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Cheers to Fictional Friends on International Friendship Day

Posted on July 30, 2024 by simransingh

While your friends in real life might not be out there saving the world, fighting evil, scamming tourists or solving mysteries- rest assured that your fictional friends will always take you on an unforgettable adventure. This International Friendship Day, we are celebrating fictional friendships that you will cherish forever.

Julian Kee and his friends from the Prophecy of the Underworld series

We met the gang in Book 1 – Prophecy of the Underworld where Julian led his friends into the Underworld to retrieve a magical rock that can save their world. This fast-paced adventure is full of exciting twists and turns.

In Book 2 – The Library of No Return, Julian and his friends Mia and Ryan return for yet another hilarious and adventure-filled jaunt to the Underworld where their help is required to deal with a crisis.

In Book 3 – The Twin Blades of Doom, the gang is set to save the Underworld a third time. The fun, laughter and adventure continue in the third and final book of the series Julain tries to make a plan that can resolve the problems of the Underworld once and for all.

Maya, Chong and Rohan from Frappes for Three

A story of an unlikely trio whose paths cross at university where they become good friends. Maya wants to become a writer, Chong is a stylish fashionista who wants to make her mark on the fashion world and Rohan comes from a middle-class family and the pressure of making something of himself. While each has their own dreams and aspirations, they also have to deal with family expectations. What helps most in such situations? Having close friends! This is a story of love, loss and self-discovery where no matter what happens, these friends are always going to be there for each other.

Nathan, Junie and Sachin from The Fraught Lives of Nathan Kwan and Lapsang Souchong

Cousins Nathan and Junie along with their friend Sachin are labeled as bookish nerds by the popular kids in their school. However, when a new student Aida, who is glamourous and fashionable befriends them, their popularity also goes up. Sounds like a sweet high school drama, doesn’t it? But when Nathan’s beloved cat goes missing the gang reunites in search of it and discovers that their quaint neighborhood is hiding dark secrets. The story merges the charm of old-school mystery, adventure and folklore; with complex Millennial characters.

Carmen, Hai and Marina from Hue City

Carmen, a twenty-five-year-old college dropout; Marina, a wealthy Singaporean yearning for a new life and love along with Hai, a receptionist, tout and part-time pimp together make up the notorious Ativan Gang. They are scammers who befriend tourists so they can drug them and rob them. Now, for some friends group activities involve going to the movies, having dinner or having picnics together but for Carmen, Hai and Marina it’s all about achieving their goals one way or another.

Keix, Zej, Pod and Vin from The Night of Legends and The Light of Stars

Friends are always meant to have your back and get you out of bad situations and these books are all about that.

In The Night of Legends Keix is rescued from an underground prison by her friends Zej and Pod and is determined to rescue her best friend Vin. Her captor is the very organisation that she had joined as a trainee soldier as a teenager. Keix, who is dealing with memory loss recovers thanks to the care given to her friends and sets off on a journey to figure out what exactly is going down in this organisation.

In The Light of Stars, the friends are back together to defend each other and take revenge for all the misdoings from the past. We love a story of friends coming together to save and protect each other.

Did you find any friendship story that tugged at your heartstrings? Get your copies now.

Fall in love and feel the thrill with our rainy-day recommendations

Posted on July 17, 2024July 17, 2024 by simransingh

There’s lightning in the sky, the wind is blowing, and rain drops fog up your windows. What do you do next? Make a warm beverage and pick up a book of course, because there is no better way to spend a rainy day other than reading! And, we know exactly what you need to read.

Experience the romance of rain and thrill of thunder with these books.

Romance of Rain

Love on the Second Read

A tenacious romance book editor meets a nerdy sci-fi and fantasy book editor and they’re made to work together on a manuscript. With meddling besties and the drama of ex-lovers, this book is an absolute treat for book lovers who want a dreamy romance in the publishing world.

Rebels, Traitors, Peacemakers

Stories that will bring all the warmth on a cold rainy day! Read how love tries to conquer all in a series of true stories about Indian-Chinese relationships spread across the world. Learn about their struggles, conflicts, triumphs and connections. Disclaimer: keep tissues handy.

Finding Us Again

A story about high school lovers who got separated but the boy leaves messages for the girl behind photos in hotels. Sounds romantic, doesn’t it? But true love is never that simple. With new partners by their side and a series of serendipitous events, things can go either way for the protagonists.

