Tropicana Magazine Jul-Aug 2017 #114: Bold & Beautiful

NEWS | BOOKS
Inspirational Tales
Celebrate strong women who have changed the perception of societal structures.
Curated by Avinash sagran & MPH BOOKSTOREs
I Know Why the Caged
Bird Sings
Maya Angelou
The book is a candid portrayal
of the issues plaguing black
women growing up in the
south. Angelou’s depiction
of substantial issues such as
rape, racism and identity was
revolutionary at the time of its
release in 1969. Penning down
her experience through wit
and wisdom, she challenges the
constructs of social hierarchy
and soothes the tension by
placing emphasis on the
healing process.
Our Pick...
The Diary of a Young
Girl
Anne Frank
Anne Frank receives a diary
on her 13th birthday, and she
narrates her life in Frankfurt
with her family who are to
go into hiding during the
Nazi occupation of Germany
during the Second World War.
The narration of the right to
live regardless of religion or
race is depicted through the
reflections of Anne’s daily
interactions.
Empress Dowager Cixi:
The Concubine Who
Launched Modern China
Jung Chang
Jung Chang disagrees with
her fellow compatriots and
historians on the role of
Empress Dowager Cixi. The
book delves in the depth of a
remarkable woman behind
her significant contribution
to the nation. Chang
acknowledges Cixi flaws
but does not portray her as
a ruthless iron-fisted leader.
She instead identifies Cixi’s
perseverance as a woman and
all the modernisation brought
in during her reign.
Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window
Tetsuko Kuroyanagi
Kuroyanagi recounts her childhood as a schoolgirl which
played a pivotal role in shaping her future. She explores
the notion of freedom of expression through the actions
of headmaster Sosaku Kobayashi, who gave children
free reign to explore and understand values that shape a
holistic individual. Her story serves as an inspiration to
many educators and reminds children not to be afraid
and seek out their destiny.
Eleanor Roosevelt,
Vol. 1: 1884-1933
Blanche Wiesen Cook
Blanche Wiesen Cook captures
the spirit of Eleanor Roosevelt
through a fresh perspective
between her private and public
self. Her journey of overcoming
prejudice and injustice to
advancing the rights of women
and her genuine friendships
with strong, powerful men
and women reevaluate the
influence of one of the most
prominent and pertinent
figures in American politics.
“[Totto-chan] has
reminded millions
of Japanese what
children think
education should be.”
International Herald Tribune
TM | July/August 2017
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