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8 Singaporean Authors We’re Reading This Singapore National Day

Posted on August 9, 2024 by simransingh

It’s Singapore’s 59^th birthday and this calls for a big celebration. Here’s a spotlight on 8 Singaporean authors who have written books that have been celebrated by readers all over.

Emily Lim-Leh

Emily Lim-Leh lost her voice to a rare voice affliction Spasmodic Dysphonia in 1998. In her journey to recover her lost voice, she found a God-given voice in writing when she was a winner in the Singapore Book Council’s Publishing Initiative in 2007 for her debut picture book. Emily has authored over forty children’s picture books. She is the first person outside North America to win three IPPY Awards in children’s books, and the first in Southeast Asia to win the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award. Emily was named Mediacorp’s Singapore Woman Award Honoree for inspiring readers through her books. Little Hero is Emily’s first adventure in writing a children’s chapter book and is inspired by her family’s stories.

Jack Sim

Widely known as Mr Toilet, Jack Sim broke the global taboo around toilets and sanitation. He founded the World Toilet Organization (WTO), a global non-profit working towards a world with clean, safe toilets and sanitation for everyone, everywhere, at all times. Born in a slum in Singapore in 1957, he learned entrepreneurship and gumption from his uneducated mother who started a series of small businesses. He was also inspired by the gumption of Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and grew up watching the amazing transformation of his country from third-world to first. His book The Gumption of Mr. Toilet is set to release end of August 2024 and will take you on his inspiring journey.

Uma Rudd Chia

Uma Rudd Chia is Executive Creative Director and Cofounder of KVUR, a boutique advertising agency specialising in beauty, fashion and innovation brands. She is a highly awarded creative and a sought-after global keynote speaker specialising on the topics of technology, innovation, women empowerment and creativity. Her book, The Spotted Zebra contains her life learnings from being different through a turn of events and life-changing encounters, and how she learned to embrace and accept her differences and become all that she is-wife, mother, keynote speaker, author, cofounder of Singapore’s coolest women run advertising agency and a notorious rule breaker.

H.Y. Poon

H Y Poon is a civil servant living in Singapore. In a few decades of service, he has held various appointments with government agencies working in an eclectic mix of areas such as manpower policy formulation, finance, investment promotion, enterprise development, and biodiversity conservation. Her book, A Mother’s Burden is a truly captivating story of a mentally disabled boy who is found dead in a small town and all signs point to his mother, a poor and ailing widow, as the one who caused his death. The story goes on with an investigator who digs deep to find the truth against the odds and, in the process, discovers his own worth in a hierarchical society.

Grace Chia

Grace Chia is the author of over ten books of prose and poetry. She has been nominated for the Mslexia Novel Competition and Epigram Books Fiction Prize longlists and shortlisted for the Singapore Literature Prize (Poetry) and Singapore Book Awards, the latter for her Penguin Random House SEA novel, The Arches of Gerrard Street. Her other book with us How To Hunger is a fascinating collection of short stories that talk about how humans are hungry for love, lust and loyalty.

Danielle Lim

Danielle Lim is an award-winning author whose latest novel, All Our Brave, Earthly Scars, was published in 2022. Her short story collection, And Softly Go the Crossings, won the Book of the Year as well as Best Literary Work in the Singapore Book Awards 2021. Another novel was shortlisted for Best Literary Work in the Singapore Book Awards 2019. Her memoir won the Singapore Literature Prize 2016 (non-fiction) and has been translated into Chinese and Tamil, and published in Taiwan and India. The Publishers Weekly (US) listed Danielle as one of Singapore’s top writers in 2016.

O Thiam Chin

O Thiam Chin is the author of three novels and six collections of short fiction. His debut novel won the inaugural Epigram Books Fiction Prize in 2015. His work has appeared in Granta, The Cincinnati Review, Manoa, The Brooklyn Rail, QLRS, World Literature Today and elsewhere. He has published two books with Penguin Random House SEA, We Are Not Alone Here and The Dogs are extremely captivating stories that relay the workings and complexities of humans in heart-tugging ways.

