SubTEXT reads Tangerine

Reported by Christine Choy, Executive (Programmes & Events Management, Public Library Services Group)



2 June was the usual subTEXT session at the Book Cafe. However, because the usual hangout area was reserved by a private function, the whole group of about 35 people made themselves comfortable on chairs and sofas that were moved out specially for this session.



Colin Cheong read his book, "Tangerine". Other authors reading that night were Marjorie Evasco and Felisa Batacan, as well as younger writers like Nurul Jihadah, Bernard Koh, Judith Huang and Chitralekha Basu (featured in "But", a new anthology of poetry and prose by established authors and previously unpublished talents).



They shared their works, exchanged their views, thoughts and even their songs!



After the 1.5 hour session, some of them bought "Tangerine" and even got Colin to autograph in their books.

Woodlands Regional Library Staff Chinese Book Club (25 May 05)

Reported by Lim Lee Ping, Adult & Young People Services Librarian (Public Library Services)

Picture this – in Literature class, someone tells the class what he/she thinks the writer is trying to achieve. Or explains why he/she feels the theme of the book is so. Nearly always, some other student in the class would be thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?” or “Are we reading the same book?” and very possibly, “I should be paying more attention in class!”

Are you that student?

I was.

For some reason, we all take different things from reading the same thing. Most times, listening to somebody else’s views on a book will enrich our understanding. Even if we havn't read the book, the discussion might pique our interest to do so.



Recently, members of the Woodlands Regional Library (WRL) Staff Chinese Book Club ran through the three Chinese Language books from READ! Singapore. One of my Adult & Young People (AYP) Services colleagues, Guan Fong, introduced the writers as well as provided a simple summary on one of the short stories in the book. Storytelling for adults, if you will – which actually made me want to read the book.

Confession time – the only Chinese language stuff I read are comics and LianHe Wanbao – which I think is the most gripping reading in Singapore!

Anyway, we’ll be meeting in a couple of weeks’ time for another book sharing (if you don't know what that means -- basically we share our views on the book). We’re reading 7-11 Love at the Convenience Store by Han Han.

Know what?

I can’t wait.

SRL discusses "To Kill A Mockingbird" at QUCL

Reported by Veronica Boudville, Assistant Director, Special Project (PLSG)

You should never kill a mockingbird 'cos it doesn't harm you but instead it always sings for you ...

It's been some time since I sat in on a book discussion session and the Society for Reading and Literacy, Singapore (SRL) WordWrights Meeting was a pleasant reminder of how stimulating & heartwarming such a session can be!

The discussion was held on Wednesday 15 Jun, 6.30 pm at the Queenstown Community Library (QUCL) - the regular meeting place for this group - who get together every month to share tips and hone their writing skills.

As part of the Read! Singapore effort, these wordsmiths converted their regular sessions to discuss the various books on the list. Serene started reading excerpts from an Internet review that provided an overview of the story.

I gathered that Mockingbird spoke about the value of every human being regardless of race; of respect, trust , love and personal growth; the need to stand up for what one believes in and also value systems that are individual yet universal at the same time.


NLB Call No.: LEE
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I saw through the group's eyes their delight in the character of Scout who often spoke with her fists, but who just as readily let go of a grudge! Among other things, they described how Scout would always curl up in her father's lap at the end of the day, no matter how angry or upset she might be with him.

This led to Heather sharing how her principle was to never go to bed with anger between family members as for her, it could make her quite physically ill.

On this note Serene then shared that she was going to try to teach her group of sunday school children not to keep grudges/hatred in them and the experiment that she was going to
have them do. I do hope it works out for her!

Many, many interesting snippets were shared during the hour long session that certainly made the book and its characters come alive.

We took de-tours and explored various issues - the lack of a reading interest here and the possible causes; the use of libraries as creches, the notice that we take when we see adults and children treating each other with respect etc.

Even the blog phenomena sneaked in! It left all scratching their heads as to why people could bare their souls over the net but found it hard to talk face-to-face! Safety in anonymity? Maybe a reflection of our consumer society in a way - exhibitors on one side and voyeurs on the other?

By the end of the session I was so infected by their obvious enjoyment of this book, that I made a mental note to pick it up for myself. I'll probably enjoy it a lot more since I don't have to study it for an exam!

