We’re all about learning, and it is from the many books we read, songs we listen to or films we watch that we gain inspiration to take positive action. Here at Strawberry Generation, we ask Millennials to share 3 books that have changed their lives, and 3 songs that best accompany each read. We also ask them to share about a cause that is important to them, and how one can start taking action today.
Books And Music | Lin Jiahe
We’re all about learning, and it is from the many books we read, songs we listen to or films we watch that we gain inspiration to take positive action. Here at Strawberry Generation, we ask Millennials to share 3 books that have changed their lives, and 3 songs that best accompany each read. We also ask them to share about a cause that is important to them, and how one can start taking action today.
Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak
Wake Up by Arcade Fire
It was my favourite children’s book growing up and I first listened to it during a story telling session at a friend’s 6th birthday party. I owned a copy of it for a big part of my childhood but lost it somehow and was given a copy again by a dear friend. It always reminds me that the world through the eyes of a child is sometimes very different from how we would perceive it as adults. And just like the song Wake Up, which was fittingly used as the soundtrack for the film adaptation, it explores how we transit from childhood innocence to adulthood. We sometimes learn to repress things as a child and therein lies the risk we face of becoming cold and hollow, unable to learn from the mistakes of the previous generation. But somehow there is a rediscovery of optimism and unlearning all the material apathy that has burdened our souls.
The Way of Whisky, Dave Broom
Turn the Page by Bob Seger
Not your typical whisky guidebook as Dave Broom is more famously known for writing. He keeps it as a journal account of his travels through Japan and visits to the various distilleries all over the country. The writing is rich and dense, and allows you to have a greater appreciation for the culture and the Japanese approach to craft and living. Although Turn the Page is about life on the road and is almost sombre, the reflective mood of the song mirrors the writing style of the book. It is an extremely inspiring book and was a great introduction to one of the five big regions of the world’s noblest spirit. A tumbler of the drink, this book and Bob Seger’s soothing voice is all you need after a tired day.
The Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien
Ramble On by Led Zeppelin
This is really cheating since its more than one book (depending on how you structure it) but the entire catalogue and the songs from this band were a big part of my adolescence. The themes that ran through Tolkien’s works were numerous and inspired many artists including one Robert Plant who went on to pen several tunes about these lifelike but fantasy stories. My favourite in particular is Ramble On with its take on light and shade, starting off with a folk Irish - Americana influenced introduction and then going full-on into a burst of raucous rock and roll cacophony. Similarly the books are all peaks and troughs with details so finely imagined that the graphics in your head almost burst out in front of you.
Your name: Lin Jiahe
What you do: Ex entertainer turned salary-man and father of two boys
What you care about: Helping our future generation
3 ways people can help or contribute towards what you care about:
- Make a donation to the Rainbow Centre, Singapore - [email protected], Tel: 6475 2072
- Be a volunteer with New Life Stories Limited - https://www.newlifestories.org.sg/volunteer-with-us
- Form a support group for parents