Thrill of Thunder

Horror, He Wrote

Love, betrayal, murder, redemption – sounds like the perfect recipe for a thriller, doesn’t it? With this read, you get more. With spine chilling twists and turns involving the lives of a ghost who returns to tell her story, a failing writer, a murdered twin and more, this book is one you won’t be able to put down.

The Showgirl and The Minister

Enter Sydney in 1966, where a former Chief Minister is missing, and a young stripper gets involved in his disappearance. Read how the private detective untangles this mystery while fighting his own demons in this story inspired by the real-life disappearance of Chief Minister Lim Yew Hock.

The American Boyfriend

The idea of travelling across the world to meet your long-distance boyfriend sounds perfect until it involves a mysterious murder and tragic robbery. Especially when you are a single mother with a toddler. When things go dark, it’s tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel and you will find it hard to put this book down.

Found something you can’t wait to start reading?

It’s time to cozy up with these perfect rainy-day reads.

Pre-Release: Read an exclusive excerpt from The Power Above Us All, before anyone else!

Posted on July 12, 2024July 16, 2024 by simransingh

Here is a sneak-peak! Read an exclusive excerpt from The Power Above Us All by Ronaldo S. Vivo Jr, translated by Karl R. de Mesa. A novel of ordinary decent criminals and extraordinarily brutal cops weaving together and colliding inside the giant slum of ‘Dreamland’, within the megalopolis of Metro Manila, Philippines.

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In this moment three things remain bright in my memory. Three things only: Che’s smile, my final reminder to my friend Buldan, and the scent and taste of the soup of a disgusting toilet mixed with, hell, the taste of someone’s hotdog-shaped shit—some pig cop from precinct nine.

Past midnight. Outside the San Joaquin 7-Eleven, Buldan and I were hanging steady. Smoking, watching. Across the street two uniformed pigs were walking to where we stood. We kept conversing calmly but we were nervous at their approach. Both police officers walked past us and straight into the 7-Eleven. We exhaled, relieved. Both of us also concurred that it was time to change locations.

That was till we noticed the commotion inside. I told Buldan to see what was up. Just the two pigs arguing loudly with two teen boys, he said, and that the young men both looked way too smooth-skinned to be any good if a fight went down.

Well, I thought, it’s good timing these two teenage dirt bags showed up. We wouldn’t need to move at all now.

Seconds later, another young man exited the convenience store. He looked no older than nineteen to me, if a day. Quick tap on Buldan’s shoulder. He returned my gesture with a nod. Before we walked on, I handed him another stick of Fortune Lights. Buldan slotted the cigarette behind his right earlobe, then he pushed off in the same direction our third teen went. I remained at the 7-Eleven, continuing to surveil the two police officers inside.

When I finished my cigarette—still waiting for Buldan’s text message—I stepped into the convenience store. Time to cool myself with the air-conditioning and also get closer to see what was what.

I sat on one of the dining area’s chairs and eavesdropped on the exchange. Ah, the teens were being hassled for IDs. The stylishly bearded youths already had curly-haired legs despite their smooth appearance and yet they were still being asked for IDs for the beer they wanted to buy. Clever pigs. Whatever happened next, the two police would come away with some extra cash for their meth-buying money.

Not ten minutes in I got a text from Buldan saying to meet back at the room.

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To find out what happens next, pre-order The Power Above Us All.

Read an exclusive excerpt from Reputations of Value

Posted on June 24, 2024July 16, 2024 by simransingh

Employees’ use of social media can be a source of authentic and interesting content that helps to tell the corporate story. It can also represent a source of reputational risk. Manson said, ‘I think there’s some companies you need to worry about this, but for the vast majority you don’t. I love British Airways, who were my client at one point, and they had this amazing group of pilots who were making fantastic films by sticking a GoPro in their cockpit and making total aeroplane geek content, but it had a big audience, and the pilots were known in the community and really beloved. However, British Airlines had a problem not too long ago where they rolled out some new uniforms and a bunch of employees went on Twitter and complained about the uniforms. As a result of that they rolled out a new social media policy banning employees from using social media during working hours, which probably wouldn’t have helped with the uniform issue and stopped the pilots from posting their videos. I think you have to just let people be themselves and give them some security guidelines, give some behaviour guidelines but be permissive rather than prohibitive.’

