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Yasmin How You Know?
"Yasmin How You Know? " is a compilation of Yasmin's apparent ridiculousness but which are actually gem of her wisdom and wit. Contributed by those close to her, you may notice some are written in present tense - because to them, she's still very much alive - just not in a physical sense. the anecdotes here range from her days as a student, her many different phases in life, right up to the day of her passing. You'll find poems which Yasmin wrote, and photographs which she took (many may not know Yasmin was an accomplished poet and photographer). Also included are the last two TV commercial scripts written by her.
192 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2012
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473 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
June 5, 2013
I was a pessimist when I picked up this book.
Funny that someone who had already gone, made me feel like I want to be a better, happier person.
Funny that someone who had already gone, made me feel like I want to be a better, happier person.
August 29, 2012
The "yet-to-be-perfected" look is just perfect for my eyes. Jatuh cinta.
July 25, 2012
The excerpted review below first appeared in my blog: The Malaysian Reader
Yasmin Ahmad died in 2009. She was a copywriter who later became well known for her annual Merdeka television ads for Petronas and later became even more famous for her movies. I’m not a fan and I knew of her more from the controversy of at least two of her movies than from watching the movies themselves. One, Muallaf, was even banned from screening in Malaysia if I’m not mistaken. (EDIT: Okay, I was mistaken. Muallaf was never banned. But she was seen by some as ‘controversial’ because she made movies that did not feature mat rempits).
She was loved by her friends and fans because of her pluralistic and liberal outlook in a nation that only pays lip service to such ideas and this book is a collection of memoirs of that liberal woman from the people who knew her best. “Yasmin How You Know?” (saying “How you know” in a staccato manner was her habit apparently) is hilarious, touching and even made me who was ambivalent towards her work miss her deeply.
The design of the book is unique. Slip it out of its envelope and it looks like a notepad one would have on one’s writing desk. The back of the book says that “this book is not damaged. It is intentionally designed with the “yet-to-be-perfected” look. Read it, and you’ll understand why. God willing.”
I did. And I did.
Yasmin Ahmad died in 2009. She was a copywriter who later became well known for her annual Merdeka television ads for Petronas and later became even more famous for her movies. I’m not a fan and I knew of her more from the controversy of at least two of her movies than from watching the movies themselves. One, Muallaf, was even banned from screening in Malaysia if I’m not mistaken. (EDIT: Okay, I was mistaken. Muallaf was never banned. But she was seen by some as ‘controversial’ because she made movies that did not feature mat rempits).
She was loved by her friends and fans because of her pluralistic and liberal outlook in a nation that only pays lip service to such ideas and this book is a collection of memoirs of that liberal woman from the people who knew her best. “Yasmin How You Know?” (saying “How you know” in a staccato manner was her habit apparently) is hilarious, touching and even made me who was ambivalent towards her work miss her deeply.
The design of the book is unique. Slip it out of its envelope and it looks like a notepad one would have on one’s writing desk. The back of the book says that “this book is not damaged. It is intentionally designed with the “yet-to-be-perfected” look. Read it, and you’ll understand why. God willing.”
I did. And I did.
October 24, 2012
I had the honour of knowing Yasmin when I was in Leo Burnett and all I can say was, this book exuded Yasmin in every way that it should and could...that it left me with watery eyes with each flip of the page. She lives in all of us who have crossed paths with her, one way or another. And guess what? The first thing I did after I put down the book was pray. God bless her good soul and may she rest in the heaven of heavens.
August 6, 2012
terimakasih kepada @adibahnoor yg mention abt this book di twitternya tempohari :) couldn't stop reading once started, except for mandi time, driving time and a little (little ka? mcm big jugak kot, haha) nap in the afternoon. i started reading it at 6.30 am and finished it at around 4 pm, on the same day. yep, i admit, am a bit slow reader. bahse inggres kate ko. kalau bahse melayu, laju le skit kot. hik hik.
barang diingat idiom ini: don't judge the book by its cover. taktau la sesuai tak utk buku ini. sbb buku ini mmg takdak cover. huhu. cuma sarung seperti poket. aneh. yet berry interesting. dan seperti kata idiom itu, walaupun tade kulit, pengisiannya memberi kesan (pd saya). sy bukan org yg sesuai utk komen, cuma nk kongsi pandangan. sy kira yasmin itu orgnya penuh dgn kasih sayang, memberi dan menerimanya dengan tak mengira siapa dan di mana. mgkin sbb itu, mereka yang menulis ttgnya dlm buku ni pun menyampaikannya dgn penuh kasih sayang, terus dari hati, dan sampai ke hati~ cewahh.. hihi... :)
kinokuniyaa nak buat launching buku ni 28 ogos nnt. kalau ada di kl, harus jugak sy pegi kot. haha. over pulak mak.. keh keh.
ini adalah siri baca atau mati yang ketiga. hihi. go read, or die! haha.
