Currently distracted by a very good book
Before we get into all the book news (and there's a fair bit), a tiny personal update: I've been deep into a translated Japanese novel lately—the kind that completely hijacks your brain. There's a murder, there's a floor plan, there's a lot of speculation, and it's so visual I keep flipping pages like I'm watching a movie in my head. Would not recommend reading it late at night if you have a cat who enjoys sneaking up on your neck when you least expect it.
If you think you know which book this is, can you guess the title? Just reply to this newsletter—no prizes, but lol we can hype about it together 😌📚
Anyway. Back to publishing chaos—in the best way.
🖨️ Straight from the printers this week
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The Travelling Library Chronicles of Maizey Lee #2: The Trail Through China In Book 2, Maizey and the Travelling Library hit the road again — this time racing across China to find a cure for a mysterious outbreak of Imagination loss affecting grown-ups everywhere. Travelling with her mum, her Atuk, and Curie, the very snarky talking plant, Maizey journeys through panda sanctuaries, elephant libraries, ancient mosques, and Hui communities with centuries-old traditions: bigger world, higher stakes, and even more heart. Join the journey! |
🏆 Epigram Books Fiction Prize 2026
We're delighted to share that Ratna Damayanti Taha is the winner of the Epigram Books Fiction Prize 2026 for her debut novel, Mind the Gap.
Set against a changing Singapore, Mind the Gap follows Nora, a bright, data-loving Malay girl growing up slightly out of step with the story she's expected to fit into — from the 1990s to today. Through Nora's journey, the novel quietly explores ambition, belonging, and the social expectations that shape our lives.
Huge congratulations to Ratna — we can't wait for you to read Mind the Gap.
🛒 New (and newly added) on our webstore
Not all of these are brand-new releases — but they are newly available on our webstore, and I thought they were too good not to highlight.
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City of Others In a Singapore where the government quietly manages the supernatural, Benjamin Toh is a middle manager in DEUS — the Division for Engagement of Unusual Stakeholders. His job: keep magical beings hidden and happy. But when an entire housing estate vanishes during a routine check, Ben and his highly irregular team are thrown into crisis. An urban fantasy filled with workplace found family, queer romance, and creatures drawn from Southeast Asian lore. Enter the other Singapore |
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Striking! Advertising Matches from Singapore A pocket-sized history of Singapore told through matchboxes. Featuring over 350 vintage advertising matchbox covers reproduced at true size, this collection captures the city's colourful modernisation from the 1970s to the 1990s. Stylish logos, flamboyant fonts, modern buildings, and cultural snapshots come together with an accompanying essay and curated themes that reveal how something small once carried big stories. See Singapore in small things |
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It Had to Be Him (Book 2) Daniel and Thrii have always been more than friends — or so Daniel thinks. As their final holiday together unfolds, mismatched expectations, tangled family lives, and unspoken feelings begin to surface. What starts as an easy closeness slowly fractures, pushing their bond to the brink. A tender YA novel about first love, friendship, and the painful moments where everything almost falls apart. When love gets complicated |
🏆 Singaporean of the Year finalist
Our boss and publisher, Edmund Wee, has been named a finalist for The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year 🇸🇬🏆
The recognition celebrates his long-standing commitment to championing Sing Lit—from restructuring Epigram as a Foundation, to securing a landmark compact that will take Singapore stories to five major Southeast Asian markets.
As Edmund puts it: "What if we didn't think about money first?"
As always, thanks for reading—and for being part of this slightly chaotic, very bookish journey with us. 💛
Your GIF for the week:
Warmly,
Chloe
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