While acknowledging the value of being permissive rather than prohibitive, there is a range of practical guidelines for any company to consider. These include:

Avoiding the instance of employees having their personal social media platforms) being mistaken as an official company social media platform. However, they should be able to identify themselves as being an employee for the company on those platforms that request users to identify their employer, the most obvious current example being LinkedIn.
It is a good thing if employees wish to advocate on behalf of the company by sharing company-approved content relating to specific announcements, events, news, and milestones. The nuance is that posts/ comments that are personal opinions, for instance in relation to political issues, should not be confused as representing the position of company itself.
If employees wish to establish a social media platform that officially represents company rather than the employee themself, then they should obtain prior approval from the company.
Ensuring employees never disguise themselves as a customer or try to conceal their employment relationship with the company if promoting its products and services on any social media platforms.

A systematic training programme will help to ensure employees have a good understanding of the company’s policies and guidelines and feel well-equipped to follow them.

Reputations of Value serves as a guide for those wanting to better understand how companies can operate on a stronger, more resilient, and authentic basis in the face of a dynamic and unpredictable landscape. Get a copy today and learn from the experts – the value of reputation and how to maintain it!

Unique Gift Ideas for Dads

Posted on June 10, 2024 by garima

Dads have always been treating us since we were kids! It’s time for you to treat your dad with a thoughtful present that’s perfect for him. Share your love for books by getting your dad, yes you guessed it right, a book!

For dads who live corporate lives

This book examines the profound pen impact of corporate reputations on any company’s ability to advance its business agenda over time. It has insights from experts around the world and serves as a guide for those wanting to better understand how companies can operate on a stronger, more resilient, and authentic basis. It might sound serious to you but could be exactly what he needs.

For dads who love adventure

Is your dad the type who always wants to plan outdoor activities for the family? Like hiking, biking and exploring nature. Then this book is definitely a ‘step’ in the right direction. It is the biography of a Sherpa who went from being a village boy to an environmentalist. He has climbed twenty-one peaks over 8,000 metres, including eight ascents of Everest and has a story worth devouring.

For dads who are entrepreneurs

Is your dad a self-made man who makes you proud? This book, which talks about the two largest companies in the world – Amazon and Walmart. It’s lucid and well researched with inputs that will surely inspire the reader with every chapter.

For dads who are proud feminists

Are you blessed with a feminist dad? Then this book will make a perfect gift for him. It is written by two finance professionals who spoke to 24 powerful women about their struggles with making money and keeping it, their sometimes-uncomfortable relationship with the all-powerful dollar, and how they’ve come to terms with, even celebrate, their financial and personal status in the world.

For dads who are Zen

Here’s the perfect gift for dads who never shout, always stay calm, help you out, make you understand things in a sensitive manner and are basically Zen. This book talks about personal experiences, spirituality, the wisdom of water, Daoist principles and is essentially a guide to deeper harmony.

Found the perfect gift? Order it online or find it at bookstores near you.

Hot Reads To Cool Down With This Summer

Posted on May 24, 2024July 16, 2024 by garima

Summer is here, which means long sunny days and sultry hot nights. It’s the time of the year to explore, discover and reinvent yourself. One simple way to do all those things without moving much is through books! You explore new worlds, discover new ideologies and reinvent yourself by getting inspired by the characters you meet.

What we have for you here is a list of new books that will put you in a good mood this summer!

Little Hero

Enter the world of post-war Singapore in 1945. The protagonist, Ying Xiong is a seven-year-old boy has to navigate his childhood alone after certain mishaps, but he does so with strength and vigour, making him the Little Hero we come to love and support by the end of the book. Merely 98 pages long, this book can be devoured in no time and perfect for a hot summer’s day. While the story is mostly fiction, it is also inspired by the real-life events of the author’s family.

Harmony Heights

Heat things up this summer with this spicy, saucy and fun read. Harmony Heights as a summer read will not disappoint you. It will take you straight to a bourgeois Malaysian society filled with secrets and drama. If you love getting and spilling the tea, then this book is perfect for you. Take it on vacation, or read it at home, it is suitable for any place and any time.

Death and the Maiden

Imagine a ghost falling for the messenger of Death. Sounds like a story that will keep you hooked, doesn’t it? Death and the Maiden is Stella’s journey hung in the afterlife in which they live in an abandoned tower in the middle of the capital, have the same routine daily and keeps wondering why the Reaper hasn’t sent their soul away yet. Of course there are secrets, and you’ll spend your summer days and nights finding out what they are.