"A good book should leave you slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it." -William Styron
Al-Fatihah
barang diingat idiom ini: don't judge the book by its cover. taktau la sesuai tak utk buku ini. sbb buku ini mmg takdak cover. huhu. cuma sarung seperti poket. aneh. yet berry interesting. dan seperti kata idiom itu, walaupun tade kulit, pengisiannya memberi kesan (pd saya). sy bukan org yg sesuai utk komen, cuma nk kongsi pandangan. sy kira yasmin itu orgnya penuh dgn kasih sayang, memberi dan menerimanya dengan tak mengira siapa dan di mana. mgkin sbb itu, mereka yang menulis ttgnya dlm buku ni pun menyampaikannya dgn penuh kasih sayang, terus dari hati, dan sampai ke hati~ cewahh.. hihi... :)
kinokuniyaa nak buat launching buku ni 28 ogos nnt. kalau ada di kl, harus jugak sy pegi kot. haha. over pulak mak.. keh keh.
ini adalah siri baca atau mati yang ketiga. hihi. go read, or die! haha.
"A good book should leave you slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it." -William Styron
Al-Fatihah
June 25, 2013
She died; Yasmin Ahmad.
But she is alive in every single page and mind that she touched. And all the minds that remember her gave away her pieces, inspiration, really, in the book, "Yasmin How You Know?".
For that, she is immortal because she's collecting pahala in her kubur right now (God willing).
The way a dead teacher collects when their educations have been passed down.
The way a human tells a truth, a child to its mother, a virtue to a beggar.
She opened me in pages I procrastinate to focus; religion, race, humanity, humility, kindness, humour, forgiveness and love. And in some ways, she reminded me of what I am. That she and I are not more than another. No race is. No religion is. Nobody is. The imperfections that perfect. "Alhamdulillah", she would say. And all praises to God.
I am grateful that they collected the thoughts for us to read and be inspired by.
I am recommending this. I was just inspired and I need to share.
She is lovely. This book is her 'pesanan'.
Meanwhile, I believe I just found out that I've forgotten how so possible it is to be romantically in love with Allah, the Unlimited.
Al-Fatihah.
But she is alive in every single page and mind that she touched. And all the minds that remember her gave away her pieces, inspiration, really, in the book, "Yasmin How You Know?".
For that, she is immortal because she's collecting pahala in her kubur right now (God willing).
The way a dead teacher collects when their educations have been passed down.
The way a human tells a truth, a child to its mother, a virtue to a beggar.
She opened me in pages I procrastinate to focus; religion, race, humanity, humility, kindness, humour, forgiveness and love. And in some ways, she reminded me of what I am. That she and I are not more than another. No race is. No religion is. Nobody is. The imperfections that perfect. "Alhamdulillah", she would say. And all praises to God.
I am grateful that they collected the thoughts for us to read and be inspired by.
I am recommending this. I was just inspired and I need to share.
She is lovely. This book is her 'pesanan'.
Meanwhile, I believe I just found out that I've forgotten how so possible it is to be romantically in love with Allah, the Unlimited.
Al-Fatihah.
July 12, 2013
Finished in one sitting while waiting for someone to pick me up from the mall. Apparently, it is a lovely book. Well, do I need to say more. I love all poems by arwah Yasmin but my most favourite will be Acapella.
Ini bukan cerita dan kisah anecdotes berkenaan arwah Yasmin semata-mata. This is all about life and how it might treat you the way you want to be treated. Honest, random dan sangat sempoi. Highly recommended.
Al-fatihah. May your soul was placed among the mukminins.
P/S : Ada discount untuk buku ini di Popular bookstore. You might want to check it out. Owh just saying.
Ini bukan cerita dan kisah anecdotes berkenaan arwah Yasmin semata-mata. This is all about life and how it might treat you the way you want to be treated. Honest, random dan sangat sempoi. Highly recommended.
Al-fatihah. May your soul was placed among the mukminins.
P/S : Ada discount untuk buku ini di Popular bookstore. You might want to check it out. Owh just saying.
March 3, 2013
I like her not-some-of-typical malay films Ive been watched and I never realize her until her death. and after long time she had gone, this time I had my time reading about her. as what I read, I know she's a very good people. well I like the every positive vibes that she put to the people around her. I wish I know her long time ago... "how you know?" "im fine, thank you" :') al-fatihah.
