So what does Sylvester Stallone have to do with a Penangite writer’s first book? The answer: everything, as the soon-to-be released book is a collection of the Hollywood actor’s “life values”. The philosophies are not only gleaned from Stallone’s life but are also mined from his most popular film character – the underdog pugilist Rocky.
The principles of persevering despite the odds and how winning isn’t the only thing that matters are found in Gerald Chuah’s inaugural book entitled In the Eye of the Tiger: Survival Principles from Sylvester Stallone’s Life & Films.
“The book offers fundamental principles on how to be successful in life,” said the slightly overwhelmed and nervous author during the book’s soft launch at Borders, Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur on Jan 22. “My first draft was written in 1990.”
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Jacqueline Stallone (right) -- mother of the Hollywood actor -- launches Chuah's book. -- Picture by ELIZABETH NG. |
Of course, part of Chuah’s “final boost” came in the form of Jacqueline, Stallone’s mother, who wholeheartedly endorses Chuah’s dream project-turned-reality.
“I met Gerald through e-mail 10 years ago and when I saw the book about two years ago, I thought it was wonderful. I showed it to Sylvester and he said every bit of what is written is actually true,” said Jacqueline, a noted celebrity astrologer, who was also present at the launch.
According to Jacqueline, the principles in the book were what Stallone was raised on and her son had a really difficult time while growing up.
“His face was half-paralysed and his body half-crippled because he was injured at birth. He didn’t have many friends growing up and he couldn’t get along with the other kids -- they were mean.”
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Chuah's book (above) will be available in Borders bookstores in February. |
“His chart said that he would be a writer so I told him about it and he got angry. Didn’t want to talk to me, but see now…” she said of Stallone, who penned all the Rocky movies.
Of Chuah’s book, Jacqueline hopes that readers will like the quotations and gain something from the insights as they aren’t dispensed by geniuses or experts, but a regular guy who has had experience fighting for what he believes in and achieving goals that others deemed impossible.
It looks like the zen-like principles do pay off. Just ask Chuah, who continued to pursue his dream even when he couldn’t see an end in sight. Holding on to the very values he was writing about, the New Straits Times journalist worked on his labour of love without knowing whether a book would ever be published.
“I didn’t know that today would ever come. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine my book would one day be endorsed and launched by Jackie. This is indeed a great honour, and a high point in my life.
“I want the legacy of the Rocky spirit to continue and if I can do it (publish a book), anybody can do it,” added Chuah, who has yet to actually speak to Stallone.
With materials sourced from newspaper archives, books, magazines, rare documentaries and the Internet, Chuah’s collection of Stallone-esque principles touches on various aspects in life such as love, faith, courage and spirituality. Apart from the inspiring insights into reaching one’s goals, the book also contains 36 hand-drawn illustrations of Stallone’s popular film characters.
Now that that’s done, what will Chuah attempt next?
“I would like to write a book on people who’ve gone through hardships and make it in real life. Stories of how people can be the best they can be. It would be about real ‘Rocky’ stories.”
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