Endorsements

“Crossings is an extraordinary collection of 12 short stories that delve deep into the lives of ordinary individuals confronted with extraordinary circumstances. Each story masterfully captures a pivotal moment – what the author calls “crossings” – where the characters’ choices lead to profound, and often unexpected, consequences.

The beauty of this book lies in its ability to portray the moral dilemmas faced by its characters in ways that feel deeply authentic. These are not superheroes or larger-than-life figures but people who could be our neighbours, colleagues, or even ourselves. As the stories unfold, we are drawn into their struggles, their hopes, and the difficult decisions that alter the trajectories of their lives.

Through these tales, Crossings reminds readers of the fragile and unpredictable nature of life. The prose is crisp yet evocative, balancing emotional depth with an understated elegance. The author’s keen observation of human behaviour and his skill in depicting life’s uncertainties  make each story resonate long after the final page is turned.

This collection serves as a poignant reflection on the crossroads we all face and the ways in which our choices – no matter how small – can ripple outward to shape our futures. It is a book that invites introspection and lingers in the mind, urging us to consider the moral fabric of our own lives.

Crossings is not just a book to read but an experience to cherish. It’s perfect for those who appreciate thought-provoking stories that blend the ordinary with the profound. It is highly recommended for anyone who seeks to explore the complexity and beauty of the human spirit.”

Carmee Lim
Former Principal
Raffles Girls’ School Mentor Principal, MindChamps Preschool

“I know Willie as a car park warden at Holy Family Church. He often wears sunglasses. After reading, I cannot help but see him differently as a keen observer of the human condition. His twelve stories are supposed to be fictitious but must be based on real life in Singapore. They are too real and too ordinary. Each is bitter-sweet; each incorporates the moral dilemmas confronting us in our journey on earth.

I eat at Crossings Café with friends because it is conveniently across where I practise Chinese calligraphy every week. I like some of the dishes on the menu (like nasi lemak) and also the clean toilet. I also like Crossings Café because it is a social enterprise which reminds me to be patient and understanding. The book’s Prologue talks about the establishment of Crossings Café, which had its challenges. The Epilogue set also at the café however takes us to a different place where many loose ends in the twelve chapters are tied together. In his delicious  little  book, Willie reminds us that life is “a crossing.”

George Yeo
Former Minister for Foreign Affairs

“While better known for his books on social and business issues, Willie Cheng proves himself a master storyteller. Channelling his keen observation and imagination into 12 short stories, this delightful collection captures the vagaries of Singaporean life with humour, heart, wit and unexpected twists. Both enjoyable and edifying, readers will discover a rich tapestry of characters and familiar settings, with valuable insights woven into the narrative.”

Lee Suan Hiang
Former CEO, National Arts Council

“These well-crafted stories are imbued with Singapore sensibilities and highlight familiar dilemmas. From situations of filial piety to the inter-cultural problems of migrant workers, Willie Cheng looks fearlessly at life on our little Red Dot.”

Meira Chand
Novelist
Recipient, 2023 Cultural Medallion

“I just can’t put the book down. Willie Cheng’s anecdotes are riveting, with crisp dialogues of people caught in a dilemma, an irony, a twist, or a difficult moment in life.

Through his articulate storytelling, Willie advocates personal values such as filial love, perseverance, justice, fortitude, empathy and kindness.

The book title reminds me of the poignant scene in the movie Scent of a Woman where the main character, played by Academy Award winner Al Pacino, helped a young man who was at “the crossroad of his life” facing injustice.

The stories in Crossings have the effect of inviting us to reflect on how we might have conducted ourselves in the situations depicted. And they inspire us to tell stories of our own, perhaps at Crossings Cafe.”

Professor Lim Soo Ping
Former Auditor-General of Singapore
Bestselling Author of Clearly Write and Clearly Speak

“With Crossings, Willie Cheng has revealed a hidden talent for story-telling. I have known Willie for decades and have been well aware of his organisational accomplishments. I started to read Crossings expecting to read just another book by another friend. I surprised myself, wanting to read more, unable to put the book down until I finished each story, and then eager to read the next.

His stories are delightful and yet provoking. They have an unapologetically local flavour, with a generous splash of local dialects and a command for the various variations of Singlish that gives these stories both a homely feel and the insights of an insider. And yet the imagined, non-historical scenarios are so realistic that they might as well have been extricated from real-life events. The stories are not meant only to please but also to discomfort, challenging readers to face the inconvenient, uncomfortable realities of Singapore. In the process, they educate and provide moral lessons without being moralistic.

The art of provoking was so well executed by Jesus and yet so much forgotten by Christians today. Thank you, Willie, for bringing this art alive again and delighting us in the process.

Reverend Father David Garcia, O.P 
Moral Theologian

“This book of short stories focuses a fictional lens on the social fabric of Singapore. The stories effectively hold a mirror up to our society, provoking deeper thought on the family and societal issues highlighted. There are also some surprising twists that challenge expectations and leave a lasting impression.

As someone who has worked exclusively in story for the past 26 years, I feel that the characters and situations in this book of short stories will connect and resonate with Singaporeans. Engaging, insightful and real, these stories touched my heart.”

Sheila Wilson-Wee
Founding Director, Federation of Asian Storytellers

“As a Computer Science graduate, I first knew of Willie Cheng in the early 1990s when he was heading Andersen Consulting in Singapore. And later, our paths crossed again when he wrote a foreword for the anthology Passages: Stories of Unspoken Journeys (Ethos Books, 2013), which I had edited for its commissioner, Singapore Writers Festival.

So I was pleasantly surprised to read this book of fiction he authored – chockful of urban dilemmas that scale the gamut of genres from social realism to even speculative fiction. All stories are written in a clear and crisp style that is easy to read, reflecting inspirations drawn from Cheng’s own storied career and life experiences, aided by a healthy dose of imagination. “

Yong Shu Hong
Educator and Poet
Winner, 2024 Singapore Literature Prize in English Poetry