[Book Review] Larger than Life: Celebrating the Human Spirit by Belinda Lee
Hey people!
The Popular Readers' Choice Awards is back and it is time to stock up your bookshelves + vote for your favourite books.
From 2 to 11 December 16, the Popular Readers' Choice Awards will be part of Popular's Bookfest @ Singapore 2016 and it will be held at Suntec Convention Halls 401 - 406.
Recently, I had the opportunity to read one of the nominated books. Specifically, I was given a list of authors to choose from and I chose the book with one of the few names that were familiar to me - Mediacorp Actress Belinda Lee.
Belinda had written a book entilted 'Larger than Life: Celebrating the Human Spirit' which features some of the stories of Singaporeans and other people whom she got to interview while hosting travel shows such as Find Me a Singaporean and The Places We Live In.
One of the reasons why I chose this book was because I have a thing for inspirational books that give me a different perspective about life and I surmised that this book falls in this category. Additionally, I wanted to have a glimpse into the life of a travel host and gawk at glossy travel pictures. I just didn't realize that the pictures weren't the typical touristy ones that you see in a travel magazine but those that highlight the poor living conditions of the underprivileged in developing countries.
'Larger than Life' is actually a very easy read, with slightly more than 200 pages of heartwarming stories and lots of captivating pictures that highlight the simplicity and beauty of life. I started reading this book on bus and train rides and I found myself hooked to the stories.
Many of the stories were about exemplary Singaporeans who gave up their comfortable lives in their homeland to make a difference among the poor and less fortunate in other countries. If there's one thing to commend about this book, it's how much knowledge and insight it has given me in such a short period of reading time.
I got to learn that there are selfless people like Ravi who followed his heart and went to India to build an orphanage for homeless children; or people like Nicholas who went to Kenya to pursue his dream of fielding the world's first black African team, Kenyan Riders to a bicycle race called Tour de France.
Whether it's a dream, a passion or a calling, these people had one thing in common. They make use of the resources and skills they have to improve and give hope to other people's lives, holding on to the belief that if they change the lives of a handful, these handful will pay it forward and move on to change the lives of more people. I was truly touched and inspired by these big hearts. Thank you Belinda for sharing these stories.
Logo credits to Popular SG.
That said, I am definitely casting my vote for this book at Popular Readers' Choice Awards 2016.
From now till 31 October 16, you can also vote for your favourite books in this link and stand a chance to win $50 Popular vouchers as well as 1-year Popular card.
'Larger than Life: Celebrating the Human Spirit' by Belinda Lee can also be found at Popular Bookstores at $23.35 and you can enjoy 20% discount if you purchase any of the 30 nominated books. Promotion is valid till 31 January 17. Happy reading!
Disclaimer: Reviews are based on personal experiences.
The Popular Readers' Choice Awards is back and it is time to stock up your bookshelves + vote for your favourite books.
From 2 to 11 December 16, the Popular Readers' Choice Awards will be part of Popular's Bookfest @ Singapore 2016 and it will be held at Suntec Convention Halls 401 - 406.
Recently, I had the opportunity to read one of the nominated books. Specifically, I was given a list of authors to choose from and I chose the book with one of the few names that were familiar to me - Mediacorp Actress Belinda Lee.
Belinda had written a book entilted 'Larger than Life: Celebrating the Human Spirit' which features some of the stories of Singaporeans and other people whom she got to interview while hosting travel shows such as Find Me a Singaporean and The Places We Live In.
One of the reasons why I chose this book was because I have a thing for inspirational books that give me a different perspective about life and I surmised that this book falls in this category. Additionally, I wanted to have a glimpse into the life of a travel host and gawk at glossy travel pictures. I just didn't realize that the pictures weren't the typical touristy ones that you see in a travel magazine but those that highlight the poor living conditions of the underprivileged in developing countries.
'Larger than Life' is actually a very easy read, with slightly more than 200 pages of heartwarming stories and lots of captivating pictures that highlight the simplicity and beauty of life. I started reading this book on bus and train rides and I found myself hooked to the stories.
Many of the stories were about exemplary Singaporeans who gave up their comfortable lives in their homeland to make a difference among the poor and less fortunate in other countries. If there's one thing to commend about this book, it's how much knowledge and insight it has given me in such a short period of reading time.
I got to learn that there are selfless people like Ravi who followed his heart and went to India to build an orphanage for homeless children; or people like Nicholas who went to Kenya to pursue his dream of fielding the world's first black African team, Kenyan Riders to a bicycle race called Tour de France.
Whether it's a dream, a passion or a calling, these people had one thing in common. They make use of the resources and skills they have to improve and give hope to other people's lives, holding on to the belief that if they change the lives of a handful, these handful will pay it forward and move on to change the lives of more people. I was truly touched and inspired by these big hearts. Thank you Belinda for sharing these stories.
Logo credits to Popular SG.
That said, I am definitely casting my vote for this book at Popular Readers' Choice Awards 2016.
From now till 31 October 16, you can also vote for your favourite books in this link and stand a chance to win $50 Popular vouchers as well as 1-year Popular card.
'Larger than Life: Celebrating the Human Spirit' by Belinda Lee can also be found at Popular Bookstores at $23.35 and you can enjoy 20% discount if you purchase any of the 30 nominated books. Promotion is valid till 31 January 17. Happy reading!
Disclaimer: Reviews are based on personal experiences.