Deconstructing KL.

Has it been already a week since I last book-blogged? Time certainly flies. I'm back in smoggy Bangsar, trying to work on a research assignment. In the meantime, I'm currently reading Urban Odysseys: KL Stories, edited by Janet Tay & Eric Forbes for MPH Publishing. I bought the book a couple of days ago, despite the odds:

1. Poor display of books at MPH Midvalley (and MPH Bangsar). You'd think the bookstores and publishing would collaborate to showcase the book so that customers/browsers could easily pick it up.

2. Lack of knowledge from the enquiry staff at MPH Midvalley. Ok, so I couldn't remember the exact title of the book but I knew part of it was "KL Stories" AND that it was published by MPH. You'd think the staff would be familiar with books published by the very same company they work for. Not really. She had no clue, and was unpleasant to deal with. Frustrated, I walked away and wandered around the store until I found the book behind the cashier - not exactly standing out but hey.

I haven't finished reading Urban Odysseys yet but the stories so far are enjoyable. I particularly liked stories by Karina Bahrin, Joanna Chin, and Preeta Samarasan (I had jumped ahead to read her story first). It's a mixed yet interesting bag of authors: experienced, and newbies. My hat off to the young newbies; I enjoyed their debut and look forward to more of their work. 

I had wanted to read the book because I am (was?) a new 'expat' to the city. Ever since I moved to the big city in the mid-2007, I have been surprised, and disappointed by the city. I moved from a smaller town thinking that I could leave certain prejudices behind, only to find out that KL really is a big 'small town'. I wasn't fazed by the pace, but I was surprised by how much petty  politicking goes on, to actual work (and it extends to social circles too). In this town, it's really who you know (or to a lot of people, who you are related to), than what you know. And there are some dumb, lazy people on top but with very good connections (and/or bodek skills). Sure the same thing goes on back home, but at least I was able to avoid said people. Alas, I am not so lucky in KL. 

That being said, I have no regrets in living here because I had a lot of great moments as well. However, if there is one thing I could impart to KL-lites, it's "remember katak bawah tempurung". Outside KL, no one else in Malaysia cares who you are. So please, save me your stories of who you know, who you hang out with, no I dont' give a fuck that you are a 'celebrity' or your daddy is blah blah yadayada snore zzzzzzzz.... 

Do I like KL? It's a mixed bag of emotions for me. However I appreciated some of the tender stories in Urban Odysseys. One thing for sure, KL-lites (and Klang Valley-ites) are very proud of their origins, and the rest of us who live here appreciate the opportunities it provides. KL is rather a bitch at times, but like a lot of bitches out there, we can't help but be drawn to it. Bitch power.