August 8, 2012
The best book I have read so far this year. By a mile.
October 28, 2022
Yasmin Ahmad is one of my favourite storytellers. For me, her movies encapsulate a sense of love and belonging that I resonate with. What she’s done for Malaysian cinema has been incomparable, and despite the current state of our film industry being absolutely dismal, I choose to believe that her storytelling legacy lives on. And what a beautiful, meaningful life she’s led! Her relationship with God, which humbles her and shines through her art. Her unique creativity. Her electic personality. Her eternal wisdom and her compassion for others. All of these traits reflected through these anecdotes of a meaningful existence. The people who knew her remember her fondly and with love. She was one of a kind, may she rest in peace.
January 19, 2022
“Hey Makcik,” she would call me, “one chinaman i met in Ipoh asked me to pass you this money”. No matter how she disguised it - as some story of a Chinaman, Indian brother or Pakcik who had just won the lottery - i would just play along, knowing it came from her.
- Fondly remembered by Dr Jemilah Mahmood in ‘My Fellow Pilgrim’
.
.
To be surrounded by people who loved her, To be remembered fondly those who are closed to her, To be inspired by her and To still laugh at her jokes even though she already left quite sometimes, Yasmin is truly a great person to be with. She is the friend, the mentor, the boss, the sister, the advisor , the director and last but not least the daughter. This book is like truly a memorabilia of Yasmin Ahmad. Her films was adored by Malaysians and Non Malaysians equally and her PETRONAS commercial films carry such simple and down to earth message but it resonated across generations. Yasmin Ahmad left us in 2009 and with her gone, there’s no more Malaysian commercial films that can be as quirky and witty as the one she wrote and directed previously. Even this book cover design also showed her quirky side as it stated “Note : this book is not damaged ; it is intentionally designed with the “yet to be perfected” look. Read it and you’ll understand why, God willing”. Throughout the book, i found one common attribute among her friends, muslim and non muslim that Yasmin is a true believer. Whatever she did, it all came from God. If its not meant to be, then God must have got something better for her, if its meant to be, be humble as it is all due to the blessing from him. The fact that most of her friends remembered how strong her faith is admirable. She prayed whenever and wherever it’s time and sometimes it can be even during the meeting. Yasmin also has a humorous and random side of her. She’s fun but she didn’t go overboard, she’s funny but still remain respectful. Her last message to others does not indicate that she knew it was her last day but there’s few messages that are slightly different than what she usually wrote. I still love ‘Sepet’ and ‘Muallaf’. I remembered watching her films and just felt how brave she was to write such storyline - especially when Islam interpretation and depiction were being gate-keep by those who felt it was supposed to be done ONLY by ‘Ustaz/preacher/holy men’. I am pretty sure that Malaysians keep rewatching her old commercial films whenever its a festive seasons as i did it too. It is such a true testament of how great her work is. I am sure most of us Malaysians that were born around 1990s can relate. My all time favorite commercial films by her :
1. Raya / Eid : Iklan 7 Beradik
2. Deepavali : Iklan Mutusamy Karupiah
3. Merdeka / Independence day : Iklan Tan Hong Ming
4. Chinese New Year : Iklan Rich Son Poor Son
I am not going to write long review on this book because the book let us into the memories of people who are around her, interacted with her and even some poems/ arts/ photos by herself. Maybe this book can serve as sort of a farewell speeches or tokens of appreciation to her and we as readers got the chance to immerse ourself in this precious moments. A highly recommended book!
- Fondly remembered by Dr Jemilah Mahmood in ‘My Fellow Pilgrim’
.
.
