A daughter questions her relationship with her father on his deathbed. Taking a closer look at some of his challenges and his attitude towards them, provides her with greater clarity and a deeper appreciation of her dad. She realises how a homogenous family in a small village in Kerela could have evolved through three generations into a diverse global network of family and friends. There are compelling anecdotes of openness and inclusion from his immigrant life that are inspirational.
This memoir is a celebration of a simple man who was extraordinary in many ways. It is a call to discover the heroes we encounter everyday.
Ended
My dearest friends and family
Thank you for your participation in the Book Cover design. I have communicated some of your feedback to the designer, Skyler. I was quite amazed how she had captured my dad's silhouette in the second cover design. It was real! So...yes...cover design 2, it is! Am really excited how 'Dad and I' is slowly but surely unfolding. Koehler Books is currently working with the final final manuscript.
I also feel very honoured to share with you the three endorsement quotes that will appear either in the back cover or inside cover of 'Dad and I':
“This engaging memoir spans the early years of Singapore’s history with many vivid details about the socio-cultural life then. Shalini has captured many tender and loving moments between father and daughter, despite a restrained relationship. Her experiences during her growing up years and later as a working mother will resonate with many readers. In this way, this is not just the journey of one Malayalee family but it’s truly a Singaporean journey and story, one that all of us can identify with.”
Dr. Cheah Yin Mee …Principal Consultant at Learning Ventures and Mindfulness Teacher
“It's one of those books that I couldn't put down once I started reading it. Shalini definitively has a gift with words and right from the start I felt transported into her father's life. As a silent witness, I learned about his courage to follow his dreams, the love for his family, his way of facing adversity, his strength, values, and of course, life in Singapore at a time when I wasn't yet born. “ Dad and I" is a beautiful invitation to seek out a more profound reconnection with parents and others for that matter before it's too late. Rather than taking everyone in our life for granted, there is so much more to discover about each other when we genuinely want to know more about who they are, their dreams, concerns, values and joys.
There are so many gems to be discovered in this book, many times I sat there, parts touched within myself that were hidden before, often I paused to reflect and find inspiration. Thank you, Shalini, for sharing this journey with the world.”
Ms Antoinette Biehlmeier…Founder of TheraSmart, Owner of InnerDynamics Map Pte Ltd
“Shalini and Damodaran had me spellbound for a few hours. I laughed at the adventures of ‘little Shalini’ and her father’s customers. She had me in tears too at poignant moments. Dad and I will take you to familiar places within you.”
Dr. Anitha Devi Pillai…Teacher Educator, National Institute of Education, Singapore
I am very grateful to Yin Mee, Antoinette and Anitha for taking the time to do the honours in spite of the busy lives they lead.
Here's to greater OPENNESS, INCLUSIVITY and PEACE in our lives!
Warmest regards
Shalini
