I want to use this blog to promote Mechanic Leigh, a book by my dear friend, Eric Alagan. Yes, I know I’ve not yet read the book, but when you have the work of a talented author like Eric ready for your reading pleasure, you can’t help but feel excited. My excitement knows no limit. That’s why I want to use this medium to introduce you to his highly acclaimed book. Eric was kind enough to write a summary for folks like me who cannot resist a good read. You can find the summary of his book below its colorful cover.
Eric wrote:
Mechanic Leigh is a composite of boys I grew up with in 1960s Singapore and all his stories are our stories – not only mine. When I ran this series, what I found enlightening was people from all over the world (Asia, Africa, Europe and America) could relate to his experiences and antics. It was mind-blowing for me, as I thought our childhood in rural Singapore was somewhat unique. People who are now in their forties to sixties, will discover their growing up years in the pages of Mechanic Leigh. Younger readers will catch glimpses of their parents’ childhood.
Leigh also brings to bear a child’s perspective. For example, he muses that because of desperate poverty, “we searched for reasons to laugh but adults mistook that for mischief”. In another episode, he says, “we were poor but happy because we made so much out of so little.”
But his stories are not all pensive, in fact far from it. Every episode gives one belly laughs. For example, when the teacher asked whether he “stole fruits today”, he vehemently denies and when pressed, replies “honest, I stole them last week!” He tears out pages from his dictionary to make paper boats to float in rainwaters. When his mother asks why his dictionary was so thin, his reply, “I loaned half to my friend – the half which contains all the words I already know.”
The book is peppered with similar ‘smart alec’ cracks. In fact, the opening episode is titled, “Smart Ah Leck” a distortion of the English ‘alec’ to the Chinese name, ‘Ah Leck’.
Writing this book, opened my eyes in many ways and reinforced my belief in humanity. Leigh captures it well, “When you read Mechanic Leigh, you’ll relive your childhood. Of this, I’m sure, because inside, we’re all the same.”
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Mechanic Leigh is one of the several books , Eric has authored. You can find more about his novels and business books by taking a trip to his blog. He blogs at www.ericalagan.net.
Away from writing, Eric is an aircraft engineer and a corporate man. He’s a friend worth having.
Details of Mechanic Leigh on Amazon:
- File Size: 3563 KB
- Print Length: 363 pages
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00KA70OLS
85 Degrees 
Uzo, do you think this would be a good book for an 11 year old boy to read?
I’ve to find out from the author, though he did tell me that it was also meant younger generation.
I contacted Eric and here was his response: Yes, an eleven year old can – there are no sexual or blood & gore themes in here. It is a story told by a 6 year old, and by the time the book ends – Leigh is 14 years old. He is just starting to speak of boy/girl relationships but nothing explicit. Leigh does speak (fleetingly) of world events during that period – from a precocious child’s point of view.
Thank you Uzo,
When I received your email, I didn’t know it was a question posted on your blog.
Well, you honour and humble me with the generosity of heart.
Peace, Bro,
Eric
Hello Ronnie,
Mechanic Leigh was written for a young audience. Back in late 2011/early 2012, I ran a few episodes on my blog and was surprised how many adults latched onto it. I had to rewrite it somewhat but assure you and all, that it’s definitely G readership rated.
All good wishes,
Eric
Thank you, Eric. I think my grandson would enjoy reading it.
I will be promoting Eric’s book as well when I figure out how to get book cover on my blog page. Wishing I had better technical expertise.
Oh that will be great. His book deserves a wide audience.
I think I can help you with the upload.
Eric told me to do it a certain but what he said does not show up on his post on my computer so now uncertain. Any ideas?
Hello Juliana – hope that new email on ‘reblogging’ helps.
Thank you for taking the trouble – I appreciate this.
Cheers,
Eric
I apologize, Juliana, for my untimely absence. I sense Eric has assisted you already, right?
Definitely going to pick up this one.
I’m sure Eric will love that.
Yes, Darlene and yes, Uzo – Eric would definitely love it 🙂
Darlene, as you probably know I’m a fan of “We Are Not Cursed” and admire Uzo’s creativity and your help with the editing.
I must confess, I’ve been privately bugging him to finish the book and get it published, as I want to read it at one go.
All good wishes,
Eric
Thanks, Uzo, for sharing Eric’s book! It has been added to my collection at home and you’re right, Eric is truly talented and is one of my favorites here on WP. Have a lovely Sunday!
Lauren, you spoil me all over cyberspace 🙂
🙂
Oh I’m glad you have added Eric’s book to your collection.
Here is to wishing your a prosperous week.
Hello Uzo,
First off, please pardon me if I intruded by posting replies to your commenters. As you can see, some of them are mutual blogger friends. But I’m also happy to meet new people.
When you said you would blog about Mechanic Leigh, I assumed you would simply hit the ‘reblog’ button, – a click, a couple of seconds and all done! Frankly, that’s all I expected, considering all the catching up of affairs you’re saddle with after a long period of absence.
But the generous soul that you are, you actually set aside several hours of your weekend to do a ‘proper’ blog post.
What a Wow! this gave – I know, not at all very creative but that’s how I felt – Wow!
I’ve uploaded a photo image of you on my side bar (as a permanent mark of thanks) with a link back – hopefully, some of my readers would discover your blog.
Please finish your work-in-progress novel and allow me the pleasure and honour of returning this favour.
As I’ve always said, my gratitude has no expiry date.
May all good blessings cross your threshold and keep you company,
Eric
Not at all — your book sparked those comments and I’m glad my audience are now exposed to it.
Well, I thought a post dedicated to your book would be great, thereby bringing more people to comment on, or perhaps, view it from yet another spot on the Web.
No worries, my WIP will someday–and that’s soon, I hopeful–be turned into a book for the reading pleasure all.
Blessings to you, too, my dear friend.
Hello, Uzoma! You were very wise in this review and contacting Eric. It sounds like a great book, also he is like a ‘mentor’ to you, now. It is always nice to make connections and bonds in this ‘writing business!’ Hugs, Robin
Eric is more than a friend. We’ve connected on a very different level we share cultures and events and life in general. He recently told me that his son-in-law (his daughter got married in is from Nigeria too and bears the name “Uzo.” Can you imagine?
It’s a pleasure helping to promote his book.