“I recently read an autobiography titled BreakThrough, by local author George Tan, which recounts his difficult childhood and how to overcome various struggles while growing up.

Brought up in extreme poverty and constant family abuse, the author was a teenager who gambled and behaved in vulgarism, vandalism and violence.
His failures in studies also led to a bout of depression and suicidal tendencies.
However, the book is not all gloomy.

It includes light-hearted moments and various high points in the author’s life, ending with his eventual victory and the setbacks he faced.
I am inspired by the author’s strong fighting spirit.

Despite the insurmountable odds against him, George refused to accept the status quo and resign himself to fate.

Instead, he was determined to change his life and persisted in overcoming all obstacles, leading to an inspiring rags-to-riches story.

George’s life story taught me to appreciate the things we often take for granted, be it a loving family or financial stability, and to treasure what I have.
I am now more determined to make the best out of my life no matter how difficult the circumstances are.

Read the book as it teaches us an important lesson in life – that others will give up on you if you give up on yourself. So press on!”

Mr Kenny Yap, 40, has been reading since he was seven years old and is a fan of biographies. He has read books by former General Electric Chairman Jack Welch, and Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter and is especially fond of heroic tales – especially those from Chinese history and legends.