On McEwan

First i got to thank my good friend Pat for introducing me to Ian McEwan. I’ve read somewhere that he’s been recently described as one of the greatest living British writers, and although i don’t read that many British authors, I’ve got to agree with that. I’ve to add cheekily that I do not own ANY of his book, all of the ones I’ve read have been mooched off Pat

It all started with Atonement, probably his most popular work. I’ve loved it, and wrote a piece about it. Then came On Chesil Beach, a tiny little book of about 100 pages. I think it took me less than 2 hours to finish. Equally brilliant book, the ending alone kept me thinking days after finishing the book.

After that came a dry period. I read Enduring Love. What an intriguing title! But i found the storyline a little tad disturbing to enjoy it. But still, McEwan’s craftsmanship in writing is impeccable. This was followed by Saturday. Well, as i described to Pat, not his best book.

I get the idea that while i’ve not even read half of his writings, for me personally, his books fall in 2 categories – those that i love, and those that i don’t. They don’t fall in between. I’ve not read Cement Garden, but I’ve got a pretty good idea which of the 2 categories it will fall into.

Earlier today I just finish another of McEwan’s book – a children’s book call The Daydreamer (now that’s a conundrum in itself, McEwan writing children’s books!). Now that, was an excellent book. Definitely right up there with Atonement and On Chesil Beach in my list.

The Wordless Post

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”

Ron Choong Rocking City Harvest Church, KL

So let me be honest. I didn’t know much about City Harvest Church KL in Bandar Sunway before this, except that it was made up of mostly college-age and young adults. But after spending two long nights there on Tuesday and Wednesday, I was very impressed and touched by the vibrancy and hospitality extended by them.

(did you SEE the disco ball?)

The reason i was there was ACT-Asia brought Rev. Dr. Ron Choong to speak to them on two special topics: Philosophy in Christian Doctrines (Tuesday night) then Science and God (Wed night). For those of you who missed it, well, all I can say is it was REALLY good (I try not to use the word ‘AWESOME’ too much these days). The first topic touch mainly on how Greek philosophy (Plato, Aristotle) influenced Paul and the early church fathers and they used it to formulate our Christian doctrine. If you think philosophy is boring and is best left to your Sejarah Tingkatan 1, think again.

(The crowd getting ready for the lecture)

(doesn’t the ceiling remind you of the old TRON movie?)

The second night was a slightly more serious talk (Science and God) on how God revealed himself to us through the two books: Nature and Scripture. I thought that while this was slightly more technical, it appealed more to the young crowd as many were studying science in colleges.

(Ron’s archaeology-ready shoes. What is this craze with red shoes?!)

Both sessions ended with Q&A from the crowd, but its always a question of too many questions and too little time. But Ron promised to address all the questions via the church website on a weekly basis.

(Ron speaking on the 2nd night. Apparently he’s dressed to blend in to the background)

Anyway, the committee enjoyed ourselves very much selling the Ron’s two books and different CD titles.

(the 2 books on sale. Two more will be published very soon. Depending on how hard we work in the next few months…)

Thanks again to Ps. Kevin Loo, the leadership, and all the good folks of CHC for making us feel welcome. It was a great experience.