A Hipster's Choice

Today theSun published an interview I have done with Wan Nor Azriq where he picks ten books that every Malaysian Hipster should read 

Headline : A Hipster's Choice 
By Bissme S

THE WORD ‘hipster’ is one of the more recent additions to the modern vocabulary, but even though most people can readily identify what a hipster looks like, it’s difficult to pinpoint what being a hipster actually means. 
As author Wan Nor Azriq, 29, says: “If you can define a hipster, that means you not a hipster. Hipsters do not like labels and definitions.” 
However, this award-winning author who penned DUBLIN, Boneka Rusia Guido, Dompet Kulit Buaya, 86 and Soneta Roda Basikal among others, agrees to help give a better idea of who a hipster is. 
“Basically, a hipster fits the subculture that consists mainly of youngsters in their 20s and 30s living in urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Johor Baru,” he says. 
“Hipsters are very eco-friendly. They prefer walking or riding a bicycle to driving a car because it’s healthier. They listen to obscure independent bands. They hang out at fancy and eccentric cafes. “They read underground poetry, and above all else, they value authenticity, creativity, and freedom. 
“Whatever is seen as mainstream and fashionable, they go against it. They strive for individualism.” 
Here are Wan Nor’s list of 10 books that he says hipsters should read:
 
1) Aku Tak Peduli   (Melayu Minimalis) 

This book describes the hipster culture as well as the other subcultures that exist in Kuala Lumpur. The writer also talks about the Malaysian independent music scene. The way he writes is like he is having a conversation with you.










2)Awek Chuck Taylor   (Nami Cob Nobbler) 

This novel defined a generation of Malaysians the way J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye did for his generation in the United States. This book will definitely strike a chord with girls who dream of becoming a sophisticated and intelligent woman like Mira in the novel. The hero is not your typical hero. One can even say he is kind of a born loser. He also talks about his relationship with two girls who happen to be sisters.


3) Mat Som  (Lat) 

This graphic novel centres on about a youth from Tanjung Maim who settles in Kuala Lumpur. He hangs out with the ‘in’ crowd because he wants to be seen as intelligent and sophisticated. He gets interested in the literary scenes. 
You will [recognise] some well-known personalites such as poet Usman Awang and writer Latiff Mohidin in the comic sketches.”


4)Stereo Genmai  (Ridhwan Saidi) 

This novel is perfect for hardcore hipsters. The story never moves in a liner fashion. It is very fragmented, and centres on a man looking for his girlfriend who goes missing after watching a movie. The story very clearly depicts the power of cinemas and films. 









5)Tiga Titik   (Fandy Taher) 

The book is about a boy who runs away from home and wants to travel around the world on his bicycle. I think, in the heart of every true hipster, there is a strong desire to run away, not just from  his birthplace, but also from mainstream culture.  After you have finished reading Fandy’s inspiring novel, I guarantee you will pick up your bike and begin your journey into nature.

6) Catatan Latiff Mohidin   (Latiff Mohidin) 

Just like a true hipster, this book escapes any rigorous label you can put on it. [It’s] part journal, part aphorism, part poetry, and part literary criticism. He talks about the various topics under the sun – from life to literature. 




7)Tapai   (Hishamuddin Rais) 

I choose this book because I think Malaysian hipsters are unique in their strong appetite for local and exotic food. So Tapai is the best food guide book you will find on the market as it combines Hishamuddin’s sharp witty observations and colourful descriptions of the many dishes that feed our Malaysian taste buds. 







8) Kentang    (Saharil Hasrin Sanin) 

A blend of graphic humour and witty social critique, Saharil really knows how to entertain his readers while making them feel smart. A light read for hipsters who are too busy saving the world.




9)Kopi Lejen   (Various authors) 

Coffee is an important beverage for hipsters. This anthology feature three various short stories where the writers cleverly relate their personal experiences with coffee. 










10) Sajak-Sajak Saleh   (Salleh Ben Joned) 

Indeed, Malaysian poetry doesn’t get any more vulgar and rebellious than the poems of Salleh Ben Joned. This book will appeal to the anarchist hipsters and angry young poets out there.