YICL staff participates in READ! Singapore

Reported by Lee Kwee Eng, Adult & Young People Services Librarian, Public Library Services.

Staff from Yishun Community Library (YICL) held a book discussion on "Tangerine", on 24 May 05.



Admittedly, some of us were stuck at Chapters One and Two, as there were a lot of flashbacks at the beginning of the story. One staff had to read Chapter One thrice before she could understand - but that was perfectly fine. The resource kit for Tangerine from the READ! Singapore website was useful in providing a brief background.

The discussion focused on what staff liked or disliked about the book. We didn't know that in Vietnam, tangerines could be offered to strangers as a form of friendship instead of cigarettes. We liked the way the author described the "5 Cs" that were important to Singaporeans. We also enjoyed the description of the westerners' response regarding SDU and matchmaking in Singapore.



After the session, staff had a better understanding of the story. Some of us were encouraged to finish the entire book once we realised there were many interesting things in the subsequent chapters.

Storytelling at the MRT - READ! Singapore

Reported by Tan Lay Yong & Wilfred Loh (Librarians, Adult & Young People Services), & Ivan Chew, (Manager, Services Management).

It was a hot Thursday afternoon, on 2 June 2005, around 2:30 pm. We were watching scenes being enacted from "城南旧事" (Cheng Nan Jiu Shi - "Memories of the Southern Suburbs"), right on the SMRT train, travelling from Jurong East to Woodlands MRT station.


NLB Call No.: LNHY
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Two very talented volunteers from Eduplus Language Centre performed the half-hour mini-drama. The scenes portrayed how a young girl, Yingzi, saw the adult world while growing up in 1930s Beijing.

The storyline was simple and direct. No wonder the book won the author, Lin Hai-yin, worldwide recognition of her literary talent.



In the train, there was space for up to 80 people (teens and adults were our main target audience), but most of the passengers were really shy and stayed far away at first. After a few stops, quite a few people gamely filled up the second carriage to watch the play.



Both of the volunteers (teachers in a local language school) were really good. For several moments, we forgot that we were in a train.





The performance ended exactly on cue, at Woodlands MRT station.




Tag: readsingapore

NLB staff at Marine Parade discusses "Curious Incident"

Reported by Faridah Ibrahim, Senior Librarian (People Management & Development)

On 28 May, 8 - 9pm, 15 NLB staff and family members (the youngest being 10 years old) got together to discuss the book "Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" at Starbucks Cafe, Marine Parade Community Library (MPCL).


NLB Call No.: HAD
Click here to check item availability
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There were loads of laughter, intellectual debate, and something for the stomach - supply of good drinks and delicious cakes from Starbucks.



And before we knew it, one hour of discussion came to an end much too soon. The allocated time was simply not enough!.

We talked about the emotions, intelligence, plots, interesting characters, writing style, parenting style, and even Mark Haddon the writer.

Reflections were made on how differently we all perceived life. The group gamely drew their perceptions on a piece of paper and simply described their thoughts and expressions freely -- and we discovered many artistic talents.



As levels of enthusiasm and energy were high, we were all inspired to commit to another round of discussion at a later date. The chosen book is "To Kill A Mockingbird".

NOTE: The staff also welcome members of the public to join in their discussion. Please email us for enquiries.

Tag: readsingapore

Book discussion on "Short Stories by Xi Ni Er" by Taxi Drivers (In Mandarin)

Reported by Ivan Chew, Manager, Services Management

28 May 2005. Saturday evening, 11pm to 12am. Ang Mo Kio Community Library (AMCL) hosted about 100 taxi drivers (yes, that many!). The book-talk session was the last leg of the READ! Singapore 12-hour marathon.

I have newfound respect for these cabbies. I shall call them Taxi Sifus ("Sifu" is cantonese for "teacher") from now on.

Supper was Teochew porridge. My colleagues expected maybe 30 Taxi Sifus at most, so the porridge quickly ran out some time before the start of the session at 11pm. Mr Wee Siew Kim (MP for AMK GRC) graced the session. I discovered later that the author, Singaporean Mr. Chia Hwee Pheng, was there as well (Xi Ni Er's his pen name).


