This book was already in my bucket list to read after my BFG since months ago and alhamdulillah, I managed to get myself a copy of it in Popular. On the front page of Pelukis Jalanan, it stated "Bestseller di MPH" and yes, even in Popular, it is still in best selling rack despite it was published more than a year ago. :)
Pelukis Jalanan is the first book, followed by Arkitek Jalanan. In this post, I will share my thoughts on Pelukis Jalanan first and the next post will be for Arkitek Jalanan. :)
Let's go.
Title: Pelukis Jalanan
Author: Teme Abdullah
Pages: 215
Publisher: Iman Publications
Publication Date: January 2016 (PJ)
Synopsis:
Hmm, actually I am not sure if there is any synopsis written. But, let me share roughly about it.
This book is about the life of Teme Abdullah (Teme) on how he struggled to fund himself in an architecture school in London after he failed to pass the cut-off points from his sponsor for A-Level. There were a lot of life lessons and experiences that Teme had encountered while surviving abroad especially on how he worked hard for the tuition fee, how he was betrayed by his friend, how he managed to continue securing a good, supportive friend and finally how he went through the architecture course itself.
"Jika diberi peluang berpatah balik masa, perbetulkan semuanya, mengelak kegagalan berlaku, dan hidup dengan selesa, aku akan memilih untuk tidak lakukannya. Kerana pengalaman inilah anugerah bernilai Allah kepada aku.”
[Teme Abdullah]
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He is a strong guy, I must say. And I wonder if I happened to be in his shoes, what exactly will I do. At a very young age (I expect Teme leave for UK at the age of 19), he did a very challenging task - to survive.
Some of the things Teme shared there, I can indirectly relate them to my own life - either as a non-Malaysian university student and things I have encounter while staying abroad.
1. "In life, we will never get the same things as others. Never will. We are predestined to our own sustenance (rizq)."
Teme shared that he did not pass the cut-off points needed to fly. I did A-Level as well before, I can understand the struggle to meet the points. I had my rebellious phase that time. For some topics, I did not get it why I need to learn them, followed by A-Level - because I could not see the practicality of it that time - especially mathematics. I survived just for the fact - I love learning -_-' (minus the stress).
Teme's thought really opens my mind, anyway.
2. Parents' blessings.
As a grown up child, I realised most parents really care about their children. Teme's mother even planned to put their house into mortgage to help with the finance. Parents always want the best for the kids, even if they need to sacrifice a lot (in which they already sacrificed so much).
3. Teme's positive vibes.
The way Teme looks into life, is really adorable - I mean the positiveness (most of the time he think positively). I love the moment when Teme shared his thought on tawakkal - it is on page 148. This is a life lesson that I learn to treasure the most when I started my study in Czech. Not to put all burden of expectation on myself or other people but to rely on Allah with every step and effort that I make.
I was affected so much to read how Teme struggled with his monthly rent. Alhamdulillah, I had no problem with paying rents before but to search for a good flat with good price was never an easy job. My flatmate and I lost a lot of money before we secured a roof-top flat with no lift for us.
And if you are wondering what is the average flat rent in Czech - in Hradec Kralove itself it is RM1300+ per person per month (including energy and Internet). If in Prague, plus at least RM300 to it. The monthly allowance is usually enough for sponsored students (at least in the small town). Dealing with fussy landlord was another nightmare. T_T
4. Teme's artworks.
Honestly, I have no idea about Teme before until it became viral one time ago on social media. His artworks are awesome.
"Tak semua orang reti melukis, Teme. Kau rasa biasa-biasa, tapi bagi orang yang tak biasa, dah cukup mengagumkan dah. Bersyukurlah Allah bagi kau kebolehan menghiburkan orang dengan hanya buat perkara yang bagi kau 'biasa-biasa' je." - Ahmad
I am not into buildings much, but his quick sketches attracted me. My drawing skill is maybe just 1% of Teme's but sometimes I love sketching as well - especially for human anatomy when I was in my first year. :D
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Overall, I honestly recommend this book to read. Other than reading life stories of 'sponsored' oversea students - like me, this is another level of survival.
My rating: ★★★★★
SS, Perak, Malaysia
170904
