forest reserves, parks, islands, beaches, waterfalls, animal farms.
* Adventure (name of state)! – caving, fishing, flying fox, paragliding, paint ball, rock climbing, white water rafting, etc
* Sports – archery, badminton, bowling, cycling, fencing, football, etc
* The performing arts – dance, drama, music
* Arts, craft and cooking – includes art galleries as well
* Where to go – places of interest that do not fall into the ‘Back to nature’ section, such as mosques, temples, museums, tourist spot like Chinatown, etc
* Festivals – major festivals unique to each state
* Shopping – shopping malls
* Reading – list of bookstores and public libraries

Detailed information are provided, which usually includes address, telephone number, email address, website address, opening and closing times, entrance fee, and price guide for activities. For major tourists’ attraction, road directions are given.

Our review

If you are always cracking your head as to how to keep your children occupied during the weekends or more crucially, during the school holidays, then this is a must-have.

Not only does it give you a rather comprehensive list of activities for kids, but should you decide to go on a holiday, it also includes the places of interest in each state.

The list for Kuala Lumpur/Selangor is the most complete. In here, you would be exposed to activities you might not have think of. Hence, you could use the key words here to find out more in the Internet.

They are all ‘under one roof’, unlike what you will see in the Internet. Searching for information in the Internet is not as easy as you would like it to be. Say, if you search for ‘archery’, you may get one or two archery centres on the first page of the result, another one on the 5th page and a few more buried in later pages that you would have no desire to venture to.

The author has injected several personal observations in the description of places. This gives you useful insights. For example, on page 29 she wrote, “...the roads in Penang can be quite narrow and the one-way streets can lead you round in circles.” Then, on page 257, “Your children will beg you to come to this mall for its proliferation PC games, CDs, DVDs, PlayStation and software programmes which are mostly pirated.”

However, it would be nice if it has an ‘Index’ section – say if you are interested in white water rafting, you would probably like to know where it is available. So, an ‘Index’ would help a lot, compared to having to browse through each state to look for it.

The ‘Where to go’ section could be placed together with ‘Back to nature’. After all, they are all ‘places to go’. Splitting them gives you a sense of ‘why-are-we-back-to-tourists-spots-again’. Apart from that, a few states like Negeri Sembilan and Pahang, lack information on weekend activities (sports, arts, crafts and cooking).

Although this is not an exhaustive list of fun f or kids, nevertheless it has something for everyone.

The author’s website is www.lydiateh.com. To order this title, please visit MPH Bookstore (online or otherwise).

Source : 1childrenbooks.com

Hooked on Bookz review of Fun for Kids

Here's a review of Fun for Kids by Hooked on Bookz.

In a nutshell

So. You have a bunch of hyperactive kids who become even more hyperactive during weekends and school holidays. What do you do? No no no. Turn off Astro. Whip out Fun for Kids in Malaysia and get the entire family outta the house, and explore Malaysia.

This guidebook lists a wide range of activities for your children to indulge in and new places for them to explore in this country. Travel from the northern region right to the southern region of Malaysia and have a great holiday.

What I liked

My first thought was, 'Are there that many places for kids to go to in Malaysia?' Go through the 'Contents' section and you'll find out that there are indeed many places to go to and fun activities to do around Malaysia. At the start of each section, there are 'fast facts' about the state. Then it tells you how to get there and how to get around the area (e.g. what buses to take, or if you could take taxis/rented cars/trains and so on).

Then there's a list of fun activities that they could do while they're there. Let them be Robin Hood for a day and sign them up for archery and horse-riding, or send them off to the golf course with Dad; or if they love art, encourage them to explore their creativity in arts and crafts classes, cooking, or maybe even pottery courses. If you want undistracted shopping, there are professional babysitters who offer 'drop and shop' services in some of the shopping centres.

The 'most happening' or rather the hype of activities featured in this book is KL/Selangor. So if you happened to be living in this area, you might want to check it out and make full use of it for the coming holidays :)

You'd also find beautiful illustrations and pretty amusing quotes throughout the pages. Some of my favourites were 'In primitive society, when native tribes beat the ground with clubs and yell, it was called witchcraft; today, in civilised society, it is called golf. ~Anonymous' and 'Avoid fruits and nuts. You are what you eat. ~Jim Davis (I had a good laugh at this one haha)

This is a helpful and informative guide book that comes complete with contact numbers, websites and email addresses. It'd come in handy for parents who are always at wits end when it comes to planning for the holidays :)

It'd be better if...

An index would probably make it more user and reader-friendly.

Thank you Marshall Cavendish for the book. Fun for Kids in Malaysia is now available in all major bookstores. For more information, kindly email meili@my.marshallcavendish.com.

The Asian Parent Review of Fun for Kids in Malaysia

Fun For Kids in Malaysia - Book Review
An essential guide to fun-tastic activities for children.
by Aishah Begum


Author: Lydia Teh
Pages: 360
Price: S$13.60 before GST
Availability: Select Books and all major book stores.
Published by: Marshall Cavendish Editions.
ISBN: 978-983-3845-48-4
Recommended for: Children and parents of all ages.