Nadia Ayesha

Nadia Ayesha is an MA Creative Writing student at LASALLE College of the Arts. From her years of working in the non-profit sector, she learnt the value and meaning in every individual’s life story and was inspired to return to writing, her first love as a child. Her book Showers of Luck is inspired by a true story set in pre-war Singapore and talks about a couple who navigates societal judgment and challenges familial expectations in a brave attempt to start a new life together.

How many of these local authors have you read before?

Ever wondered why the cat is not in the Chinese Zodiac? Read this excerpt from The Fraught Lives of Nathan Kwan and Lapsang Souchong to find out.

Posted on August 8, 2024August 8, 2024 by simransingh

This International Cat Day, we are delving deep into the story behind why a cat is not part of the Chinese Zodiac. Luckily, author Tutu Dutta tells us why in her new book The Fraught Lives of Nathan Kwan and Lapsang Souchong.

Read the excerpt below to find out.

*****

Mr Kwan looked up from his handphone and interrupted their discussion again. He said, ‘Did you know that of all the domesticated animals, the cat is not included in the Chinese Zodiac? All the other common animals, even the rat, the tiger, and the snake are in!’

‘Not forgetting the mythical dragon,’ added Jin.

‘Yes, I always wondered about that,’ said Nathan thoughtfully. ‘Maybe, they didn’t like cats in China,’ he added.

Mr Kwan explained to him, ‘One of the stories of the Chinese Zodiac is that Rat tricked Cat—’

Junie interrupted her father, ‘Yes, we know, Dad!’ She recited from memory, ‘Once upon a time, the Jade Emperor invited all the animals in the world to a race. He wanted to name the years after the first twelve animals to win the race.’

‘All the animals listened very carefully to what the Jade Emperor was saying, except for Cat, who decided to take a nap while the Emperor was talking.

‘Rat told Cat that the race would only start in the afternoon. So, Cat slept while Rat slipped out at dawn. All the animals were racing furiously. Clever Rat knew that he could not win the race, so he jumped on the back of Ox. Close to the end of the race, Rat jumped off Ox and crossed the finishing line first!’

‘So, the first year of the Chinese Zodiac is the Year of the Rat!’ Jin capped the story.

His father added, ‘It seems you all can remember everything I ever said! Anyway, in the other version of the story, Rat also tricked Cat and told him that the banquet by the Buddha was the day after tomorrow so Cat missed the banquet.’

Jin stroked his chin and said, ‘Rat used strategy to win the Zodiac Race. But you can’t always use strategy to win a race in real life. You really got to practise your ass off.’

Did you know this fascinating story? If you liked what you read, get a copy of The Fraught Lives of Nathan Kwan and Lapsang Souchong online or at bookstores near you.

Read an exclusive excerpt from For The People’s Glory

Posted on August 5, 2024 by simransingh

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT

‘Old Bao, I’m glad I got you.’

‘Hongbing? To what do I owe this pleasure, a call from a mighty Party Hero?’ Bao, a friend and local tycoon based in Wose, teased.

Sigh. The Party Hero in question exhaled softly. ‘I need to call in a favour.’

‘No problem, any time! You know I owe my life to you. What do you need?’

‘I need half a million PD . . . in cash. And within an hour.’

There was silence at the other end.

‘Hello? Bao?’

‘Yes, I’m here. That’s a lot of money, in such a short space of time . . . May I ask what the money is for? Are you in some kind of trouble? I heard some rumours from my channels—’

‘Hey Bao, how long have we known each other? Have you forgotten how I’ve stuck my neck out for you?’ Hongbing countered. Then, catching his breath, he quietened down, ‘I can’t divulge the reason as it’s a state secret. It’s urgent and I wouldn’t have troubled you if it wasn’t.’

‘Don’t misunderstand, I will definitely help. Just thinking about how to gather enough cash at such short notice. Let me figure out how. I’ll ring you back on this number in ten minutes.

‘Okay, I will wait for your call. Thank you.’

