Reviews

“A candid and uplifting story of a great Canadian”

“I read Frank's story of his life - thus far - with a great sense of how rewarding it must be to take the time and thoughtfulness to consider your whole life's experiences up to the present and be able to stand back and reflect on the people and events that have shaped your life. Frank's stories draw us intimately into his childhood memories, his family and friends, and the mentors and colleagues who have supported, encouraged and guided his aspirations. I especially enjoy his chapter 3: Growing Up. He tells us about growing up in a unique world - Hong Kong under British rule, China's Communist upheaval, Taiwan's independence - all major world events. Nevertheless he did the crazy, fun things we all do in our growing up time. He draws us in to his experiences and shares them with us and we come to know him better!”

— Claudia Chowaniec (January 29, 2014)

Claudia Chowaniec, PhD, is the author of Memoir of Mourning: Journey through Grief and Loss to Renewal

“An insightful and heart-warming book on a life's journey of the East meets the West”

“Pray Standing is an exceptional book that guides the reader through a chronology of historically significant events that coincided with the life experiences of its author, Mr. Frank Ling. From witnessing the military rise and fall of the Empire of the Sun during World War II to his personal journeys to Europe and Asia, as well as realizing the American dream and attaining a Harvard education, and finally settling in a life of personal, professional, and familial fulfillment in his adopted homeland of Canada, Mr. Ling provides an in-depth look into life's many challenges and opportunities faced by a foreign student and an immigrant, which subsequently led him to become an acclaimed architect who crossed paths with some of Canada's most distinguished politicians, while shaping his quest to support public and community services that exemplified the commitment and accomplishments of a Canadian citizen of foreign origin. With the economic rise of China and the continued interest in the study of the Middle Kingdom and its people by many in the West, Pray Standing offers an invaluable insight into the resilience, work ethic, commitment, and loyalty of an ethnic Chinese-turned-Canadian who persevered over life's rugged journey and triumphed to become a model citizen of his adopted homeland. This book is particularly recommended for readers who are interested in understanding why Asians are often coined the Model Minority in the West, while endeavoring to bridge the cultural gap between the East and West in modern time.”

— Kingman K. Wong, PhD (March 22, 2014)

“A fascinating and inspirational life story”

“Bill Clinton (former United State President) suggested that everyone who reaches the age of 50 should write their life story and stated “...Writing down memories can be a great benefit to the next generation...". 'Pray Standing' is a superb model of memories of life experiences, history and wisdom which transforms into inspiration, knowledge and counsel. The details are simply astonishing. Mr. Ling continues to be a trend setter; perhaps his memoirs ‘Pray Standing’ will encourage more people to follow suit and share their valuable life experiences. Thank you kindly — the knowledge will endure!”

— Daniel G. Levesque (February 28, 2014)

“Fun, meaningful and educational”

"This is a vivid account of a global life that spans seven decades (since World War II in the 1940's) and three continents (Asia, Europe and North America). It covers the intricate cultures of the East and the West, the world history of the period, and the moving personal experience that includes tears, decisions, responsibilities, struggles, moves, marriage, professional growth and community service. Particularly noteworthy are accounts related to a traditional Chinese family headed by the grandfather, a wise and inspirational mother, a loving and providing uncle, challenging schooling in British Hong Kong, architectural training in England, urban planning training in the U.S., professional work, career development, immigration to Canada, and extraordinary success as a Chinese Canadian. The book is full of details, which make the book alive, valuable and touching. The parts related to the love and sacrifice of the mother and the uncle are so touching that they may drive tears out of the readers. The book is also very well written and organized, with interesting information in every paragraph. In addition, the book includes valuable photos. It is fun, meaningful and educational to read this book."

— Deborah Chung, PhD (June 15, 2014)