Book 37: The freedom Writers Diary

Title: The Freedom Writers Diary --
their story. their words.

How a Teacher and 150 Teens used Writing
to Change themselves and the World around them

Who wrote it:
The freedome Writers with Erin Gruwell

Whom I borrowed it from:
Queens Library (Long Island City)

What is it about:

A compilation of anonymous diary entries from
the teacher, Erin Gruwell (Ms. G), and her 150 students
from Wilson High School @ Long Beach, CA --
where they battle against racial discrimination,
sexual / drug / alcohol abuse, gun violence,
gangs problems......
while rising above the poor environment /
peer influence through education, writing,
and tremendous courage to live out their dreams:
Preach the message of Tolerance.

What went through my mind:

- I cannot think of ANYONE that won't
be deeply touched by this book,
or i should say, the lives of these 150 souls
laid bare before us.

They face a tremendous amount of adversities,
with little to no support in life,
while most are told they're good for nothing...
Yet in a classroom, where 1 teacher believes in
their potentials, their hearts soar,
daring to dream BIG, set out to conquer
whatever challenges may come their ways.

I cannot recall how many times tears swell up
as i read about these teens' struggles,
disappointments, times of weakness,
haunting memories from the past,
painful childhood...

Sometimes, my heart whispered...
"I've been through the exact same thing..."
While other times i hear,
"I've been so blessed all my life
and I didn't even realize it..."

- Ms. G is ONE AMAZING TEACHER...
I strongly recommend everyone that is in
some sort of teaching position to read this book,
and be inspired by her dedication & love!

- An epiphany of mine:

The Freedom Writers wish to tell the world
about TOLERANCE -- zero discrimination
& no more violence, gangs, wars...

Meanwhile, I think God's message is higher
than mere tolerance.

God's goal is ACCEPTANCE --
It's great if we don't blatently hate / fight each other,
hence tolerating each other;
but isn't it even better...
if we'd have UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE,
and eventually LOVING (Agape) one another?

- As you can probably tell... i love this book -- A LOT!

This is the most moving book I've read
since The Kite Runner & Tokyo Tower : )

Favorite Quotes (Beware: A super long list):

- "...it's human nature to always believe that
"bad things happen to other people, not us." (Pg. xiv)

- "...if we all... choose to deal with inhumane
situations in a humane way, we can turn the world
around and create positive lessons for
ourselves and others." (Pg. xvii)

- "...if your passion is deep enough,
you can do anything." (Pg. 27)

- "Fights don't solve matters,
they just make things worse." (Pg. 39)

- "Don't let the actions of a few
determine the way you feel about
an entire group." (Pg. 48)

- "...excuses will not bring about success
amd that adversity is not something
you walk with, but something you leap over.
The only obstavles are the ones you allow." (Pg. 120)

- "I don't know why women allow men
to brainwash them and use their bodies
as objects instead of cherishing them
as if they were treasures. But it's never
going to change until women start
respecting themselves more." (Pg. 125)

- "Freedom Writers have a dream!" (Pg. 165)
[In reference to Martin Luther King's speech:
I have a dream.]

- "You'll never be anything else but you,
so be the best you, you can be." (Pg. 174)

- "If you're not for it then you're against it...
Would you rock the boat and speak out,
or would you remind silent...?" (Pg. 185)

- "I realized that I had overcome
too many obstacles in my life
to just give up and die.
I had too much to live for." (Pg. 196)

- "...love is more important than material things.
Material things can't love you like a father can!"
(Pg. 224)

- "..."To improve is to change,
to be perfect is to change often."
I am far from perfection,
but I'm changing." (Pg. 240)

- "...how amazing, precious, and powerful
both time and life can be.
In one second, you can be on top
and have everything going your way.
The next second, everything goes wrong
and you find yourself at the bottom." (Pg. 250)

- "I have learned that it doesn't matter
if your inspiration in life comes from
negative or positive events.
The most important thing is
to learn and go on." (Pg. 264)

What came out of this:

* Reminder:
No more labelling / discrimination /
judging a book by its cover!
Tolerance is a big step to take,
while Acceptance/Agape is the Ultimate Way.

* Lesson Learned:
Good teacher = Devoted Heart!

* Goal: I want to watch this movie, too! : )

Why Should you read it, too?

- If you teach / work with youth /
have struggles in life / have a past that haunts you /
want to learn about human nature /
need encouragements......

AIYA! Just go read it!
There's something in this book for everyone : )

Book 25: Six Thinking Hats

Title: Six Thinking Hats --
The International Bestseller that has changed
the way the world's most successful business leaders think

Who wrote it: Edward De Bono

Whom I borrowed it from:

Bought @ Amazon.com

What is it about:
When we try to think things through,
or have business meetings,
more often than not we argue our way out
to make a decision,
and many times we mix up
emotions, information, logic, hope and creativity
all at the same time.

