Local author releases book to inspire people stuck in a rut

KUCHING: Local author Juliana N. Chang released her book ‘Unexpected Journey: Born with A Purpose’ yesterday.

The book published by Partridge Singapore is her second published work.

Chang, a trained teacher, aims to motivate people to be patient and persevere to achieve their ambitions through her book, which chronicles the life journey of a coconut after it dropped from the tree.

“Chang tells a story about Mr Coconut after it dropped from the tree into the stream and travelled through a rough journey.

“Along the unexpected journey, it suffers injuries, but it encounters situations worse than its own. Its destiny is unknown, but its destination continues where the river runs into its channel,” a Partridge Singapore press release said yesterday.

The worst part of Mr Coconut’s life began when it was stuck in the mud but the experience taught it to endure hardship and appreciate being alive.

“It experiences physical development until its old self totally disappears and then it becomes a coconut tree, a new creation. This time, its existence serves a greater purpose because it brings joy to the whole village,” added the press release.

Chang said she was moved to write her book by the plight of many young graduates who could not find a job and those who just started a career but forced to abandon their plans because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Coconut’s experience of leaving its mother tree to face an uncertain future as it drifted along the river and getting stuck in the mud before transforming into a tree is an inspiration for those stuck in a difficult situation and realise that adversity is not permanent.

“We should persevere and be patient because there will be success waiting for us in the future as everyone has a purpose in his or her life, just like Mr Coconut’s life.

“Mr Coconut is born to be a seed to reproduce,” said Chang.

The book also aims to help its readers understand that experiencing challenges and obstacles will make one appreciate their achievement or success better,” she added.

‘Unexpected Journey: Born with A Purpose’ is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.