To be surrounded by people who loved her, To be remembered fondly those who are closed to her, To be inspired by her and To still laugh at her jokes even though she already left quite sometimes, Yasmin is truly a great person to be with. She is the friend, the mentor, the boss, the sister, the advisor , the director and last but not least the daughter. This book is like truly a memorabilia of Yasmin Ahmad. Her films was adored by Malaysians and Non Malaysians equally and her PETRONAS commercial films carry such simple and down to earth message but it resonated across generations. Yasmin Ahmad left us in 2009 and with her gone, there’s no more Malaysian commercial films that can be as quirky and witty as the one she wrote and directed previously. Even this book cover design also showed her quirky side as it stated “Note : this book is not damaged ; it is intentionally designed with the “yet to be perfected” look. Read it and you’ll understand why, God willing”. Throughout the book, i found one common attribute among her friends, muslim and non muslim that Yasmin is a true believer. Whatever she did, it all came from God. If its not meant to be, then God must have got something better for her, if its meant to be, be humble as it is all due to the blessing from him. The fact that most of her friends remembered how strong her faith is admirable. She prayed whenever and wherever it’s time and sometimes it can be even during the meeting. Yasmin also has a humorous and random side of her. She’s fun but she didn’t go overboard, she’s funny but still remain respectful. Her last message to others does not indicate that she knew it was her last day but there’s few messages that are slightly different than what she usually wrote. I still love ‘Sepet’ and ‘Muallaf’. I remembered watching her films and just felt how brave she was to write such storyline - especially when Islam interpretation and depiction were being gate-keep by those who felt it was supposed to be done ONLY by ‘Ustaz/preacher/holy men’. I am pretty sure that Malaysians keep rewatching her old commercial films whenever its a festive seasons as i did it too. It is such a true testament of how great her work is. I am sure most of us Malaysians that were born around 1990s can relate. My all time favorite commercial films by her :
1. Raya / Eid : Iklan 7 Beradik
2. Deepavali : Iklan Mutusamy Karupiah
3. Merdeka / Independence day : Iklan Tan Hong Ming
4. Chinese New Year : Iklan Rich Son Poor Son
I am not going to write long review on this book because the book let us into the memories of people who are around her, interacted with her and even some poems/ arts/ photos by herself. Maybe this book can serve as sort of a farewell speeches or tokens of appreciation to her and we as readers got the chance to immerse ourself in this precious moments. A highly recommended book!
August 1, 2020
In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful
The yet-to-be-perfected look of the book is what made me realised it was indeed a perfect book.
I’ve only known Yasmin Ahmad through her ads & movies and i picked up this book because I miss seeing her work, the way she tells her story.
The way how those close to her remember moments with her, things she said, it is just so beautiful to know the kind of person she is.
I will always admire and appreciate all the reminders on life by her. Starting from how she explains about islam in the kindest of ways, her vast knowledge on the beauty of other religions, her poetry, her love for haiku.
How she insists pitching of ideas should be done via presenting it in telling a story and not by making a storyboard because it gives room for improvement and not to be so rigid referring to the storyboard only. It sparks the listeners own imagination by hearing the story presented.
How she sees herself as nothing, always taking a step back to observe and let things become beautiful.
One of her pesanan: Work hard, doa & be good to your parents.
I never thought i could learn so much from someone whom is no longer around.
Alfatihah, Yasmin Ahmad. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
The yet-to-be-perfected look of the book is what made me realised it was indeed a perfect book.
I’ve only known Yasmin Ahmad through her ads & movies and i picked up this book because I miss seeing her work, the way she tells her story.
The way how those close to her remember moments with her, things she said, it is just so beautiful to know the kind of person she is.
I will always admire and appreciate all the reminders on life by her. Starting from how she explains about islam in the kindest of ways, her vast knowledge on the beauty of other religions, her poetry, her love for haiku.
How she insists pitching of ideas should be done via presenting it in telling a story and not by making a storyboard because it gives room for improvement and not to be so rigid referring to the storyboard only. It sparks the listeners own imagination by hearing the story presented.
How she sees herself as nothing, always taking a step back to observe and let things become beautiful.
One of her pesanan: Work hard, doa & be good to your parents.
I never thought i could learn so much from someone whom is no longer around.
Alfatihah, Yasmin Ahmad. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
June 8, 2013
Yasmin Binti Ahmad is the name.
A person that change lots of peoples' live. Directly or undirectly, she inspired us in such a beautiful way. She touches so many Malaysians' heart by her art and wisdom.
This book is one special book, not only because it is about Yasmin, but because of its concept. A compilation of memories of people near Yasmin pack up in one book to show us who she was.
Regardless of my admiration towards the late Yasmin Ahmad, I would say this book is about one special liberal muslim woman, who was artisticly gifted with full of beautiful intentions, and her devotion towards almighty God. This book can trigger your positive side in everything you will face ahead of your life. Suddenly you will feel your life is so worthy, so exciting. And for some strange reasons you will feel like you are in love with yourself and all the tiny things around you. This book is that powerful.
The late Yasmin Ahmad, channeled her positive energy, transmitted her love towords all the people around her while she was alive. And now when she was gone, the people she inspired continue to bounce her love with this beautiful book to us.
A person that change lots of peoples' live. Directly or undirectly, she inspired us in such a beautiful way. She touches so many Malaysians' heart by her art and wisdom.