Hongbing returned the handset to the fisherman. ‘You heard me, I’d know how to get the money in ten minutes. You better be prepared to take me to Seoul,’ he told the smuggler snidely.

The fisherman took a drag of his cigarette and slowly blew out a cloud of smoke. ‘Chill man,’ he glanced sideways at his tense-looking potential passenger with a smirk, ‘my vessel is ever ready. Let’s see if you get your money.’

*****

For the People’s Glory is based in a totalitarian state of Utopia. Shan Hongbing is focused on getting to the bottom of understanding some of the government’s workings and as he digs in, he realizes that all eyes are on him for asking questions. The state’s surveillance technology he reveres—which ‘keeps the citizens safe’—has now turned against him, tracking his every move at every turn to hold him in line with the Utopia’s principles.

Get your copy to read this fascinating story now.

New Books Releasing This August

Posted on August 1, 2024 by simransingh

The month of August brings to you a variety of stories ranging from grief, loss, self-discovery and fantasy to romance, horror mystery, memoirs and more. It’s an absolute treat for readers looking to add new books to their TBR and especially for those who love reading different genres of books.

Here are the books releasing this month:

Worship The Body

Written by the two-time Philippine National Book Award winner Alvin Yapan, this book explores human relationships and sexualities. Told from different but interlocking points of view, the story becomes a song complete with recurring refrains and a coda, intimating that there are silences to the body that are essential to our understanding of happiness.

The Summer of Letting Go

Written by Catherine Dellosa, this story is about loss, grief and self-discovery in a heartwarming way. When eighteen-year-old Kali’s uncle dies in a car accident, her world stops. She begins to see the ghost of her uncle at a tea shop where she gets a job to stay close to him and is faced with the cute but aloof owner. Things start to go array when the landlord of the tea shop condemns its demolition.

Veins of Power

Award-winning writer Mica De Leon is back with Book 2 in her Seed Mage Cycle series. Just as in Book 1, Winds of War, you can expect treacherous twists and turns in this Filipino fantasy. The returned gods of Kayumalon are the new currencies of power. In Kayumalon, seed mages are a coin a dozen, but the god vessels are infinite. It would take more than a legend, more than a good king, more than a mage, to navigate the Kayumalon court.

Me In Your Melody

Deborah Wong tells us a story about a heartbroken and unemployed FMC who struggles to contend with her past and rebuild her present, she learns that to get a grip is to find courage and strength in spite of the adversities; by replacing attitude with self-respect—from coping with the bad faith of a long-time friend to a near-death experience, she realises the importance of family and unconditional love.

Ascension

Written by Philippine National Book Award winner Eliza Victoria here is a horror mystery about a group of friends who reunite after years at a wake. Told in two timelines with the present and flashbacks from the friends’ youth, this story delves into themes of spirit possession, betrayal, secrets, bizarre rituals and mass hysteria that takes place in a small town.

The Gumption of Mr. Toilet

Written by Jack Sim, who is widely known as Mr. Toilet and who broke the global taboo around toilets and sanitation, this life-changing inspirational book that you will benefit from abundantly while reading it. The story talks about how Jack Sim who was born poor and failed academically, became a successful serial entrepreneur and an ultra-successful serial social entrepreneur, changing the world by mobilising global movements. He also eventually became a professor with an Honorary Doctorate Degree.

And For the Record

Here is a page-turning memoir of the Filipino writer-musician Yugel Losorata. He has extracted salient points from his many years making music, being in a band, writing news and features, and keeping up with the euphoria and struggles of being a writer-musician in the Philippines. He unabashedly shares his story and pop culture through his eyes, especially how his life mirrors that of a dreamer facing difficulties and surviving the whole shebang with dignity intact and without regrets.

Found something you love already? Get your copies now.

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.

————————————————————–

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.

———————————————————-

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.

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Category: Features

8 Singaporean Authors We’re Reading This Singapore National Day

Read an exclusive excerpt from For The People’s Glory

New Books Releasing This August