Deplorable Conversations with Cats and Other Distractions

A story about a talking cat? Yes please! This is the story of Lucky Lee and his dead sister Pearl’s cat Coconut, who starts talking to him. The conversations are not as simple as you might assume. Coconut goes from questioning Lucky’s food and fashion choices to asking about Pearl’s death and hogging his TV. Go on a journey of loss, grief, self-doubt and healing with the extremely well-defined characters of Deplorable Conversations with Cats and Other Distractions.

Have I Got Something To Tell You

Have I Got Something To Tell You is a collection of stories that explore the intersections and conflicts in family lives and sexuality that are typical in contemporary Asian societies, yet also universal. The stories are set from post-independent Malaysia to the early decades of the 21st century, the Covid-19 pandemic years which adds a wide variety to them.

Zarra and the Twelve Realms of Kayangan

A classic reimagined fairytale meets Malaysian folklore in this gripping middle-grade book. It’s a magical world of an evil aunt, a fairy godmother and a parallel universe with life-changing secrets where the FMC, Zarra has a mission to accomplish. The book will truly transport you into its fascinating world with every page, making a great literary escape for the summer.

Horror, He Wrote

A ghost writer who’s a real ghost of a woman scorned, a struggling writer out of inspiration, a tale of vengeance – are just some ways to describe the incredibly intriguing characters of this story. This is a page-turning novel where murder mystery meets horror and all you’ll want is to lock yourself in your room and read it from cover to cover. The twists and turns brought about by the actions of the characters will send chills down your spine.

Yangon Days

Travel to a different world with a book this summer. Yangon, previously known as Rangoon and the formal capital of Myanmar is one of the major commercial cities in Southeast Asia. This extremely engaging book consists of twenty-six stories that revolve around ordinary locals. Th daily and family lives filled with happiness and follies and simple humanity will tug at your heart strings.

The Dao of Flow

The hottest season calls hydration and while The Dao of Flow is a book that talks about the ancient wisdom of water, it’s not as simple as you think. This book will pull you into the author’s physical, spiritual and intellectual journey through the years. The themes of ancient philosophy and mindfulness along with the Doaist principles of living life will truly help you reinvent yourself this summer.

Have you found one or more books to add to your summer tbr yet?

Get your copies online or at a bookstore near you.

Q&A with Bookstagram Content Creators from Southeast Asia

Posted on April 30, 2024April 30, 2024 by garima

Hello readers!

Today we have with us your favourite bookish content creators talking about their journey on Bookstagram. Keep reading to find out their tips and tricks of content creation.

What is the biggest challenge you face as a book content creator?

Puty says: In Indonesia, books are not among the most popular content categories. If we want to reach a wider audience, not only the bookish community, we must make the content relatable and not only about the book itself. There were times when I worried if I oversimplified things just to make the content engaging. However, when the content reached people who don’t usually read books and got them interested, it felt very fulfilling for me.

Antonia says: As a book content creator (in the Philippines), the biggest challenge I face is constantly being active on my page and always trying to be on the good side of the algorithm amidst the daily hustles of life and reading schedules outside these social media platforms. Yet, it’s a learning process and we cannot, on all occasions, be on the bright side. Acceptance makes everything easier and when feeling lost, internalize and go back to why you even started your page in the first place. It will make you feel grounded, wholesome, and inspired again.

Czarina says: I think the biggest challenge is trying to start your account, in the first place; all your self-doubt gets to you before you even begin making one. To be honest, it gets easier once you finally decide to cross that line, find your own pace, find your own aesthetic. After all, there is no clear-cut rule when it comes to content creation: the more you post, the more you hone your creativity. The only thing you need to do first is let go of your inhibitions and take that first step.

Meg says: I definitely feel deflated at times while building a reading community and retaining the audience. I know it is very much out of a creator’s control if the algorithm is not necessarily showing your content to the people who follow you (same goes with your following! I rarely see some of my booksta friends’ posts nowadays if I don’t search for them), but of course this pushes me to think out of the box and experiment with other styles, types of posts etc. that stretches out from what I usually do, and it is always rewarding to see it finally pay off! Every obstacle is a learning opportunity for me, and I would love to continue tackling these problems and improve my content that I put out for sure!

Grace says: I would say my biggest challenge is finding the balance in life to keep up with books, writing, and creating content. I admit I have days where I just run out of inspiration. The dry spell feels extremely horrible, no sugar coating it. However, I always use this period to gather back my drive, whether it’s through changing my current read, going to a library/bookstore in town, or putting on my go-to playlists. Pinterest is also my best friend, because there’s always a wide variety of ideas I can find on the platform! Having said that, I hope I will eventually find (and cultivate) a rhythm which suits me best.