AMCL Programme Zone. Supper before the session.

The session was conducted in Mandarin. Five Taxi Drivers (three men, two women) were in the panel, each sharing their thoughts on a chapter or two from the book, "Short Stories" by Xi Ni Er.


NLB Call No.: SING XINE (Singapore Collection, Chinese)
Click here for item availability.

Most in the audience had not stepped into libraries in years. Some later registered as library members. Copies of the book were distributed during the session. It was heartening to see the cabbies flipping to the chapters being discussed and reading the book.

I would have loved to see greater audience participation, as in questions or comments from the floor, but that might have been asking too much. It was good enough to see them read the book, and stay till the end of the session.


Taxi Drivers/ Cabbie Sifus reading in a group settting, and it was not their exams for the cab license.

Some of the cabbies took the initiative to get the author's autograph. It became an author signing as well! The author, Mr. Chia, said conversations with Taxi Sifus formed part of his inspiration and material for the book.


The author, Mr. Chia Hwee Pheng, is seated on the extreme right of picture.

The Taxi Sifus in the panel took their task seriously without any of the awkwardness you might have expected. However, it turned out they were highly enthusiastic and had obviously spent a great deal of effort in preparing for it. One took time during the day to write an essay. Another spiced his reading & sharing with dialect, much to the amusement of his fellow Cabbies. One of the women cabbies reflected on communication issues in marriages.

Ah! I forget -- most cabbies have no problem talking. Take a cab and you'll agree with me. I think what they need is opportunity.


NLB Programmes Executive, Mr Peter Lee, facilitating the session.

I'm thinking, "How can the library create more of such opportunities in future?" And would all Taxi Sifus respond as they did like tonight's audience?

After the programme, one Taxi Sifu joked with me that it cost him $60 for the night to attend the session. Well, I won't deny that there are opportunity costs to such activities. I guess that is why there is a need to inculcate a habit of reading.


Library tour after the session.

The event was a first for NLB, to have so many Taxi Drivers in one sitting, attending a programme in a library. The book sharing ended at 12am, but the participants didn't leave until about 1am. Even the Taxi Driver who joked with me earlier left with a book borrowed from the library (his first in many years).

Tag: readsingapore

About this site

This blog was an early companion-site to the READ! Singapore reading initiative (official site at readsingapore.nlb.gov.sg), when blogging was a fairly new thing to us.

Back in 2005, when the reading initiative first started, we found it easier to post updates at this companion site than the main official website. After our "experiment" here, we've decided to keep the content here as an archive.

Please visit the official site at ReadSingapore.nlb.gov.sg for the latest updates. For enquiries, please email ask@nlb.gov.sg or ivanchew@nlb.gov.sg.

Updated: 26 June 07

Happenings at the Public Libraries

Updated: 4 Jun 2005
The following activities are in addition to the events listed at the main website. Please call 6-332 3255 or email to contact the libraries for confirmation of events.

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READ! Singapore Book Quiz Contest

• 1st prize: $500 book voucher
• 2nd prize: $300 book voucher
• 3rd prize: $100 book voucher

Details and contest forms are at all NLB branches
There are more contests and lucky draws at the specific branches.

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Pledge Collection
Show your support for READ! Singapore. Sign on the pledge form and pledge to read any of the 12 books. Forms available at all NLB branches.

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Public Book Discussions
AMCL - 9 Jul & 23 Jul
BBCL - 17 Jun, 30 Jul
BECL - 9 Jun, 16 Jul, 21Jul, 13 Aug & 10 Sep
BMCL - 15 Jun & 20 Jul
CCKCL - 5 Jul
CSCL - [please contact branch to enquire]
EPCL - [please contact branch to enquire]
GECL - 16 Jun & 21 Jul
JRL - 17 Jun & 22 Jul
JWCL - 15 Jun, 22 Jun & 20 Jul
QUCL - 23 Jul
MPCL - 22 Jun & 3 Aug
OCCL - [please contact branch to enquire]
PRCL - 23 Jul
SBCL - 15 Jul
SKCL - 15 Jul & 29 Jul
TPCL - [please contact branch to enquire]
TRL - 25 May & 22 Jun
WRL - 3 Jun & 17 Jun
YICL - 30 Jun
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Are you organising your own activities? Email us. We'd like to hear from you!