Wan Nor Azriq & D.U.B.L.I. N

Headline: Walking Out His Story  
By Bissme S 

Author  Wan Nor Azriq struck it lucky the first time with his debut novel, D.U.B.L.I.N. The book won the first prize in the novel category of the writing competition, Sayembara Penulisan ITBM- PENA-BH (2013).D.U.B.L.I.N. centres on an ageing and ailing writer, Mr H, who tries to make sense of his current life and his complex relationship with his research assistant, Anita. 
Wan will be coming out with his second novel, Boneka Rusia Guido, next month.The story is a satire on the Malaysian political scene and has a young narrator telling the story of an ambitious political leader and recluse novelist.In this exclusive interview, the 27-year-old shares his views on his writing style, his penchant for elderly characters and also how he became a writer.

*Explain your inspiration for D.U.B.L.I.N., and your style of ‘walking in literature’ where walking is said to have inspired so much great writing?

“Four years ago, I read an article in the Guardian which mentioned a tradition of walking in literature. Many authors love walking and have used their [walks to work out] their writing. Since then, I have done a lot of research on the subject.I walk a lot. I have been walking since high school. My school was quite a distance from my home. I like to daydream and whenever I  walk, it allows me to do that.”

* Is your lead character Mr H based on a real person?

“I have a habit of creating elderly characters in my short stories and novels and I do not know why.There is a part of Mr H in me. I think there is an old man inside me. There is also part of my father in Mr H and I am very close to my father (an English teacher and a self-taught painter).”

* What reactions did you receive for D.U.B.L.I.N.?

“[Some said] my novel is different and has unique structure [while  others said] my novel does not  have a concrete idea. One reviewer said my work is ‘floating between East and West  philosophies’ and it does not have anything worthwhile to say.”

* Some felt D.U.B.L.I.N. is too western and not Malay enough. Any comment?

“I really don’t understand what they meant when they make such comments. When I read a book, I do not think about the book as either eastern or western. For me, I will want to see if I can connect with the book, or the language, or with the story that’s featured and with the characters that the author has presented. For me, there is no nationality in literature."

* You mentioned many famous authors in your book but did not include any local ones.

“The authors I mentioned in my book loved to walk and they used their walking experience in their work. I’m not aware of Malaysian authors who love walking and/or who use their walking experience in their writing. That is the reason [why] I did not include any. I have problems writing something that is close to me. There must be distance between what I write and myself. If I were to include Malaysian authors in my book, it would have been too intimate
and I would not like it.”

* Some have said D.U.B.L.I.N. is a difficult book to read.

“Reading a book is like going to a theme park. If you want to play  simple games,then you can throw darts or enter the ‘haunted houses for some scares. But If you want something more  challenging, then you can take the roller-coaster rides.So if you are looking for something  simple and light, you cannot get it from my book but if you want something complex, you may  enjoy my book.
I think there are more difficult books [to read] than mine. If you think mine is difficult, then don’t read it. I am not saying this in arrogance. I really believe reading  should be something pleasurable. All books are meant to be entertaining.”

* If you have to rewrite D.U.B.L.I.N., would you change anything?

“When I am finished with writing a story, I get detached from the story. I cannot remember what  I have written. Whenever my friends point to some scenes from D.U.B.L.I.N. and  in my short stories, I will be totally in a blur. When I start a new writing project, I want to be as far  away as I can from my old project as I do not want to repeat myself.I will be so immersed in my  new writing project, that I have no emotion left for my old one.”

* Did you always want to be a writer?

“No.I was a science student. Art was alien to me. My girlfriend then loved reading the popular romantic novels. She gave me one to read [and said] the story would make me cry.It is about a wife who learns that her husband has AIDS. But the wife stands by his side till the end. I did weep after reading the novel (laughs). But I also told my girl that I could write a better story than this and that was how I began writing short stories.”

Wan Nor Azriq .... there is no nationality in literature 

His second novel hitting the book shelf 

His debut novel