Malay movies

120 Malay Movies by Author by Amir Muhammad -- Matahari Books -- RM 60.00 (HB)

120 Malay Movies is a romp through the films that were made in Singapore and then in Kuala Lumpur from 1948 to 1972. (120 represents about a third of all Malay-language films during that period, and this book features most of the famous titles as well as some overlooked gems.) Malaysian writer and filmmaker Amir Muhammad watched them in chronological order and responds to the stories in his own contemporary context. How was the world depicted in those films different from the one we live in today? This book is a serio-comic interrogation into how the iconic fantasies of the past might have unexpected reverberations in the present.

This  edition will not be sold at the major chains. It will be available only  through indendents or  through direct purchace.

Other new Malaysian books/DVDs

1. Menuju PAS Baru -- Mujahid Yusuf -- RM20.00 (PB)
2. Sweeping Dirt Under the Carpet -- Komas -- RM20.00 (PB)
3. Parables, Prophets and Pillocks -- Cecil Rajendra - RM45.00 (HB)
4. Selepas Tsunami -- Anna Har -- RM10.00 (DVD)
5. Freedom Film Fest 2009 -- Komas -- RM20.00 (DVD)

Jolly Hangman

Once a Jolly Hangman (Singapore Justice in the Dock) Author: Alan Shadrake. Price RM38.00

(This is not about Malaysia, but the books having a spot of trouble in Singapore now.)

Over the past few decades, investigative journalism has come to mean the kind of brave reporting that exposes injustice, wrongdoing and, above all, the abuse of power. Alan Shadrake’s hard-hitting new book cuts through the façade of official silence to reveal disturbing truths about Singapore’s use of the death penalty. From in-depth interviews with Darshan Singh, Singapore’s chief executioner for nearly fifty years, to meticulously researched accounts of numerous high profile cases, Once a Jolly Hangman reveals the cruelty and imprudence of an entire judicial system. At the same time he displays a touching empathy with the anguish of the victims and their families. This important book should be required reading for human rights activists everywhere.

‘Alan Shadrake’s book, Once a Jolly Hangman, is a timely contribution to growing criticism of Singapore’s shameful use of the death penalty’ -- Margaret John, Amnesty International Canada.

Alan Shadrake is a renowned veteran investigative journalist and author whose 50-year career has taken him around the world. His first major book The Yellow Pimpernels told the escape stories across the Berlin Wall and was the subject of a BBC documentary. Subsequent publications have delved into a variety of subjects including an expose of life in a Soviet gulag, the story of the boy poisoner Graham Young and, with Linda Lee, The Life and Tragic Death of Bruce Lee. His appetite for unearthing the facts and presenting unpalatable truths remains undiminished. He divides his time between Britain and Malaysia.

Other new Malaysian books on the shelf

1. Karpal Singh: true Malaysian
2. Lim Lian Geok: Soul of the Malaysian Chinese

More children's book

The Miserable Moon
Author:  Wong Ching Hsia,  Illustrated by Tan Vay Fern

Mr Moon is miserable because he has no one to play with when everyone goes to sleep at night. Read more to find out how Mr Moon overcame his loneliness with a little help from some friends! Parents will love this book for its colourful illustrations and nibblets of ‘Fun Facts'. A perfect little gift for children who like to learn new things!

Other books in the series:
1. The Zany Zebra
2. The Ugly Green Umbrella
3. The Terribly Tall Triangle
4. The Xenophobic Xylophone

Rock n Roll Journal.

28 Hari: Jurnal Rock N Roll by Mohd Jayzuan

Tahun lepas, 23 Jun 2009, saya memulakan kembara selama 28 hari menggelilingi Semenanjung Malaysia. Tak berduit, jiwa kalut dan otak berserabut.
Tahun ini, 23 Jun 2010, saya ada buku bertajuk '28 Hari: Jurnal Rock n' Roll' yang mengisahkan tentang kembara tersebut. Alhamdulillah, berduit, jiwa tak bergelora dan otak tenang.

What others say:

Satu garapan segar dari angkatan bakat muda masakini -- Tembakau (cartoonist)

Absorbs all his knowledge like a sponge and indirectly squeezes our all his wisdom for us to read. This is genuine writing, a soul speaks out for a soul -- Natasha Hudson (Actress and model).

Jay mesti terus menulis, sehinggalah gagal sebagai penulis! -- Rahmat Haron (poet)


Other new books on the shelf:
1. Days of Change -- Cheah Guat Eng (Hologram)
2. Reducing Emissions from Deforestation ... -- Various (Lestari)
3.Water for Life ... -- Various (Lestari)
4. Towards a Malaysian System of Managing Chemicals -- Various (Lestari)
5. The life in Writing: Syed Hussain Alatas -- Mastura Alatas (Marshall Cavendish)
6. Deep in the Jungle -- Liu Jun (Liu Jun Studio)
7. Geological Heritage of Malaysia -- Various (Lestari)

Without ikan bilis

Without Anchovies by Chua Kok Yee

"... In my thirty years of teaching, I have seen many of my former students grow up and take on unexpected roles in life; star athletes have ended up working as illegal car jockeys, mediocre students have become millionaires, and perfectly decent boys are now politicians."
as said by Cikgu Preetam in Perfect Prefect

Heart-rending, hilarious, irreverent, fantastical, macabre and one hundred per cent Malaysian, all at the same time, these twenty-two stories by Chua Kok Yee explore what it is like to live in this bizarre country. And the message is all about hope. These are stories of Malaysian, by a Malaysian, for Malaysians. No apologies asked for, or given.

Chua Kok Yee is an old-fashioned yarn-spinner with a thoroughly modern sensibility, and many of the tales in Without Anchovies would make great short films.

Amir Muhammad
Writer and independent filmmaker

Other new Malaysian books:
1. Rojak by Amir Muhammad
2. Tapai by Hishamuddin Rais