10 Singaporean Books to Read in Your 30s
Entering your 30s is a transformative time in your life. It's a decade filled with self-discovery, growth, and new challenges. What better way to navigate this exciting period than with a collection of must-read books that will inspire, educate, and entertain you along the way?
1. The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye by Sonny Liew
Delve into the world of Singaporean history and politics through the eyes of a fictional comic artist. This graphic novel is a masterpiece that will captivate you from start to finish.
2. State of Emergency by Jeremy Tiang
Explore the complexities of identity, family, and society in this powerful novel set in Singapore. Jeremy Tiang's writing will leave you pondering long after you've turned the last page.
3. The Gatekeeper by Nuraliah Norasid
Embark on a magical journey with a young girl who discovers her extraordinary powers in a world filled with mythical creatures. This enchanting novel is a must-read for fans of fantasy and folklore.
4. Lovelier, Lonelier by Daryl Qilin Yam
A genre-bending story about four friends whose lives intertwine during one wild weekend in 1996 Kyoto. From a runaway to a journalist, they're swept into alternate realities. This book explores the friendships and stories that get us through the mess of life.
5. The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei
Growing up in 1990s Bedok, Gen's life changes when her new "sister," Arin, appears. This novel offers a visceral portrayal of working-class Singapore, examining the intense bond between sisters, the cost of success, and our profound need for acceptance.
6. The Minorities by Suffian Hakim
Our HDB flat, but make it a sitcom with a supernatural twist. 👻
Four lovable misfits—a Malay-Jew, a Bangladeshi artist, a Chinese illegal immigrant, and an Indian lab tech—are all hiding from their pasts in one HDB flat. When a pontianak shows up, they get tangled in a surreal showdown that might just change everything. This is a hilarious, heartfelt story about the people on the sidelines and the unexpected bonds they form.
7. This Is What Inequality Looks Like by Teo You Yenn
An eye-opening look at the realities of poverty in Singapore. This book challenges our assumptions and presents a powerful, empathetic portrayal of inequality. It's an essential read for understanding the city we live in, beyond the headlines.
8. The Accidental Malay by Karina Robles Bahrin
What if your DNA test changed everything? 🧬
Jasmine Leong's life is on track to be a corporate CEO, until a shocking discovery reveals she's actually Malay. This twist upends her ambitions and forces her to confront her country's racial policies. This novel is a compelling story of a woman fighting for her future, a story that hits close to home for many.
9. The Very Best of Mekong Review by Minh Bui Jones
Ditch the headlines and dive deep into Asia. 🌏
This isn't your average news roundup. The Very Best of Mekong Review is a collection of 32 brilliant essays and reviews that offer a fresh, nuanced look at everything from politics in Malaysia to Hong Kong's protests. With sharp insights from some of the region's top writers, it's the perfect way to understand the rich, complex world of Asia.
10. Sugarbread by Balli Kaur Jaswal
Experience the poignant tale of a young girl navigating the complexities of family, culture, and identity in Singapore. Balli Kaur Jaswal's storytelling is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
- -
These 10 must-read books will enrich your 30s with diverse perspectives, engaging narratives, and profound insights. So, grab a cozy spot, a hot cup of tea, and immerse yourself in the transformative power of literature. Your 30s are about to get a whole lot more inspiring!