This book is one special book, not only because it is about Yasmin, but because of its concept. A compilation of memories of people near Yasmin pack up in one book to show us who she was.
Regardless of my admiration towards the late Yasmin Ahmad, I would say this book is about one special liberal muslim woman, who was artisticly gifted with full of beautiful intentions, and her devotion towards almighty God. This book can trigger your positive side in everything you will face ahead of your life. Suddenly you will feel your life is so worthy, so exciting. And for some strange reasons you will feel like you are in love with yourself and all the tiny things around you. This book is that powerful.
The late Yasmin Ahmad, channeled her positive energy, transmitted her love towords all the people around her while she was alive. And now when she was gone, the people she inspired continue to bounce her love with this beautiful book to us.
August 25, 2012
Yasmin Ahmad is known within the local (and international) creative circuit as a brilliant storyteller; whether on the television or in print, advertisements with her hand in it reaches deep into your heart and touches it profoundly. Her passing had shocked Malaysians who knew her.
This book is a compilation of what the people around her remembered about her in their observation, her sayings, their conversations and so on.
After purchasing this book and about to leave the mall for a kilometre walk towards the train stations, I was struck by this huge curiousity to take a peek. Next thing I know I was standing next to the pak guard of the mall, reading page after page of this book; chuckling and smiling and feeling sad and touched. Her humour, wisdom, depth and wit are quite addictive.
Will read again, A++.
This book is a compilation of what the people around her remembered about her in their observation, her sayings, their conversations and so on.
After purchasing this book and about to leave the mall for a kilometre walk towards the train stations, I was struck by this huge curiousity to take a peek. Next thing I know I was standing next to the pak guard of the mall, reading page after page of this book; chuckling and smiling and feeling sad and touched. Her humour, wisdom, depth and wit are quite addictive.
Will read again, A++.
August 25, 2012
I didn't get the chance to know Allahyarham Yasmin in real life, but I think she's an honest story teller. She told stories from her heart.
As an avid reader of her blog, I felt something was missing in me after she was gone. I learned a lot from her blog - how to treat others, how not to judge people, how hardwork, respect and honesty can become the main ingredients for success and many more.
This book records a few more of Allahyarham Yasmin's 'pesanan' and it helped me learn a little bit more about life.
As an avid reader of her blog, I felt something was missing in me after she was gone. I learned a lot from her blog - how to treat others, how not to judge people, how hardwork, respect and honesty can become the main ingredients for success and many more.
This book records a few more of Allahyarham Yasmin's 'pesanan' and it helped me learn a little bit more about life.
August 17, 2012
Orang bercakap perihal arwah Yasmin, tapi bila kita membacanya ia seperti arwah Yasmin berada di depan kita. Seorang perempuan yang lebih daripada yang lain tanpa dia sedar nilai-nilai positifnya menenggelamkan ego kita kepada Tuhan, manusia dan alam sekeliling.
Al-Fatihah.
Al-Fatihah.
September 1, 2012
I can really imagine Yasmin saying those lines / words clearly in my head as I read it. Full of humor and yet meaningful. There are so much pesan-pesan to implement in life from this wonderful book.
September 12, 2012
You wanted to know how to love, be happy, and be a better person? Read this. The anecdotes, or at lease one, will managed to touch you deeply. I guarantee it. I like the cover.
Read
December 14, 2020It's funny that I actually picked up this book so randomly. This book is not even in my immediate TBR list but I guess it's meant to be.
I'm so glad that I read this book now, it's all about timing. This book is a compilation of memories of the late Yasmin Ahmad. It consists of the little things, text messages, advices, her speeches, poems she wrote, photographs, conversations that people who knew her remember her by. I know Yasmin only through her ads but after reading this book, I now know Yasmin with a different perspective, I know her personality, her faith, her beliefs, her principles, her motto, her sense of humour, and so much more.
This book brings me joy, laughter, tears, different emotions, be it via Yasmin's words of wisdom or her one line text message. It's amazing I tell you. Her outlook about life and how kindhearted, humble, generous, straightforward (no bullshit kind) she was, really blows me away.
If you love her PETRONAS ads, if you love Yasmin's movies such as SEPET, MUKHSIN and TALENTIME, read this book and you'll love Yasmin Ahmad even more, beyond her talent, as a human being and as a God's creation.
Initially I gave this book a rating but tbh, once I was done reading this book, I never thought of giving it a rating. This book is too personal to be rated anyways. It was a great read and I think everyone should read this book so that we learn how to be grateful, be humble, learn how to appreciate our God and our parents and be a better person.
