A Reclaimed Past Time and a Little Book Pimpin'

Hello there.

This is awkward.

I have been absent from the blogosphere for so long. I feel like I have betrayed my blogging roots.

My hair is longer now. You can't see it now, but maybe you can imagine.

I've fleshed out a bit. By a bit I mean by 20 kilos. Yeap, baby really got back now.

Haha.

Um.

Look, I can explain my absence. On second thoughts, maybe I can't. Maybe I just don't want to.

Still battling with depression. Yep yep. Still not dependant on drugs. Nope nope. Still a silent attention-seeker. Sigh.

Anyway...

Not only one, but TWO books with a short story by yours truly is out now. Both are different stories, although maybe in the same vein. So sue me for being a one track writer. No, don't. I'm still struggling with debt from college years.

Here goes.

BOOK THE FIRST: DIRTY : DIRTY (dirty paintings by Mugi Takei)

I don't know what to say about this book. I have not received my own copy (which was my only payment. Not complaining because it was kind of a really super short mini story) so I can't provide you with a review yet. All I can say is that a bunch of guys and girls wrote smut and had it compiled to be bound, published and sold. Oh and a girl (hot pixie cut) drew the illustrations.

As you can probably tell, it's erotica. And I promise you it will be dirty. I don't know why I used my full name tho. Silly idiot. I hope I don't get into trouble with the local government. Wait, I jinxed it by typing that out didn't I? Pray for me please.

Moving on.

BOOK THE SECOND: KOPI

First of all, this book is limited edition. So before continuing with the review, you may need to order it here if you are in Malaysia or here if you are overseas and able to read in Malay or have the time and effort to spare to have it translated. I would offer you my services, but I'm kind of busy at the moment juggling THREE novels to translate and working towards getting into college (again!)

Like what the Amazon description said, this is

"An anthology of 19 addictive short stories by writers associated with the Malaysian publishing label Fixi. All are inspired by coffee. Some stories are dark and hot, others are creamy and smooth. Have a sip!"

I would have written a less cheerful description though. But judging on how fast the books are flying off the shelves, I'm glad I wasn't responsible for the description write-up. And seriously guys, this book is selling like hot cakes. And there will not be a reprint, despite the typos which are now (jokingly) a trademark of FIXI (hey, I didn't say it, I think it was that Zombijaya guy).

And now for a sorta kinda review.

Most of the writers stuck to the same style of "whoops, surprise ending! Betcha didna see THAT coming!". But hey, that's okay. I like that kind of storytelling method. It's traditional and it works. And the stories are great. They reflect the Malaysian culture (both apparent and hidden). I learned a lot of things about Malaysia from reading this book. (For those not in the know, I have been away from Malaysia for a long time and I am now a recluse who stays at home. So keep your snide remarks to yourself).

However, a few writers broke out of that traditional mould. Here are the stories which made me go "whoa":

I am a fan of Neil Gaiman and Eddie Izzard. One is a writer and the other is a stand up comedian who is now a so-so actor. Both deliver materials that are surreal, sometimes rambling, but always interesting.

Venti by Redza Minhat, Malam di Meja Tempat Kau Terlentok by Hafiz Hamzah, Hari Inditih by Asyraf Bakti and my superduperawesomest favourite Luwak dan Kretek by Ridhwan Saidi managed to be surreal and made me go "SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT" all the way through the KTM ride from KL Sentral to Sungai Gadut.

Kudos goes to Nik Adam Ahmad who was the only one to present his story (Kopi Jantan Kaw) through the medium of photography. "Massage" girls, a begging cup stuffed with money and a lonely rattan chair were among part of his cast.

Special special special thanks to Raja Faisal for meeting up with me and putting up with my dull IRL persona. And for that coffee. And for all that anecdote. And for making me late for my train (Okay, admittedly it was because I couldn't get a cab at that damned eCurve).

I'll hopefully be able to make it to the book launch this 24th March. So if you see a timid short stubby girl looking really awkward and out of place, please say hi?

Are we friends again now?