Summary

If you have kids between the ages of 3 to 18, and you’ve run out of places in Singapore to keep them entertained, then you should definitely grab a copy of “Fun For Kids in Malaysia.” The comprehensive guide book is chock full of ideas on where to go and what to do in Malaysia for lots of family fun.

The fun-filled guide is not just meant for foreigners – but it’ll definitely be a handy keep for local Malaysians as well. Be the greatest parents on earth by bringing your children on a rock climbing adventure in Jerejak Rainforest Resort, Penang, or kick it old-school by bringing them to the state museum in Negri Sembilan to view ‘Rumah Minang’, which depicts a typical Minangkabau house with its pointed roofs which looks like the horns of water buffaloes.

What we love

• The Fast Facts section, which gives insight on websites and addresses.
• Short yet detailed and to the point. Reading this was a breeze!
• The quirky illustrations and anecdotes will grab yours and the kids’ attention.
• It caters to the parents too, for when you need a break away from the kids.

What we dislike

• It would have been better if there were tabs for readers to flip to specific pages for easier find.
• We would have preffered a lighter more compact book, to keep in our handbags/pocketbooks.
• Pictures of the venues and attractions would have added a nice touch.
Our verdict:
We love the layout and easy-to-read factor, so we give this book a 4 out of 5!

Stretching your Dollar$ and $ense - Review by Tell

Tell Magazine, Special 2010

Honk! in Faces June 2009

Nerd Love

This is the review of my book in Amir Muhammad's Pulp Friction column in The Malay Mail, Wed, 29 April 2009.




Books that compile newspaper columns are usually as diverting as someone else’s jumbled laundry, but this is a happy exception. It helps that I had never read any of the pieces here before. I mistook Lydia Teh’s Word’s Up, Eh Poh Nim? column in The Star for some kind of simple grammar guide, so never felt compelled to go any further because I have been told that my Englands is already quite well.

Well, the joke’s on me! The column actually reads like a serial novel. Sure, it doesn’t have the relentless pace of, say, Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City, but the story definitely builds. Like several other serial novelists, Teh creates an affectionate and occasionally exasperated portrait of a city as seen by several closely observed characters. In fact, Do You Wear Suspenders? turns out to be a love story!

The eponymous (geddit?) protagonist is a single woman with the annoying habit of always correcting other people’s word usage. Even when visiting a friend in hospital, she scolds Clara for writing ‘complement’ instead of ‘ compliment.’ (The reason Clara is writing is that the poor thing is not healthy enough to talk.) Instead of flinging her filled bedpan at her, Clara just lies there and takes it all in.

And so it goes. Eh Poh Nim (the name is always spelled in full) has several talky escapades that help illustrate concepts like alliteration, hyperbole, puns, metaphors and similes. She has memorised the origins of many idioms and phrases too: “Trojan horse” is easy enough, but how many of us know where “below the salt” came from?

One of the most fun chapters has Our Lady of Pedantry instructing Australian mates on Manglish terms, which is how the title of the book came about. We use suspenders to refer to something worn underneath, rather than to hold up, men’s trousers. Another favourite has an ending where we are taught that ACDC is slang for bisexual, which you can never be too young to learn.

Strangely enough, Teh doesn’t take advantage of the interesting origin of the phrase ‘half-past six.” When a former Prime Minister (guess which one!) used it to describe the new leadership, I never realised it was a local expression. It comes from the early days of the Selangor Club in KL, where Eurasians were permitted to be at the bar only from 6:30pm onwards – when the whites would be away, preparing for dinner. So the term was a racist one to mean second-rate. (My source is this novel).

I sometimes felt like throttling her, but I feel the same about many of my friends, so I guess Eh Poh Nim became a friend. Besides, her compulsive desire to educate is a way to conceal (wouldn’t you know it?) a certain loneliness. While fending off an oafish colleague named Paul, she grows interested in Gene Rick, whose charms prove to be anything but generic. He, too, is a sticker, I mean stickler, for using the correct words, so you imagine a very happy future of matching thesauri on the bedside table.

But the path of true love is filled with sticks and stones, … or words to that effect. Eh Poh Nim first needs to make sure none of her friends or family members bludgeon her to death for always reminding them not to pronounce words to become ‘Grand Pricks’ or ‘fox pass’.

Unlike the sterile conversations in our textbooks, her mini-adventures never exist in a vacuum. (This book has far too much pork to qualify as an MOE text, anyway). There are many delicious references to contemporary controversies: the mansion built by dubious Malaysian politicians, the sex scandals of Hong Kong stars, the agricultural study trips to Taiwan, and so on. Even the romantic clincher in a park involves a hilarious cameo by killjoy khalwat-busters. Perhaps in a decade we would need footnotes to get all the jokes, but to present them unadorned adds to this book’s cheeky, faux-naif charm.

Faux-naif is a word we are not taught to pronounce properly here. Dare we hope for a sequel?

(Malay Mail, 29 April)

Tell August 2007

Asia!

Malaysia College News

MYC! May 2007




Thanks to Esther for emailing me the scanned pix.

Malay Mail

Saturday, 28 April 2007

Cleo Review

March 2007

Borneo Post Review

Borneo Post, 11 March 2007



Thanks, Georgette!

Star Review 23 March 2007