I'm so glad that I read this book now, it's all about timing. This book is a compilation of memories of the late Yasmin Ahmad. It consists of the little things, text messages, advices, her speeches, poems she wrote, photographs, conversations that people who knew her remember her by. I know Yasmin only through her ads but after reading this book, I now know Yasmin with a different perspective, I know her personality, her faith, her beliefs, her principles, her motto, her sense of humour, and so much more.
This book brings me joy, laughter, tears, different emotions, be it via Yasmin's words of wisdom or her one line text message. It's amazing I tell you. Her outlook about life and how kindhearted, humble, generous, straightforward (no bullshit kind) she was, really blows me away.
If you love her PETRONAS ads, if you love Yasmin's movies such as SEPET, MUKHSIN and TALENTIME, read this book and you'll love Yasmin Ahmad even more, beyond her talent, as a human being and as a God's creation.
Initially I gave this book a rating but tbh, once I was done reading this book, I never thought of giving it a rating. This book is too personal to be rated anyways. It was a great read and I think everyone should read this book so that we learn how to be grateful, be humble, learn how to appreciate our God and our parents and be a better person.
January 28, 2018
I have always liked Yasmin’s works but knew little to none about the person she was. This book covers many little things about the famous Malaysian storyteller that I didn’t know and that makes her departure that much more saddening. Thanks for all the good you’ve done, Yasmin, you’ll be sorely missed.
May 11, 2021
when they say some books are a balm to your soul, this book is exactly that for me. what a privilege it is to glean wisdom from someone that i will never get to meet, but have always and will always admire — for her faith, her keen observation of life, and her love for the people around her.
December 25, 2020
It is a good book. There's some parts that I couldn't understand much. But I enjoyed reading this book. And I believe arwah Yasmin would be one of the person we would love to talk to.
Al-fatihah.
Al-fatihah.
December 19, 2021
This made me weep each time I pick it up. Oh Yasmin. 🥲
September 24, 2017
Kumpulan memori-memori sekitar pengarah dan sutradara citra sejati Malaysia, Yasmin Ahmad, seperti yang terakamkan oleh manusia-manusia yang telah terkesab dengan kehadiran beliau di dalam hidup mereka: adik Yasmin iaitu Orked, rakan-rakan sekerja beliau, sahabat handai, murid-murid. Turut diselitkan bersama di dalam buku ini adalah beberapa puisi berbahasa Inggeris nukilan Yasmin Ahmad sendiri serta beberapa lakaran dan coretan ringkas.
Penulisan-penulisan di dalam buku ini rata-ratanya hadir dalam bentuk anekdot pendek, atau transkripsi sms yang dihantar oleh Yasmin Ahmad, atau atau transkripsi syarahan beliau yang disampaikan kepada khalayak tertentu.
Hampir sahaja buku ini boleh aku gambarkan sebagai sebuah sejarah lisan (oral history) berkenaan kehidupan yang pendek tetapi begitu bermakna yang telah dilalui oleh sosok tubuh yang paling terkandung di dalam personalitinya makna diri seorang Malaysian - sanya topik-topik yang disinggung oleh buku tiadalah distrukturkan secara kronologi. Sejarah awal hidupnya, serta latar belakang keluarganya begitu samar dan pembaca tiada tergambar 'rahim' ruang dan zaman yang mana terbit darinya Yasmin Ahmad.
Kendatipun apa yang terkandung di dalam buku ini adalah perkongsian intim dan jujur daripada jiwa-jiwa yang terusik dengan bayang-bayangnya. Usai pembacaan buku ini, aku menziarahi galeri/muzium Yasmin Ahmad di Kong Heng, Ipoh yang dibiayai dan didirikan oleh sahabat handainya Muzium ringkas itu menayangkan koleksi karya visual yang dihasilkan beliau. Aku diheret nostalgia menonton iklan-iklan ikonik yang diterbitkan Yasmin sekitar 90-an dan awal 2000-an, iklan-iklan yang mewarnai usia kecil aku dan juga, aku percaya, rakyat-rakyat Malaysia lain yang mana bilangan mereka itu bukan sedikit dan latar belakang mereka pula merentas ras, pangkat dan agama - aku hanya boleh simpulkan hal yang tersebut kepada sesuatu kurniaan yang turun daripada langit.
