Honk! If You're Malaysian

by Lydia Teh

LYDIA TEH, the astute observer and chronicler of the absurdities of all things Malaysian, returns with more absurdities of Malaysian life and oddities of human behaviour in Honk! If You're Malaysian. Everything in life is grist for her mill; there's always something in the nothingness of everyday life that does not escape her pin-sharp eye. In this collection of anecdotes, she brings on more trenchant observations that capture the variegated textures, humour and nuances of Malaysian life as it is lived. She brings a breath of fresh air to our sometimes suffocatingly tactful society, and she does it with irrepressible candour. You will smile or laugh out loud, and later ponder the home truths that she has conveyed.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Lydia Teh is as Malaysian as nasi lemak, char kuay teow and roti canai. Born and raised in Klang, which is about an hour’s drive from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, she still lives in this royal town which is known for its bah-kut-teh: herbal stewed pork consumed with copious amounts of Chinese tea.

In her former life, she worked as an Executive Secretary before giving up her job for her kids, then only aged 1 and 2 years. Her brood has since doubled. The two eldest are now in college, no. 3 is in secondary school and no. 4 in primary school.

In between cooking, chauffeuring and caring for the children, she managed to complete a writing correspondence course which started her on a journey of writing. She has written for newspapers such as The Star and The New Straits Times, websites such as e-homemakers and Women’s International Net as well as magazines such as Her World and Good Living Magazine. She has written six books which include the bestselling Honk! If You’re Malaysian which occupied permanent residence status on the best sellers’ lists for almost a year.

After 17 years of staying home with the children, she has hung up her apron and is now running an English language centre. This situation has to remain until she writes an international best seller that will make her laugh hysterically to the bank or until all her kids start earning their own keep.

She is also a columnist at theSun newspaper. Tete-a-Tete with Lydia Teh appears every Tuesday.

Reviews

[Sooraya Evans]

Mildly entertaining, albeit at times a number of anecdotes seemed recycled from the previous book (Life's Like That). Football season annoyance, Malaysian driver's attitude... just to name a few.
I personally think chapter 37 (open letter to movie directors) was rather exaggerated. Overall, still an OK read.

[GD]

Funny and endearing at the same time. If one needs an insight of being a Malaysian, then here it is!

[Tariel Yong]

Purchased the book at MPH, many years back and only recently read it.

It's a nice read (for the stories that I can relate to) and it has tid-bits of relatable events/scenarios for those who grew up during the baby-boomers era, 80s, 90s and early 2000s era.

I'm unsure if anyone from 2010s onwards might be able to relate to some of the experiences shared in the book (since I have been in my home for most of my years before I reached 25 years+ old) but I do consider it a snippet of the past of being a Malaysian back in the day.

[Joseph]

Didn't enjoy it. I am a Malaysian. No doubt the stories and reflections of Malaysian life in the book are true. The author indeed tells it as it is.

However, the narrative wasn't engaging. The overly simple writing style failed to captivate me.

[Aggy Clare]

👍

[Limau Nipis]

This is a short anecdotes about Malaysians way of viewing life. I have never read a book /column written by Lydia Teh, but so far, I find this book really entertaining. Based on observations from her, I realised, what most Malaysians taken for granted; about our neighbouring countries, our amusement in our life, traffic jams, the Internet, the buzz about blogging, Malaysia Boleh spirit! and etc. She jots down her anecdotes in such entertaining ways that it reflects our own stupidity. And we can laugh at ourselves since we can connect with her writings, as a Malaysian.

[Topek Ketopekan]

This book is too witty and spicy. You can imagine either yourself, your siblings, your parents, your next-door neighbours, or anyone around you in the every single of chapter mentioned. HONK! is rude action and yet need to be ashamed doing it. But why need to shame, because there were a lot of interesting things should be loved and proud of! This book is #SoMalaysian :D

[Plainqoma]

My definition of truly Malaysian I must say. Witty, with a sense of humour here and there. And whenever I read few of the stories, I can't help myself from saying. "Ah I couldn't agree more!!"

Only Malaysians can relate to this. Kadang-kadang rasa macam terkena batang hidung sendiri pun ada. Oh well, it's a fun and light read. If you're Malaysian, this is a must read.

[Fatini Zulkifli]

This book unfolds Malaysian society and practices. This is a wonderful book that left me in stitches. The author writes from the heart about families and life. She nails the humour in all of it. I think this book could help tourists to understand Malaysians (and why they do this and that) better than any travel magazines.

[Nornadia]

tells bout the real m'sia story! a good books to read, then u'll knew bout what truly happens among m'sian.the author really catch attention in telling people a simple issue in a humorous way and make us think! Good Job author!

[Nadila]

i think the author is good as she has sense of humors in her books. she also tell us fact about being Malaysian,and as a Malaysian i totally agree with this book. this is a good materials for people to understand Malaysian better.

[Arrica Lee]

Malaysians culture and something that I myself don't know fellow countrymen have in particular.

[Alie]

dude, you need no comment! just hit it! (in a +ve sense..)

[Kathy Chung]

i love this book. It's just so malaysian

[Sharon Kaur]

I skip most of it . Figures .

[Jodie Lee]

A review over typical Malaysians' attitude from the way they act on the road to the words they use. Great job to Lydia!

[Alip Apai]

This is one good story that all Malaysian should have in their shell. It make us think but laughing all the way on the same time.

[R]

Mildly entertaining, partially repetitive read.

[Nor Haniza]

quite hillarious.

[cikyah75]

I practically rolled on the floor laughing!

[Lucy Wilson]

Seriously - Don't Bother