Ashraf Nazri

This book tells the story of a Malaysia teenager that is dealing with OCD and the djinn (a supernatural spirit or demon) while surviving the unfolding chaos and violence of May 13, 1969. Personally, the writing is something I never expected. Her writing evokes a sense of unease and always being on edge through most parts that emphasized the OCD and the djinn that inflict her, along with a few moments of respite or safety. The characters have their own unique personalities and beliefs that provides us with different views and understanding into 13 May through unbiased lens. This book gave me a cathartic feeling and closure regarding 13 May which is often something of an ignored open wound in our country's history and offers us something we rarely get to experience, reconciliation with our past. I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in understanding 13 May or for those just delving into Malaysian English literature as it is simply a sublime book to read.

If you are a fan of Mariah Carey or just want to know more about her life, then, this is the book to read. It's not just about her music career but it is also about her belief and strength in surviving the life that she had. You can see how deeply intertwined her life and her music is as she often starts or ends part of a story with the lyrics from songs that she wrote about those moments. We get to see the Mariah behind the whole "diva facade" and see the deep but sad reasonings of why she's "eternally 12" or her eccentric love for Christmas through her life as a biracial child growing up in broken family in a racially prejudiced society. You may be confused by the chronological aspect of the book since she doesn't acknowledge time but once you go with the flow of the story, it doesn't matter. You may not get the entire explanation of her life and that's that fine cause it's The Meaning of Mariah Carey. She only tells us about the things that gives meaning to her and her life. To me, it's still is one of the best and inspirational memoirs that I've read this year.