Jika aku mampu untuk ungkapkan perasaan aku membaca buku ini adalah betapa Yasmin merupakan 'tangan' Tuhan dan 'kaki'-Nya yang berjalan di tengah-tengah umat manusia, menyantuni mereka yang luluh, menunjukkan contoh yang elok. Apa mungkin Yasmin Ahmad salah seorang daripada kekasih-nya (waliyullah)? Aku tiada berasa gelira dengan idea itu. Beliau seperti yang dirakamkan oleh orang-orang terdekatnya, menunaikan solat lima pada waktunya walau di celah-celah mesyuarat dengan eksekutif pemasaran dari firma-firma antarabangsa; beliau rajin menderma dalam sembunyi - kalau Syeikh Hamza mampu menyuarakan sewaktu belasungkawa Muhammad Ali betapa Ali -disebalik kekurangannya adalah seorang waliyullah, kenapa tidak Yasmin di sisi kita?
Namun mana-mana pembaca buku ini pun tahu betapa Yasmin bukan pengejar gelaran. Beliau sekadar mencurahkan cintanya kepada kemanusiaan tanpa lesu daripada mengingatkan kita semua, seluruh kita daripada rakyat Malaysia betapa beruntungnya kita dianugerahi Tuhan dengan nikmat yang tiada ternilai harganya.
Yasmin lupa betapa dia juga salah satu daripada anugerah-anugerah-Nya kepada kita.
Penulisan-penulisan di dalam buku ini rata-ratanya hadir dalam bentuk anekdot pendek, atau transkripsi sms yang dihantar oleh Yasmin Ahmad, atau atau transkripsi syarahan beliau yang disampaikan kepada khalayak tertentu.
Hampir sahaja buku ini boleh aku gambarkan sebagai sebuah sejarah lisan (oral history) berkenaan kehidupan yang pendek tetapi begitu bermakna yang telah dilalui oleh sosok tubuh yang paling terkandung di dalam personalitinya makna diri seorang Malaysian - sanya topik-topik yang disinggung oleh buku tiadalah distrukturkan secara kronologi. Sejarah awal hidupnya, serta latar belakang keluarganya begitu samar dan pembaca tiada tergambar 'rahim' ruang dan zaman yang mana terbit darinya Yasmin Ahmad.
Kendatipun apa yang terkandung di dalam buku ini adalah perkongsian intim dan jujur daripada jiwa-jiwa yang terusik dengan bayang-bayangnya. Usai pembacaan buku ini, aku menziarahi galeri/muzium Yasmin Ahmad di Kong Heng, Ipoh yang dibiayai dan didirikan oleh sahabat handainya Muzium ringkas itu menayangkan koleksi karya visual yang dihasilkan beliau. Aku diheret nostalgia menonton iklan-iklan ikonik yang diterbitkan Yasmin sekitar 90-an dan awal 2000-an, iklan-iklan yang mewarnai usia kecil aku dan juga, aku percaya, rakyat-rakyat Malaysia lain yang mana bilangan mereka itu bukan sedikit dan latar belakang mereka pula merentas ras, pangkat dan agama - aku hanya boleh simpulkan hal yang tersebut kepada sesuatu kurniaan yang turun daripada langit.
Jika aku mampu untuk ungkapkan perasaan aku membaca buku ini adalah betapa Yasmin merupakan 'tangan' Tuhan dan 'kaki'-Nya yang berjalan di tengah-tengah umat manusia, menyantuni mereka yang luluh, menunjukkan contoh yang elok. Apa mungkin Yasmin Ahmad salah seorang daripada kekasih-nya (waliyullah)? Aku tiada berasa gelira dengan idea itu. Beliau seperti yang dirakamkan oleh orang-orang terdekatnya, menunaikan solat lima pada waktunya walau di celah-celah mesyuarat dengan eksekutif pemasaran dari firma-firma antarabangsa; beliau rajin menderma dalam sembunyi - kalau Syeikh Hamza mampu menyuarakan sewaktu belasungkawa Muhammad Ali betapa Ali -disebalik kekurangannya adalah seorang waliyullah, kenapa tidak Yasmin di sisi kita?
Namun mana-mana pembaca buku ini pun tahu betapa Yasmin bukan pengejar gelaran. Beliau sekadar mencurahkan cintanya kepada kemanusiaan tanpa lesu daripada mengingatkan kita semua, seluruh kita daripada rakyat Malaysia betapa beruntungnya kita dianugerahi Tuhan dengan nikmat yang tiada ternilai harganya.
Yasmin lupa betapa dia juga salah satu daripada anugerah-anugerah-Nya kepada kita.
February 25, 2022
Membesar dengan iklan² Petronas dari Yasmin Ahmad dan juga filem² darinya buatkan aku rasa teruja bila terjumpa buku ini di celahan buku² di rumah nenek.