Instead of trying to juggle too many balls
at the same time, De Bono suggests the
Six Thinking Hats thinking method:
- White: Present neutral, objective info;
- Red: Express emotions without having to justify them;
- Black: Criticize and find out the weaknesses/faults;
- Yellow: Provide positive & constructive prospects;
- Green: Explore creative options & solutions;
- Blue: Oversee the thinking process & make conclusion.
By putting on/off these hats,
people can think about one thing at a time,
and thus come to conclusion in a much shorter
period of time, with a clearer mind / consensus.

What went through my mind:
- Thinking is a skill that can be learned & taught.
That itself is an encouraging thought : D

- This is certainly a very intelligent
and educated thinking method.
I'd love to practice this more in daily life,
and thus become a better thinking /
decision maker myself!
- I can see how this thinking method would be
very constructive to help improve
effectiveness for corporations and businesses : )

Favorite Quote:

- "The biggest enemy of thinking is complexity,
for that leads to confusion.
When thinking is clear and simple,

it becomes more enjoyable and more effective." (Pg. 172)
* This book certainly shows how that can be achieved : )

What came out of this:
* Smart Idea:
A) Practice switching on/off the six hats while thinking!

B) If i get a chance, teach it to others, too! : D

Why Should you read it, too?
If you've ever wished you could be less 'all over the place',
make better decisions in life,
or simply be a smarter thinker,
this book is SO worth your time!

Book 20: The Hong Kong that I Love (我所愛的香港)

Title: 我所愛的香港 (The Hong Kong that I Love)

Who wrote it: 林夕 (Lin Xi)

Whom I borrowed it from: Ruby

What is it about:

A collection of essays this famous HK lyricist
wrote for a column in the newspaper,

featuring political / socio-economic /
personal / reflective topics.

What went through my mind:

- No wonder he's always been my favorite lyricist...

(Actually, back in high-school, my ideal job
was to become a lyricist -- inspired by Lin Xi!)

His eloquent yet sharp linguistic skills,
clear-minded, logical ideas,
to-the-point presentations...

made reading through these essays quite enjoyable --
given the fact that normally i won't even be
interested in reading anything politics relevant.

- My favorite chapter was: 「自求多福」

His main point was, nobody else can make you learn.

You have to make up your mind that you'd go ahead
and make that sacrifice (time, effort, memory, leisure...),
so you can become more equipped for something worthwhile.
I 200% agree!!!
Well, and that's partially why i'm doing this 365 Project.

I'm not crazy. Not even trying to be over-ambitious.

I just wanna learn.

Favorite Quote:

「時間用在那裏是可以看見的」

It's obvious / easy to see where your time is spent.
(i can't figure out the most fitting translation for this. Sorry : / )

What came out of this:
* Smart Idea:
Don't buy souvenirs for anyone,
just because you are supposed to.
Nobody likes those -_-"
& you're wasting your $$/time, while risking to be called cheap.

* Reminder:
Instead of trying to catch up with the fashion trend,

why don't we donate the $$ to charity instead?

The needy can use more clothes (or other luxuries) than we do.

Why Should you read it, too?

The Chinese language is beautiful, eloquent and rich.
Lin Xi's writing is a fabulous demonstration of such truth.

Caution about this book:

Buddhism lingos/ideas permeate throughout this book.
Just thought you should know before picking it up.

Book 5: Brand Name Development - Online Stores (網路商店自創品牌)

Title: 網路商店自創品牌
(Brand Name Development
-- Online Stores)

Who wrote it: 數位人
(A group of Taiwanese editors)

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Jamaica)

What is it about:

A) How to open & maintain a successful online store?
B) Why is a Brand Name important?
C) What kind of products should you develop?
D) How do you promote your online business?
E) How do you protect your Brand Name once it's developed?
F) Real Life Successful Studies
(including my favorite fast food chain: Chipotle!)

Important idea:
This trend of shopping/selling online
will only get more popular, not less --
it's an ever-increasing business nowadays,
esp. the young people, who are amongst those
shopping online the most right now,
will eventually become the 'more mature' generation

with more capital to spend;
while the younger generation will no doubt
get used to shopping online at an early age!

What went through my mind:

- Running your own business is no easy job.
It's a mix of: hard work + creativity + research + vision!

Having sufficient capital, knowing the right people,
devoting mucho energy towards advertisements,
staying alert about the market & trends are all essential!
Wow, i wonder if i have what it takes...?

What came out of this:
* Goal: Read->Learn more about this topic.

Why Should you read it, too?
Just to challenge the business genius in you : )