Kriti says: The biggest challenge for me is keeping up with the latest trends and keeping up with the ‘trendy’ books! Bookish content is not just about book reviews these days, it’s also about ‘aesthetics’ and making content that goes viral. Following the new trends that are going viral on the platform is a challenge in itself. Then there’s not giving into the number game, to not let all these things affect what you read and how to make and engage with content. At the end of the day, bookish content is all about reading and talking about books you love.

What is that one tip or advice you would like to share with budding content creators on Bookstagram/BookTok?

Puty says: Start small and with books that interest you. Building an audience takes time, so trust the process. At the end of the day, the content of the books you read may serve as your reading log, and it may help someone to discover their new favorite book.

Antonia says: Always aim to be your most authentic self and make it your core etiquette as you grow and thrive in this community, especially in these fast-paced and ever-changing platforms that we use. Give credit where it’s due and do it with modesty, elegance, and grace at all times.

Czarina says: Consistency. I know this one is overplayed but consistency when it comes to posting does not necessarily mean doing it everyday—it is about setting a set of days when you can commit to posting. In my case, I try to upload photos and reels around 3-4 times a week at a time that is convenient to me.

Meg says: Find your own niche and build your bookstagram brand around it! Explore what you love posting most and stick with that because the last thing you wanna feel is too burnt out to create content! In short, create content that you love!

Grace says: Stay determined and focused on your goals on these platforms, but most importantly, enjoy what you’re reading and build friendships! Some of my favorite books and several longest lasting connections were discovered and formed through bookstagram. I love this community so much.

Kriti says: Read books you love, talk about them, focus on meeting like-minded people, and don’t let the number game get to you. And my two cents on content creation: if you want to make more content, you also have to consume more content to come up with new ideas.

That’s all for today, folks!

Question for you: Would you rather live in the world of the book you’re reading or hang out with the characters of your current read? Click here to watch some fun responses!

Read an exclusive excerpt from Mark Powell’s STEP BY STEP

Posted on April 16, 2024July 16, 2024 by garima

On the 25th of April 2015, as the sun bathed the Himalayan expanse in its warm, golden embrace, the sky painted itself in a flawless shade of blue. Only the gentlest wisp of clouds dared to mar its perfection.

Although thin at this lofty altitude, the air felt remarkably crisp, as if it had been freshly plucked from the lips of celestial beings. Everything seemed to align, heralding the perfect opportunity for a summit attempt— a window of hope amidst the towering challenges of Mount Everest.

But as fate would have it, the serenity of that moment was about to be shattered. Suddenly, the very ground beneath us began to quiver and shake as though a stampede of a hundred fully laden yaks bore down upon us. I lifted my gaze toward the glacier, my eyes widening in disbelief. What had once been a serene, glistening expanse had transformed into a monstrous juggernaut, a titanic wall of white, thundering toward us with terrifying velocity. It was a tidal wave of destruction, a torrent of snow, ice, and rock, a behemoth of nature’s fury unleashed, hurtling at a breakneck speed, perhaps eighty feet high, or even more. It was an avalanche, an explosive force born of a cataclysmic event—a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that had struck Nepal and its neighbouring lands.

As the avalanche bore down upon Everest Base Camp, I was torn between knowing and not wanting to believe. A sense of powerlessness overcame me. The monstrous avalanche devoured the mountain and everything in its path, from the tents to the people who had been upon it. It felt like the very earth had opened up, swallowed everything whole, and closed its gaping maw, leaving only devastation and despair behind.

I felt my heart plummet within my chest. With a heavy heart, I knew the avalanche would have devoured everyone and everything that stood in its way. Two expeditions had been on the mountain, their members residing around Camp 2. My thoughts raced to the grim reality of the situation-people had most likely lost their lives. Avalanches had visited this sacred peak before, but this one, I feared, would be the most merciless of them all.

As the chaos unfolded around me, Everest Base Camp, the place I had come to know so well, was irrevocably altered. Familiar landmarks that once provided a sense of orientation were now conspicuously absent.

The Norwegian trekking company, Jagged Globe, with its distinctive blue and white banner, the well-trodden trail leading to Crampon Point-gone. A nightmarish landscape of rock and ice debris lay in their place, shrouded in a dense, eerie fog that clung to the camp like a ghostly shroud. The snow began falling as if Nature wept for the horrors she had unleashed.

