23 April 2020 - World Book and Copyright Day - kickstarts KL City as the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2020. My personal aim for #KLBaca is to introduce a Malaysian book everyday for 365 days. Stay tuned to this thread if you're interested to know more of Malaysian writings.

#KLBaca Day 1 - The Gift Of Rain by Tan Twan Eng

I personally like this version of the cover compared to many others available. This novel is set in Penang involving Philip Hutton and his relationship with a Japanese diplomat who teaches him aikido back in 1939.

#KLBaca Day 2 - The Laughing Monster by Golda Mowe

This chapter book is one of those rare ones that tells of stories from the Iban tribe in Sarawak. Written in a simple and fun manner to attract young readers, this book is packed with Iban true beliefs.

#KLBaca Day 3 - Roots That Bind Us by Noor Jahan & Friends

This collection of true stories is written by many first-time writers who just wanted to share about the many things that form their Malaysian identity. You'll definitely learn something new about being Malaysians.

#KLBaca Day 4 - Lake Like A Mirror by Ho Sok Fong

This book was introduced to me by her agent. I believe it was originally translated from the Chinese version. It is a portrait of the modern Malaysian society in nine stories that is very relatable. A bit controversial too.

#KLBaca Day 5 - Memories Of A Nonya by Queeny Chang

This is a very old book that my friend loaned me. The book cover was not promising, but the content was well-written and fascinating. This is a memoir worth reading to discover the world of Peranakan in Malaya.

#KLBaca Day 6 - Rungus: Peribumi Momogun Sabah by Raymond Majumah

I stumbled upon this in Sabah state library. It turned out to be a fascinating read that provided great insights into the beliefs and culture of the Rungus tribe - a must-read if you're interested in the tribe.

#KLBaca Day 7 - Panglima Ah Chong by Mohd Nor Long

If you're looking for an action story, this book is filled with enough martial art scenes to keep you going. Bear in mind that the storyline is kinda weak but the knowledge of the martial art is full and promising.

#KLBaca Day 8 - The Mystery Of The Missing Tapirs
by Patricia G.I. Chew

This is a cool book to read for the older children as they venture into the forest with our Malaysian wildlife. It has many colourful characters, lots of drama and one crazy mystery waiting to be solved!

#KLBaca Day 9 – Master & Apprentice by Lim Lay Har

This is a delightful tale about Kow Kee, the 68 year old kuih lapis seller who wishes to pass on his trade to his unwilling son, Kee Huat. But the Merdeka Cooking Competition had them competing against one another.

#KLBaca Day 10 – A children's History of Malaysia
by Tunku Halim

I stumbled upon this in an old bookstore. Nothing fancy about the cover. But the title got my attention. Tunku Halim didn't disappoint as he re-told the history of Malaysia in the simplest, most engaging manner.

#KLBaca Day 11 – The Origins Of Chinese Kongsi
by Wang Tai Peng

This turned out to be more academic than engaging, but definitely worth a read for those who want to understand Malaysian Chinese groups better.

#KLBaca Day 12 – Asang by Peter Elliott

This is an interesting account of a man named Trevor White (locals known him as Asang) among the Dusun people in Sabah. His adventures in Borneo was a bittersweet journey of increasing the value of the livelihood in the local community.

#KLBaca Day 13 – Made in Malaysia: Stories of Hometown Heroes and Hidden Gems by Alexandra Wong

Alexandra writes poetically while I write matter-of-factly. But the core of our stories resonates with my soul. Her stories in this collection reminded me of Malaysian unsung heroes.

#KLBaca Day 16 – Joy Amidst Diapers by Chan Jin Ai

As real as it gets, with beautifully strung words that describe the emotions we sometimes can't express. A must-read for first time mothers and any mother who knows there are other mothers out there for gets you.

#KLBaca Day 17 – Finding Beauty In The Crevices Of Pain by Felicia G Y Lam

I had the privilege to journey with Felicia as she wrote through her grief and widowhood. This book tells of how she fell in love and how challenging it could get to grief over the loss of that love.

#KLBaca Day 18 – Stories For My Mother by Chong Sheau Ching

More like stories about her mother, this collection is very realistic and relatable. The writer also has a poetic flair to her prose.

#KLBaca Day 19 – Here Be Nightmares by Julya Oui

This is a short collection of stories about monsters and horrors, which is Julya's forte in creative writing. I am not a fan of the subject but her writing is engaging as usual.

#KLBaca Day 20 – Dunia Hanyalah Pentas by Ted Mahsun

This story is a bit on the slower pace spectrum but the plot line is quite well thought out. It's also an easy read. So if you're looking for Malay Sci-Fi stories, why not give this a try. Buzz @tedmahsun for more info.

#KLBaca Day 21 - The Case of The House at No. 74 by Heidi Shamsuddin

This is an interesting story for older children who love adventures. For this book, the characters go back in time to meet legendary nurse, Sybil Kathigasu. It's always good to have history weaved into fiction.

#KLBaca Day 22 - Cerita Rakyat Korea by Zubaidah Ibrahim-Bell

This is nicely written for an easy read on a lazy afternoon. Some folklores are familiar, some are refreshingly new. It's nice to discover folklores from other countries, more so written in our national language.

#KLBaca Day 23 – Live To Last by Deborah Chan

Neither too long or short, Deborah tells the stories as they are - real and identifiable. The photos that accompany the pages make reading a pleasure. This is a book about the journey of a girl becoming a woman.

#KLBaca Day 24 - Becoming Hannah: A Personal Journey by Hannah Yeoh

An easy reading book because it's written in a conversational approach, as if Hannah is right in front of me telling me her story. Minus the detailed explanation of some politics matters, it was enjoyable.

#KLBaca Day 25 - Nutmag Volume 1 by Anna Tan

This one is close to my heart because of the many Penang writers I know featured in this zine. Their writings are solid and worth tasting for its poetic prose.

#KLBaca Day 26 – Skyping Back in Time by Agnes Ong

This is a good story for teen. It spurs imagination and allows readers to enter a world that's not far from reality. Recommended for high school kids – let's travel through time!

#KLBaca Day 27 - Life Through My Eyes: A Teacher's Little Steps Towards Perfection by Muhamad Hafiz Ismail

It's raw. It's original. It's good contents. But the editing could be improved. Then it would be a very good inspirational read.

#KLBaca Day 28 - Little Basket 2016: New Malaysian Writing

It's always good to discover new writing talents in Malaysia. Here's an interesting book of various styles to tantalize your reading tastebud. And if you like a specific writer's story, go hunt for more of him/her!

#KLBaca Day 29 - Maximo and the Big C by Viji Venkatesh

The children will love the vibrant colours of this book and that makes it easier to discuss a serious topic like the big C. We can't protect them from everything. So this is a good book to begin with.

#KLBaca Day 30 - Fleeting Moments by Emila Yusof

What else can be more beautiful than haiku accompanied by beautiful illustrations? This is one little book to savour, not to be read in one sitting, but to reflect upon with each haiku.

#KLBaca Day 31 - A Writer's Journey by Gina Yap Lai Yoong

Someone asked why didn't I introduced my own books. So here's my debut English book, a partial memoir about being a writer in Malaysia. I sprinkled it with writing tips so that writers have practical methods to apply.

#KLBaca Day 32 - Cerpen by Nadia Khan

Short stories are always a good start for readers who are only just beginning to dabble into reading Malay literature. This book is a thinker in many ways.

#KLBaca Day 33 - Young and Malay: Growing Up in Multicultural Malaysia by Ooi Kee Beng and Wan Hamidi Hamid

Generally, I enjoyed half of the articles because it was written in the most layman way with minimal political terms that ooze headache to my head.

#KLBaca Day 34 – Kapal Angkasa Yang Terhempas di Subang Jaya by Birsilah Bakar

This is one of my favourite books. Considering that I find it hard to read sci-fi, this is a book I would repeat read once a year. So you have to get your hands on a copy.

#KLBaca Day 35 – The Wordy Tales of Eh Poh Nim #1: Big Bertha Meets Eh Poh Nim by Lydia Teh

This book should not be read in one seating but in 11 seatings, one chapter for each seating, because each chapter is simple yet knowledge-rich.

#KLBaca Day 36 - The Case Of The Talented Trio by Heidi Shamsuddin

This is the second book to the series. In this episode, the kids got into a talent show-off of some sort. It's rather funny.

#KLBaca Day 37 - Unmistakably Chinese, Genuinely Malaysian by Rita Sim

A well researched and written book. I recommend this to advertisers and media planners because this book provides insights that will help you to strategize better in reaching out to the Chinese in Malaysia.

#KLBaca Day 38 - Roadtrip Meronda Tanah Air by various writers

This anthology is really in-line with its title. Filled with information about places through stories, it's a refreshing read compared to travelogues.

#KLBaca Day 39 - The Mystery of the Missing National Anthem by Heidi Shamsuddin

This is book one of the Under The Door series, which happens to be the most exciting one as the mystery and magic of the door is explained. And hey, what a way to learn about our national anthem.

#KLBaca Day 40 – Obsesi by Gina Yap Lai Yoong

This is the last part of the Ngeri trilogy by yours truly. There is one scene in it that's very memorable to me. It's disgusting, a bit creative but totally gruesome! Oh, my crooked mind. You can read this as a standalone.

#KLBaca Day 41 - Once Upon a Time in Malaya by Seck Chim Chong

A very simple story against the Japanese Occupation time in Malaya as the background settings. It's not gruesome or war-tactic heavy, it's very people-oriented. This is beautifully written.

#KLBaca Day 42 – GARIS: Antologi Lukis + Tulis by various writers and illustrators

This is a very cute square book with a variety of doodles and words that would charm you. An easy staple reading for those who wanna flirt with art.

#KLBaca Day 43 - Carol Fung's Guide To The Business Of Online Retailing by Carol Fung

A well written book about Online Retailing business. I like that it is raw, insightful and honest. Definitely some practical gems in here to apply if you're trying out online retailing.

#KLBaca Day 44 - Cerpen Terbaik 2014 by @BukuFixi

Best Kept Secret is the best story in this collection, in my honest opinion. If you want a taste of Malaysian writings, this would activate your appetite for more!

#KLBaca Day 45 - A Policeman's Story by Dato' Mohd. Pilus Yusoh

This was way more enjoyable than the literature book I had to read in Form 4 'Bukit Kepong'. It's realistically written with all the real drama and action scenes.

#KLBaca Day 46 - Doubt by Bissme S

My favourite story of them all: A Night of Chaos. With Bissme, it's all about the story (the contents). If you're looking for poetic beautiful prose or something emotional engaging, Bissme is not the writer you would enjoy reading.

#KLBaca Day 47 - Sitora Harimau Jadian by P. Ramlee

This was a pleasant classic read. I thoroughly enjoyed every page. It should be made a compulsory read in school!

#KLBaca Day 48 - Malam by various writers

My favourite short stories in this anthology are (not in favourite order):
- Ah, Sudah!
- Kekasih Bibliophile
- Gelap

#KLKBaca Day 49 – FUEL by Jeremy Chin

I have never read such a beautiful romance storytelling skills from a male author as Jeremy Chin did with his words dancing on love. It was brilliantly explored, the essence of love, the snapshot of falling in love in life.

#KLBaca Day 50 - The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo

A well written book, though the plot was a bit shaky in the 2nd third of the entire story. I like the writing style but not quite the approach of the story. Good story concept though.

#KLBaca Day 51 - Potential Matrix by Michael Teoh, Ian Chew & the Thriving Talents team

Is this a self-help book? Perhaps. With the mixture of great testimonies from the Top 39 under 39 Global Achievers, it's hard to tell if Potential Matrix is a self-help book.

#KLBaca Day 52 - Kumpulan Puisi Mendambakan Damai by Ridzuan Kamis

Sepertimana saya tidak pandai menghayati cerpen, sebegitulah saya tidak pandai menikmati puisi. Namun begitu, kumpulan puisi ini, ada juga yang menarik hati. Yang paling saya gemari bertajuk TALI.

#KLBaca Day 53 - Serangkai Hidup by Gina Yap Lai Yoong

The stories of 8 main characters and how their lives intertwined between Kuala Lumpur and London. Stories about identity, dreams and family - presented in a simple Malay language vocabulary for easy reading.

#KLBaca Day 54 - MF2014: Antologi Cerpen Ebook Fixi

I enjoyed 2 stories - RUJUK by Nadia Khan and E-MEL DARI SEBERANG by Syaihan Syafiq. The rest, well, can't say I enjoy it much. Then again, I've never been a fan of short stories. So my opinion in this area does not count.

#KLBaca Day 55 - 13 MOONS by Eeleen Lee

My favourite stories in this collection are Batik Weaver, In The Dark Of The Matinee, and Triumvirate. What's yours?

#KLBaca Day 56 - Mangsa by Gina Yap Lai Yoong

This was one of the best writing experience for me because even I got stuck at the climax and had to wait for the characters to tell me what to do next. This novel also explores the relationship of friends with benefit.

#KLBaca Day 57 - Ngeri by Gina Yap Lai Yoong

A serial killer on the loose. A series of emails that point to a culprit. A determined detective who will give it all to capture the person behind the gruesome murders in town. This book is intertwined with prose and email threads.

#KLBaca Day 58 - Pelabuhan Kasih by Lily Suriani

This is not a book about twists or surprises. It's about the emotional growth of the characters. If that's what you are seeking for, it's what you will get.

#KLBaca Day 59 - 40 by Arif Zulkifli

Kalau dah kenan 6 daripada 40 certot, kiranya buku ni boleh tahan lah. Terasa seperti ada 4 penulis berkarya kerana berlainan sungguh cara penulisannya. Menarik sekali!

#KLBaca Day 60 - Sangkar by Samsiah Mohd. Nor

My favourite local author. This book turned out to be a much more brilliant story than I expected it to be. It's about a fisherman's child who no one cares much about and the young one is trapped in a house in the countryside.

#KLBaca Day 61 - Cinta Pandang Ke-2 by Laila Kamilia

The story simply tells of two separate lives after that black incident in their past, right until their paths intertwined again many many years later. Their feelings and love story revealed as you read along.

#KLBaca Day 62 - Bila Kupetik Gitar by Fahmi Faiz

This is a very self-discovery mode book, written in such a way that it is talking to nobody but to those who are willing to just sit down and listen. It's about a musician who quits his job to pursue music in the big world.

#KLBaca Day 63 - Love In Penang by various writers

I stayed in Penang for a year about a decade ago. So this anthology is really close to heart as I know the places mentioned in the stories. I also have a crime story in this anthology.

#KLBaca Day 64 - A Tale Of Two Visions by Michael Hews

A decent read if you are interested to know the history story of Scripture Union worldwide. It doesn't sum up the history but provides a rather comprehensive report of all that has been happening since 1868.

#KLBaca Day 65 - Lawak Kampus Kompilasi Mantap

I remember buying this thick book because it was on sale and I needed a dose of laughter medicine. And that's exactly what I got.

#KLBaca Day 66 - The Boy Who Loved Clouds by Chin Yew

If an adult can be intrigued by this simple story, what more the kids! This book takes you on a boy's dreamy, meandering road to spiritual discovery and self-awareness through his fascination with clouds.

#KLBaca Day 67 - Cantuman Mimpi by various writers

This is a very thick book because aside from the anthology, it also features the writing processes and commentaries from the writers. It's serves as a good grass-root insight into our Malaysian writers.

#KLBaca Day 68 - Cinta Untuk Disewa by Lynn Dayana

Catchy title, and thank God, not cliche. Lynn has always had a humour side in her writing that was not too lame nor ridiculous. She's probably the only writer I know who makes romance and comedy work with just the right balance.

#KLBaca Day 69 - Love, Work, and Everything in Between by Xandria Ooi

Reminded me of those good days where I had a habit of blogging daily to note down my discovery of life. Inspiring!

#KLBaca Day 70 - Semangat Hutan (Tombiruo #2) by Ramlee Awang Murshid

This story takes place in Keningau, Sabah, a place I often travel pass on my way to Tenom. I can almost feel how real the story is in the forest of the land. It makes it a better read.

#KLBaca Day 71 - Eksperimen Cinta by Geena Edora

A cliche story of two overweight persons trying to fall in love with the perfect ones. This read is suitable for young adults.

#KLBaca Day 72 - The Case Of The Football Champion (Book 3) by Heidi Shamsuddin

Most of us have watched the Ola Bola movie. This book captures a slice of the football history in our country. And we are introduced to the great Malaysian footballer, Mokhtar Dahari.

I think that's all the Malaysian books that I have read in the past 5 years. Not many, but I think one book a month is pretty decent. Will update this thread when I read more. Sekian.