Community-led Events

If you intend to do something on your own (e.g. as a school, a company or organisation, or a group of friends), we'd love to hear from you.

• Drop us an email with a brief description of what you intend to do (or what you've already done)
• You can tell us a little about yourself, or your group
• If you intend to invite other people to join your group, let us know the dates, times and venues of your meetings
  
• Attach one or two pictures (e.g. group photos)
• Your blog or website URL, if you've posted your activities on the web
• Tell us what you've discussed (you can write as much or as little as you want)

I'm interested. How do I take part?

Taking part is really easy. There are no strict rules. Here's an example:

• Decide on at least one of the 12 books you want to read (some say they want others to read to them, which is fine too!)

• Then get at least another friend or colleague, find a time to meet to discuss (some setup their blogs or website, or discuss via email, or SMS, which is also an excellent idea -- whatever works for you)

• You are not even required to read the entire book if you don't want to. Your group could agree on certain chapters to read.

• If you can't find another person to discuss or to form a group, you could also contact your nearest public library and join the activities they've organised.

You get the idea. We're sure you can think of lots more creative ways to participate in this nation-wide activity.

If you wish to have our librarians help you facilitate your group activities, please email us, or drop by the library to find out more.

Tangerine

By Colin Cheong

NLB Call No.: CHE (Singapore Collection)

Click on the following to check for item availability:
Singapore: SNP Editions, c2005.
Singapore: Raffles Editions, 1997.

A narrative by a young Singaporean photojournalist, Nick, who travels through Vietnam for a reunion with his university friends. He rediscovers himself in Vietnam, as he has been brought up in the ruthlessly efficient, organized comfort zone of Singapore for too long. This novel depicts the pain of growing up as Nick longs for the "good-old days" and the company of his former school buddies.

Direct link to discussion guide
Source: http://readsingapore.nlb.gov.sg/kits.html

To Kill A Mocking Bird

By Harper Lee

NLB Call No: LEE

An all-time classic, which is narrated through the eyes of an 8 year-old child, Scout. It depicts the heroism of Atticus Finch, standing up for what he knows is right and finally in Scout's hard-won understanding that most people are essentially kind. This is a tough and tender novel of race, class, justice, and the pain of growing up.

Click on the following to check for item availability:
New York: Warner Books, 1982, c1960.
New York: Harper Collins, 1999.
New York: Perennial, 2002.
London [etc.]: Pan Books, 1974.
Heinemann, 1960.
Heinemann. Mandarin, 1989.
London: Arrow, c1960.
New York: Harper LargePrint Classics 1999.

Direct link to discussion guide
Source: http://readsingapore.nlb.gov.sg/kits.html

Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time

By Mark Haddon

NLB Call No.: HAD
Click here to check item availability

This is a narrative by a fifteen-year-old autistic boy, Christopher John Francis Boone. He is gifted with a superbly logical brain and is obsessed with Sherlock Holmes. Everyday interactions and reprimands have little meaning for him. This novel entwines an old-fashioned mystery and a contemporary coming-of-age story. Take a fascinating peep into the mind of a boy, who has problems in social skills as it draws readers into the workings of Christopher's mind.

Direct link to discussion guide
Source: http://readsingapore.nlb.gov.sg/kits.html

Love at the Convenience Store

by Han Han
(Chen Qiyun)

NLB Call No.: SING HNHN (Singapore Collection)
Click here to check item availability

Set in Singapore, this is a compilation of short stories, which local readers can readily relate to. The stories revolve around the themes of growing pains, love, responsibility and the rebel within.

Direct link to discussion guide
Source: http://readsingapore.nlb.gov.sg/kits.html

Short Stories of Xi Ni Er (希尼尔)

by Xi Ni Er
(Chia Hwee Pheng)

NLB Call No.: SING XINE (Singapore Collection)
Click here for item availability.


The stories of Xi Ni Er astutely chronicle both the light moments and the difficult times in nation building. The author is acclaimed for his artistic experimentation and his philosophical reflections on social and cultural issues.

