This keepsake is about women empowerment and the motherly love of 9 incredible women who collectively helped Johnny Tan in his lifeʼs journey.
It is about his relationships with his adopted mom in Malaysia and eight other women in the United States whom he refers to as his other moms.
Entertaining, inspiring, and educational, Johnny manages to bring motherly love to center stage, by honoring and paying tribute to moms all over the world for their spiritual and inspirational contributions in making a positive difference in the lives of their loved ones, through the various roles of being a teacher, a coach, and a counselor.
From a parenting perspective, it has a wealth of knowledge and wisdom for good parenting skills on effective communication. The kitchen is used as a backdrop because it is the heart and soul of every home.
Endorsements on the Back Cover:
“Lucky is the child who can identify and benefit from the care and concern of a network of mothers.”
"Johnny Tan has tapped into the core of family life, connection, care and communication – the kitchen. He explores the importance of the back and forth between mother and child, the transfer of knowledge and culture, the expression of love and concern. What intrigues me most is Tan’s inclusion of his many mothers, women who have influenced his growth and development.”
- Linda Lisi Juergens Executive Director, National Association of Mothers’ Centers
“From My Mama’s Kitchen is Johnny Tan’s charming, nostalgic look at the faith and wisdom imparted by nine moms who shaped his life. Recipes for everyday living and terrific dishes grace the pages of this sweet mosaic book that offers bits and pieces of something for everyone. A recommended warm and fuzzy read!”
- Debora M. Coty Award-Winning Author of Mom Needs Chocolate, Everyday Hope, The Distant Shore, and Billowing Sails
From My Mama’s Kitchen is a celebration of maternal wisdom. Johnny Tan’s love, respect and gratitude for all the “moms” in his life shine through every page. These “recipes for living” should be required reading for anyone in pursuit of happiness and success.
- Susan M. Heim Co-Author, Chicken Soup for the Soul: All in the Family
Excerpt
Everyone knows the kitchen is a place where our meals are prepped, cooked, and served. However, there are some of us who consider it as a classroom for learning some of life’s most insightful and thought-provoking lessons.
After reflecting back on the time spent in the kitchen with my mom over the years, I realized that the kitchen has indeed been both a place for our family meal preparations and also a venue for my mom and I to engage in many meaningful and respectful conversations that have fed both my physical and spiritual appetites.
I can recall that even if a conversation ended in an argument, just before she left me to myself, mom still patted me on my shoulder as a gentle reminder that she loved me, trusting that this simple loving gesture fed my soul just as her dishes had fed my physical appetite. It is within this wonderful state of mind that I begin to share with you this seemingly not so secret—secret.
...My Malaysian mom - Nyah Tan - In every one of us there is a seed of greatness. This seed of greatness holds the key to our successes. The Genius in us helps us to identify our goals, dreams, and desires, and the Talent in us helps us to accomplish them with a heartfelt passion.
...My Southern Belle mom - Eleanora Cater - When I am in the kitchen I am creating something. It requires patience, a happy attitude, and a touch of love. When food is prepared with love, it always tastes so much better. When life’s challenges are approached with the same attitude, even the toughest of the tough will eventually soften up.
...My Ballroom Instructor mom - Betty Tamas - What make any dancing great is - heart, passion, and enthusiasm. If we have these three ingredients, we can experience a lifetime of bliss in a three-and-a-half-minute song.
...My Cajun mom - Ginger White - The natural life can always be funny and humorous. The most ordinary events usually end up being the sweetest memories. Being present during the small moments will always make us appreciate the happiness when it happens.
...My German mom - Dianne Heise - Every once in a while a situation may occur that requires us to radiate our energy of positive goodwill, compassion, and love for others. Until we try to put ourselves beyond our comfort zone, we will not realize we have what it takes to make a difference in that person’s life and in ours.
Professional Reviews
Wonderful Book!
This is a wonderful book. It is well organized and very well presented. The author’s unique writing style made me think I knew all of his Mamas in the book. He gave you a lot of information to think about. I recommend this book to everyone. ~ - Karen Murphy
Full of Sage Advice
This book is full of sage advice for living. It is an excellent book for seasoned mothers to affirm their role with their children and those who have been in their kitchens, for expectant mothers on what an influence they will have on their children and for every child regardless of age or gender to appreciate the wisdom that has been shared with them.
While my initial read of the book took only a few hours, it will continue to be a reference book for wisdom I can impart and guidance for how I can continue to improve myself and the perception others have of me.
Thanks for putting your pearls of “motherly love” on paper for all to enjoy and share. These pearls can be borrowed and shared as “fatherly love” or just “friendly love” and can play a role towards peace worldwide as they have no ethnic or cultural barriers.
- Linda K. 51-year old, wife, mother, and grandmother (Dallas, TX)
Compelling!
A compelling book about unconditional love in a totally new perspective. After reading this book, I am able to view my mom more positively, and I am able to express to my son more clearly why “mom” is the way she is.
This book affirms I am truly a blessing. Feeling positive brings positive results – Amazing Book!
- Sylvia Delua Saenz, MED (Arlington, TX)
In "A Touch of Your Presence" are words that would inspire, encourage and strengthen one's soul when faced with challenges and difficulties and to know the awesomeness of God's power.
