Life's Like That
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From Johor Bahru Directory
Life's Like That is a light-hearted collection of stories about Malaysian life, written by Lydia Teh and published by Pelanduk Publications in 2004.
As the Preface to the book says, "these stories were written from the perspective of an ordinary, homegrown Malaysian, the quintessential woman-next door... Though the experiences, observations and perceptions are mine, they could just as easily be yours for the simple reason that we share a common heritage as Malaysians."
And should I add that what is Malaysian life also holds true for life in Johor Bahru. Malaysia, and more particularly West Malaysia where Lydia hails from, is after all just a tiny country, being as it is, "essentially the wang of Asia", as what Uncyclopedia puts it derogatively. And to continue the pun, how much can anything within a spurt vary.
The book is a response to things that happened in Lydia's life, a way of coping and letting off steam for her. It chronicles everyday events that are seemingly humdrum and mundane, from parking woes and the scene of a busy Chinese restaurant to wet market and World Cup mania, stuffs that may make foreigners laugh at the quirks, idiosyncrasies, and foibles of Malaysians.
If the stories make you smile in remembrance, nod your head in agreement, see familiar things with new eyes or gain fresh insights, then this compilation of pieces written over a 10-year period, beginning in 1995, would have served the author's purpose.
