I am Muslim

I am Muslim by Dina Zaman is one of my favorite non-fiction books. I bought the book right after I got my heart pierced with betrayal and it has been such a good remedy for the wound.

This book is a selfish journey of faith by its writer. For me, this is the most honest book I ever came across about Islam in Malaysia. It tells us how of most Muslim Malaysians practiced Islam. Dina gets into all kind of scrapes to discover what it means to be a Muslim in Malaysia.

Reading this book was an eye opening experience for me. She asked questions like: are Muslim Malaysian lost? Do we lack confidence in ourselves and that's why we hold onto religion or a certain lifestyle, because there is nothing else left to make us feel fulfilled? Contented? Who are we as people and personalities.

I am aware that being a Muslim in Malaysia you are judge by the way you present yourself physically. For example: if you are wearing the hijab, you are a good Muslim and if you are not, you'll be burn in hell instantaneously. Why do we wear hijab but do immoral things: consort with shamans, drinking, smoking Cuba cigars while attending Friday prayer diligently. Sad isn't it?

It is also heartbreaking to learn things that I am aware of but didn't realized how it has reached critical point such as the gay/lesbian culture or infidelity with same sex, that are getting out of hand. I was ashamed and angry when I found out about these things. Is this the modern Malaysians Muslim that we are proud of/to be?

I especially like the way Dina conveys her journey of discovery. Most of the time it is downright funny so I really enjoyed reading it. I have recommend this book to all my friends, Muslim and non-Muslim alike. Its a must have.

Dragon Rider

Another fantasy book by Cornelia Funke in my list, Dragon Rider is book that intended for kids albeit that it is a long one (500 pages or more). Just like the book's title, it has dragon in it, and other magical creatures as well.

The story is about FireDrake who went on a journey to the Himalayas to find the Rim of Heaven. The journey begin when the place that he's living with few other dragons was under the threat of destruction by mankind. After he acquired a map from a rat, he started on the journey with Ben, a human boy (he's te dragon rider) and Sorrell, a brownie, as his companions.

But their journey was not without tribulations. They got Nettlebrand (a vicious -but very vain - creature made from impenetrable gold) on their tail. Nettlebrand intended on destroying all dragons and had them for dinner. Over the years he had killed many of the dragons and because of him, the dragon was living in hiding.

He was first aided by Twigleg, a homunculus who stowed away in Ben's bag as a spy. Twigleg's duty is to report every single details to Nettlebrand about their journey but over the days Twigleg started to appreciate Ben more and more. When Ben discovered Twigleg, he treated him as a friend and this changed Twigleg's alliance once and for all.

So together they made plans to fight Nettlebrand.

I won't spoil the ending but perhaps you can guess who wins. hehe..