As I took in the surreal, post-apocalyptic scene, the memory of another tragedy struck me just a year prior, in 2014, sixteen Sherpas had perished in the Khumbu Icefall. How could such a calamity repeat itself?

Was it the mountain’s way of reminding us of our fragility, of our audacity in intruding upon its sacred domain?

Step by Step is the biography of Pemba Gelje Sherpa, written by Mark Powell. The book will take you on an incredible journey of a village boy who conquered Everest and became a renowned guide and environmentalist. Get a copy to read his captivating story.

Read an excerpt from Rogelio Sicat’s Dugo Sa Bukang-Liwayway (Bleeding Sun)

Posted on April 10, 2024July 16, 2024 by garima

Old wounds felt fresh again. Simon let out a loud sigh.

He looked at Duardo, who was cowardly. If Duardo had not stopped him at the cemetery, he could have retaliated on behalf of his parents.

The next day, he went to look for the graves again. He had to; he just did not know why. He stayed there for hours. He stared at the cemented fence around Paterno Borja’s property; he did not even try to go near it. Tears began to form in the corner of his eyes.

Were you able to find them, son?’ asked the old man whom Simon had talked to the previous day.

Simon shook his head. People started arriving at the cemetery to clean the tombs of their loved ones. Tomorrow, the cemetery would be full of people offering prayers for their departed loved ones.

Simon did not linger at the cemetery for long. He left hurriedly. At the gate, he saw a horse carriage parked.

Is there a vacant seat?’ he asked the old coachman.

The man pointed at the vacant seat beside a grieving woman.

‘I need a ride.’

Simon climbed into the horse carriage and it sped away at the height of noon. They travelled across the downtown streets. The horse never changed its pace. The coachman continued to whip it, too.

The coachman heaved loudly upon reaching the rural area.

Wait for me, Simon told the coachman upon reaching Ka Tindeng’s hut. He jumped off. He grabbed his remaining pieces of clothing from the midwife’s house and set off.

‘Where are you going, Simon?’ asked Ka Tindeng, who was shocked. Hulyan, Duardo, and Saling watched as the two talked.

‘I’m leaving for Manila again, Ka Tindeng.’ Simon embraced her. ‘I will go back to Manila, Ka Tindeng. I will not

return without a plan for vengeance. I swear, Ka Tindeng.’

Simon went out and got into the horse carriage. The coachman once again whipped the horse. Simon passed by his former hut, but did not look back. He met some farmers on his way, but he did not greet them. He held on tightly to the window of the carriage.

Bleeding Sun is a gripping story of a farmer’s son who grows up motherless, loses his father, runs away from home and comes back with a silent revenge. Get a copy of this latest addition to our Southeast Asian Classics today!

Read an excerpt from Raju Chellam’s The Singapore Strain

Posted on April 5, 2024July 16, 2024 by garima

Cory pushed off the blanket and shivered as the chilly draft from the air conditioner penetrated her flimsy nightgown. She wondered whether the aircon was the reason for her recent migraines, especially at night. Or was she coming down with the flu? Again?

She plodded towards the bathroom, paused before the switch, and decided not to turn on the light. The faint illumination filtering through the window cast a calming glow upon the space. She felt a wave of relief as she sat on the cold toilet seat and relieved herself.

With her head nestled in her hands, she drifted into a drowsy state. Time stretched and blurred, an indeterminate period of restful tranquillity enveloping her. Yet, just as her fatigue began to consume her, her head sank forward, jolting her abruptly awake, as if some dark force had yanked her from the depths of sleep.

Alamak?, I went to sleep on the darn toilet bowl? Crap!

She laughed aloud as she pushed the flush lever and then dragged herself back to the bedroom.

Must crank up the thermostat.

Must not sleep on the toilet seat.

Must drink some water.

She waddled to the kitchen and picked up the steel water bottle; a stray beam of light streaming in through the window glinted off the bottle cap and made it look like a spacecraft with pilots ready to lift off.

Just as she was about to take a swig, she heard a scurrying sound that made her freeze in fright.

Hesitantly, Cory switched on the kitchen light.

Is that a rat?

A roach?

A lizard?

A ghost?

The Singapore Strain, authored by Raju Chellam is a fictional story about a new and scary variant of Covid-19 that changes the victims’ DNA and alters perceptions and attitudes to make them environmental activists. Get a copy to read this page-turning story today!

Now available via Amazon.sg & Kinokuniya Singapore.

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