Direct link to discussion guide
Source: http://readsingapore.nlb.gov.sg/kits.html

Memories of the Southern Suburbs

By Lin Haiying

NLB Call No.: LNHY

This story, as seen through the eyes of a young girl named Yingzi, recounts everyday life in Beijing in the 1930s. Readers will be touched by the tragedies of the characters in this clearly semi-autobiographical novel.


Click on the following to check for item availability:
Beijing: Dang dai Zhongguo chu ban she, 2004.
Beijing: Ren min wen xue chu ban she, 2000.
Taibei: You mu zu wen hua shi ye, 2000.
Taibei: Er ya chu ban she, 1960.
Guang zhou: Xin shi ji chu ban she, 1998.

Direct link to discussion guide
Source: http://readsingapore.nlb.gov.sg/kits.html

Satu Bumi

By Isa Kamari

NLB Call No.: SING ISA (Singapore Collection)

Satu Bumi tells a story of perseverance, struggle and conflict of humanity in overcoming trials and tribulations of life that are contrary to their principles and personal choices. The discussion of self-identity, rights and self-reliance, becomes the main issue in this novel, which tries to unravel the truth about humanity.

The novel is set in present day Singapore, the Japanese Occupation, as well as the Emergency periods when racial tensions were high.

Click on the following to check for item availability:
Singapura: Pustaka Nasional, 2002.
Singapura: Pustaka Melayu Publisher, 1998

Direct link to discussion guide
Source: http://readsingapore.nlb.gov.sg/kits.html

Badai Semalam

By Khadijah Hashim

NLB Call No.: KHA
Click here to check item availability

This book could be classified as light reading, yet have many literary merits. It is about the struggle of a woman in coping with her aspirations to complete her education and her relationships.

Mazni, a pre-university student, is filled with dreams to enter university by any means. Born into poverty and brought up by her aged and sickly mother, she lives in the servant quarters of her mother's former employer. She is strong willed with qualities of patience and forbearance.

Direct link to discussion guide
Source: http://readsingapore.nlb.gov.sg/kits.html

Batas Langit

By Mohamed Latiff Mohamed

NLB Call No.: SING MOH (Singapore Collection)

Adi lives in a Chinese village with a family beset by problems. His father is addicted to gambling and his sister has been chased out of the house when she becomes pregnant out of wedlock. This novel portrayed the poverty and political conflicts that coloured the lives of the Malay community in the early 1960s.

Click on the following to check for item availability:
Singapore: Pustaka Nasional, 2002.
Kuala Lumpur: Pustaka Cipta Sdn. Bhd., 1996.

Direct link to discussion guide
Source: http://readsingapore.nlb.gov.sg/kits.html

Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal

(Some People at Some Moments)
By Jeyakanthan

NLB Call No.: JEY

Ganga, the chief protagonist of the tale gets raped at a very young age and is ostracized by her family and her community. The story revolves around her; how she accepts her fate and moves on with life. This novel won the Sahitya Academy award in 1972.

Click on the following to check for item availability:
Maturai: Mīnāṭci Puttaka Nilaiyam, 2005.
Maturai: Mīnāṭci Puttaka Nilaiyam, 2001.

Direct link to discussion guide
Source: http://readsingapore.nlb.gov.sg/kits.html

Thedi

Naa Govindasamy

NLB Call No.: SING GOV (Singapore Collection)
Click here to check item availability

Thedi is a collection of six short stories and a novelette, "Velvi". In "Velvi", a young academic realizes the strength of ethnic ties binding him to his community while researching into the management of Hindu temples. "Thedi" has received National Book Development Council of Singapore (NBDCS) Highly Commended Book Award in 1992.

Direct link to discussion guide
Source: http://readsingapore.nlb.gov.sg/kits.html

47 Naatkal

(47 Days)
By Sivasankari

NLB Call No.: SIV
Click here to check item availability

Vaishali, the protagonist, is a young naïve girl from a traditional Indian family who is married off to US. Full of dreams, she sets foot on a foreign land, adjusting to her new life. Slowly, she discovers the truth of her husband, which she then fights for her rights and finds her way back to India.

Direct link to discussion guide
Source: http://readsingapore.nlb.gov.sg/kits.html