50 Days

I just finished the book 50 days, a blog-turned-book written by Marina Mahathir. I bought this book in Kinokuniya, Suria (KLCC, Malaysia) thinking that I really should get something that I wouldn't find here in Manila. hehe. Well, my random pick turned out to be a good one, as the author comprehensively narrated everything she went through, when her father had gone to a bypass operation, then a 50-day roller-coaster journey to recovery. Oh, her father by the way is Tun Dr. Mahathir, Malaysia's former Prime Minister. Now that makes the book extra special.

It wasn't just a typical "awww" book from a sweet daughter. Marina didn't overlook some of the issues and events known during that time, stuff from ins and outs of Malaysia and Islam. (It got me thinking actually. The issues we face now aren't new for other nations: child abuse, poverty, differences in religion, etc. Other nations have that too!) She also had pleas in behalf of those in need of financial help, organ donors, and prayers, especially those going through the same tough time at Institut Jantung Negara (National Heart Institute). I like the story of Hui Yi by the way, I'm glad she found a donor!

Lastly, Marina somehow gave a preview of Malaysia's culture from Islam ways, family ties to food. Interesting, really. Of course there's the main dish -the day by day news about her father's progress. The common, reliable, first-hand source for concerned Malaysians. Marina was indeed sweet and strong at the same time to do all those blogging.

I have to share some ooohs and ahhhs too. Among the VIP well-wishers of Tun Dr. Mahathir was our former President Fidel V. Ramos. which shouldn't be a surprise as the latter became our president during the former's reign in Malaysia. It was just nice to know that our nation was somehow represented when our neigbor was having one of their toughest moments.

Now here's another not-so-important insight: The book had several paragraphs written in Malay, but there's one thing I understood. when Marina explained what Dadeh was, she said it's a local yoghurt made from "susu kambing". Goat's milk I assume? I'm quite certain. when I was in Zoo Negara, goats were labeled as kambing, like Tagalog. and susu, in Tagalog, is... well... hahaha! ANYWAY, I'm really amazed with the closeness of Bahasa Malaysia and Tagalog! We really come from one race!

After reading the book I was happy to know that her father recovered completely in spite of his age, and the operation's danger. Prayers made it! I was relieved even though I don't know Marina personally. even though I also never cared about other nations' political figures before! I guess that's what hard-copy blogs can do, they make you feel as if you're reading a diary of someone you really know. hehe. Kudos to Marina, it was a great work!

So... I'm giving the book 4 out of 5. minus one for all the Malay stuff left un-translated. haha! (well, it was never meant for foreigners like me to begin with) Anyway, Her blog is here. Browse through Sep and Oct 2007 posts for the contents of 50 days...