Worth the read, sebagai seorang yang tidak gemarkan genre memoir, tribute dan juga puisi buku ni berikan aku satu perasaan magis. Sukar untuk digambarkan. Aku ketawa, menangis dan tersenyum bila membaca tulisan teman² Yasmin Ahmad di dalam ini. Terasa begitu dekat dengan arwah, dan dapat melihat sudut pandang seorang Yasmin Ahmad pada orang sekeliling.
Paling terkesan sekali, Yasmin Ahmad selalu berikan galakan kepada rakan-rakannya untuk sayangi diri sendiri. Self-love. Jujur, sebagai seorang overthinker dan selalu sangat fikir benda yang tidak terjadi pun lagi, pesanan Yasmin Ahmad benar² memberi peringatan kepada aku sebagai pembaca.
Buku yang sangat baik untuk dibaca oleh rakyat Malaysia, tidak kira bangsa.
Pemergian Yasmin Ahmad merupakan satu kehilangan yang sangat besar buat Malaysia. Kritikan² yang diberikan dalam setiap filemnya melangkaui zaman. Impiannya besar, begitu juga hatinya ❤.
Buku yang dimulakan dengan pujian kepada Tuhan Yang Maha Esa, dan buku ini juga diakhiri dengan pujian kepada-Nya. Al-fatihah buat Yasmin Ahmad.
4.5 ⭐
Worth the read, sebagai seorang yang tidak gemarkan genre memoir, tribute dan juga puisi buku ni berikan aku satu perasaan magis. Sukar untuk digambarkan. Aku ketawa, menangis dan tersenyum bila membaca tulisan teman² Yasmin Ahmad di dalam ini. Terasa begitu dekat dengan arwah, dan dapat melihat sudut pandang seorang Yasmin Ahmad pada orang sekeliling.
Paling terkesan sekali, Yasmin Ahmad selalu berikan galakan kepada rakan-rakannya untuk sayangi diri sendiri. Self-love. Jujur, sebagai seorang overthinker dan selalu sangat fikir benda yang tidak terjadi pun lagi, pesanan Yasmin Ahmad benar² memberi peringatan kepada aku sebagai pembaca.
Buku yang sangat baik untuk dibaca oleh rakyat Malaysia, tidak kira bangsa.
Pemergian Yasmin Ahmad merupakan satu kehilangan yang sangat besar buat Malaysia. Kritikan² yang diberikan dalam setiap filemnya melangkaui zaman. Impiannya besar, begitu juga hatinya ❤.
Buku yang dimulakan dengan pujian kepada Tuhan Yang Maha Esa, dan buku ini juga diakhiri dengan pujian kepada-Nya. Al-fatihah buat Yasmin Ahmad.
4.5 ⭐
September 10, 2012
"Yasmin How You Know?" I knew her from PETRONAS ads and start to think how actually she can direct and had such a really great idea. This book tell us what makes Yasmin Ahmad success in her work. The key is very simple, just do the works because of Allah for sure Allah will pay you a reward. Some of the story really taught me to be a positive person and put aside the negatives thoughts. After all, this you need to own this book, because it contain really good "pesan" that were really inspired !
September 19, 2021
A compilation of stories and words of the late Malaysian filmmaker, Yasmin Ahmad, which brought her to life. It was inspiring and intimate – the love from her friends and family shine through the book and you fall in love with Yasmin just a little bit by the last page. Beautifully done! A book I'd definitely turn to when I'm feeling listless.
August 13, 2016
This biography is beautiful, full of beauty.
Yasmin was right. The best story is about your life. 'Cause believe it or not, your destiny is about a process, and it always carved beautifully; good or bad.
Yasmin always optimist about her life. And she always managed to touch us all, even after her death.
Yasmin was right. The best story is about your life. 'Cause believe it or not, your destiny is about a process, and it always carved beautifully; good or bad.
Yasmin always optimist about her life. And she always managed to touch us all, even after her death.
December 3, 2012
Going through this ... plain looking ... book, one starts to understand why this woman was so beloved by those around her. Her wisdom, and kooky sense of humour, was second to none. Yasmin will be greatly missed.
Read
August 12, 2013One of the best quote from Yasmin Ahmad that I liked very much.
Don’t look down on those below you. And don’t fear those above you
This book is very interesting and inspired me a lot. Being a very long time since last book I read continuously until this book.
Don’t look down on those below you. And don’t fear those above you
This book is very interesting and inspired me a lot. Being a very long time since last book I read continuously until this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews