The Star Online: Lifestyle: Bookshelf
The Star Online: Lifestyle: Bookshelf |
- Total Recall: Arnie’s memoirs
- Telling It Straight - Marina Mahathir's Musings in a book
- The Cat's Table: Of freedom and love
| Posted: 09 Nov 2012 06:16 AM PST Arnold Schwarzenegger's autobiography is an easy, eye-opening read but comes across as calculated and more than a little evasive. Total Recall THIS being a book about the life of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the physical proportions of Total Recall do live up to its subject's stature. At 646 pages and the size of a hardback, this autobiography is hefty for a paperback; holding it up while reading will give your forearms a good burn. (Imagine the Governator himself egging you on in his unmistakable accent: "Come ahn, wad are you wading for? Turn another page, girlie man!") Er, right. Arnold Schwarzenegger, bodybuilding champion, movie star, Governor of California. If that isn't enough, you also have family man, entrepreneur, real estate tycoon, presidential fitness czar, co-initiator of global environment reforms (as he sees his green legacy). Total Recall is hyped as "the greatest immigrant success story of our time" and it's no idle boast, though the book frequently comes off as a brag-fest. There are also many very public things about Arnold's unusual tale that we know of, yet know very little about, that rate just passing mentions within these pages. Among them, the book's "big revelation" that he had an affair with Red Sonja co-star Brigitte Nielsen (it rates a mere four paragraphs) and, of course, the scandal of fathering a child with housekeeper Mildred Baena that led to his separation from Maria Shriver. Don't expect too much dirt or any detailed lowdown on the scandals. This celebrity memoir is definitely meant to impress the reader and gloss over the tricky bits, so it's not that kind of tell-all. The movie fan in me would hardly begrudge him this approach. After all, he has featured in some of the most memorable sci-fi/fantasy/action epics of the 1980s and 1990s, such as Conan The Barbarian, The Terminator, T2: Judgment Day, Total Recall and Predator (he's due to come back as King Conan soon). Suffice to say that this book is a compelling read, at least for its first two-thirds. It gives the reader a detailed but not overlong reminiscence of his childhood and early forays into bodybuilding. The easygoing narrative style draws you in as Arnold's competitive streak kicks in and he is compelled to steamroll over his opponents at any cost to be the best there is. From his record-setting victories in just about every major competition in the business, Total Recall segues neatly into the star's entertainment career, which was a natural progression from his sporting successes. The way Arnold puts it, what set him apart from other famous athletes who ventured into movies was his overriding desire, from a very young age, to be the top in whatever field he chose. And so it was that he overcame a most inauspicious beginning – the reportedly-quite-awful Hercules In New York, which never saw a theatrical release – to eventually land the lead role in Conan The Barbarian. And there was no stopping him from there; by the time T2 rolled around, he really had fulfilled his next ambition: to become one of the biggest movie stars in the world. The star's relationship with Maria Shriver, from their amusingly awkward early meetings through to their courtship, marriage, the showbiz and political years, and eventual separation, strongly underpins most of the book from the point she enters his life. Arnold doesn't hold back in acknowledging the role she played as both his biggest supporter and critic, describing her as a partner whose ambitions matched his own. When it inevitably comes around to the scandal that split them apart, he does not hesitate to declare that he messed up (though he uses a more colourful phrase) and admits that keeping secrets is a large part of his psychological makeup. Other strong influences on his life are given due credit, from his mother (who carried her sons over a mountain to hospital when they were ill) to bodybuilding impresario Joe Weider who saw the potential in this driven youngster, to his parents-in-law, to various political mentors, both in the United States and back home in his native Austria. A parade of bodybuilding, showbiz and political personalities troops past the reader because, face it, this guy has really done the rounds. Among the funniest encounters is his first meeting with prolific movie producer Dino De Laurentiis, who would later put him in the role of Conan. It illustrates the bluntness that would both open and close many doors for Arnold even in his political career. The first thing he says upon meeting this powerful producer is, "Why does a little guy like you need such a big desk?" And when De Laurentiis declares that Arnold can't be Flash Gordon because he has an accent, he retorts: "What do you mean I have an accent? What about you?" Needless to say, it was a very brief meeting. Where Total Recall lost me somewhat was in the gubernatorial phase of his life. While the tale of his decision to run for Governor of California and his victory in a circus-like recall election (where the voters force new polls, owing to some dissatisfaction with the incumbent) make entertaining reading, the years in office seem glossed over with emphasis on only the positive elements. Even the disastrous developments are quickly bundled out of the way, so that we can get on to a rushed discussion of The Secret (the infamous admission of his liaison with housekeeper) before Arnold ends the book with some "principles" he wants to pass along to the reader. All in, Total Recall comes across as a carefully calculated vehicle to keep the Schwarzenegger brand as likeable as can be given the ... shadow of his indiscretions. But judge not, as another book says. As for this book, it offers enough of a glimpse into the three worlds of Arnold (bodybuilding, movies, politics) to fascinate even those quite familiar with his career. "What if this is a dream?" asks Douglas Quaid, Arnold's character in the 1990 flick from which this memoir takes its title. A dream come true, indeed. |
| Telling It Straight - Marina Mahathir's Musings in a book Posted: 09 Nov 2012 06:14 AM PST TWO new books are being launched tomorrow that take a look at the social and political fabric that makes up this always interesting and quirky country. Telling It Straight is a compilation of articles that appeared in The Star's two-decade-old Musings column by popular and outspoken commentator on local social and political affairs, Marina Mahathir. With a Foreword by political scientist and historian Dr Farish A. Noor, this collection – which encompasses articles published between 2003 and 2012 – contains the best of Marina's takes on the issues, ideas and institutions of the day as well as two articles that were previously unpublished. The 90 columns are presented thematically, some with specially written introductions to provide context, and cover a wide range of topics, from human trafficking, the underclass and flashmobs to Islamic law enforcement, corruption and plain idiocy. While Telling It Straight offers the long view with observations covering almost a decade, Floating On A Malayan Breeze – which is also being launched tomorrow – presents a perspective formed in one intensive year of travel around the country. Author Sudhir Thomas Vadaketh approached his examination from the point of view of a Singaporean – because sometimes, you need someone on the fringe to see things for what they really are. Vadaketh believes that Malaysia and Singapore are essentially the same country and people, separated by politics. Since the split in 1963, these two countries have developed along different paths. To what extent is the divergence? And what similarities remain? Seeking answers to these questions, the author and his best friend – also a Singaporean – took a month off to cycle around Peninsular Malaysia and connect with the people, all on a meagre daily budget of RM10 each! Both books will be launched tomorrow at the Borders bookstore at The Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur, with the authors making appearances for Q&A and meet-the-public sessions, when they will also sign copies of their books. Vadaketh will be there at 11am while Marina will appear at 4pm. Marina will also be appearing on Sunday at 2pm at Borders, The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, Selangor; and on Nov 17 at 3pm at Borders Express, Bangsar Village II, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. A Borders Rewards Card will be given free with every copy of Telling It Straight purchased on the day of the event at respective stores; the BRC entitles holders to discounts, special promotions and rewards from Borders. |
| The Cat's Table: Of freedom and love Posted: 09 Nov 2012 06:13 AM PST The Cat's Table THE Cat's Table is an unusual tale about 11-year-old Michael who is aboard a ship heading to England. I must admit it took me a bit of time to fall in love with the characters, as Ondaatje takes his time to develop and craft them to his liking, and consequently to the liking of his readers. Ondaatje gives us a glimpse of the somewhat mysterious and sometimes comical encounters that occur amidst the seemingly mundane happenings onboard. The title refers to where Michael is seated during meal times. It is here that he befriends a few of the other passengers while passing the time listening to their cheerful banter and zany yet thoughtful conversations. Readers would be captivated by how much they can actually relate to Michael and his adventures, especially if you have an adventurous streak too. Soon it is evident that although Michael is knowledgeable for his age, he is still innocent beyond measure and this adds to his appeal. As we read, we notice his childishness versus his maturity; smartness versus ignorance; and the boy's poignant yet seemingly bizarre nature. How easily Michael and his friends slip into a routine and find meaning to their existence, mainly by living off the stories of the interesting people on board – from a prisoner to the millionaire Hector de Silva, and the Captain himself – probably the most satisfying part of the story is when the boys encounter the Captain in his cabin. We find out later that the book is a reflection of Michael's life as it charts his journey from youth to adulthood. Ondaatje subtly works romance into Michael's life without too much detail, letting the readers imagine the depth of his feelings. His writing is amazing in that he captures adeptly the workings of the mind of an 11-year-old as cleverly as he does that of a man in his 30s. Many unexplained things from before become clearer as the book nears its ending and although Ondaatje does not answer all our questions in full, he gives us an inkling of what happened. It is here, too, that the characters become more real and vivid as they reach the fullness of their existence while still retaining that certain innocence they had when they first embarked on the Oronsay. Overall, the book is a pleasure to read even if we are left to wonder what Ondaatje's underlying message is. Is it about friendship, the uncertainty of life or the mystery of growing up? Suffice to say that Ondaatje's themes are in line with contemporary thinking on freedom and love. |
| You are subscribed to email updates from The Star Online: Lifestyle: Bookshelf To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
0 ulasan:
Catat Ulasan