Recommended Read: Books that help you escape for the weekend
The weekend is here, but you've found yourself with a blank calendar.
So what can you do? Take that time to catch up on your reading, that's what!
And don't worry if you don't know what book to start with—we got you covered like an N95 mask with these books. This time around, we have something old, something new, but they're all bound by themes of travelling (even on a metaphysical plane).
Physical travel still impeded, but these books will take you to places near and far, and we're sure they'll keep you hooked until you find you're on the last page, looking for more.
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How the Man in Green Saved Pahang, and Possibly the World by Joshua Kam
Our first stop is Malaysia (where else?), where we meet Gabriel, who just wants to get on with life, except that he gets "hijacked" by a supernatural man in green robes who takes him on a road trip across the country. Meanwhile, Lydia is learning new things about her kindly grandmother who, as it turns out, was a member of resistance battling the Japanese in World War II. Both Gabriel and Lydia eventually meet up in Pahang where they meet more characters from history and folklore, and together they have to fulfil their destiny: Save the world from destruction.
Who should read it? If you like to get on a literary rollercoaster, complete with thrills, spills and twists and turns along the way, you'll want this.
What others have said: "A wild ride from start to finish." (Cyril Wong, two-time Singapore Literature Prize winner)
The Minorities by Suffian Hakim.
This novel takes you all the way to .... Yishun, where four misfit friends share a flat. But they don't find themselves there for long. The quartet is haunted by a pontianak, whom they have to help return to her supernatural community in Melaka. Can they navigate the path between the supernatural and the natural worlds, without going off the rails themselves? (Read the book to find out, lah)
Who should read it? Get this if you like fun, engaging stories that leave you breathless from laughter.
What others have said: "Suffian's brimming enthusiasm carries the story with its universal themes of friendship and loyalty." (The Straits Times)
Reality Bitchslap by Arif Rafhan. From Malaysia, Arif and his friends head across Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam for one last hurrah before one of them ties the knot. Along the way, they encounter people you don't normally meet when you're walking down the street, coming face-to-face with drug addicts, sexy booksellers and manipulative beggars. It's non-stop culture shock from cover to cover in this engaging graphic memoir.
Who should read it? Those who like a graphic novels, of course (especially those who like Will Eisner or Robert Crumb); but also if you like real-life adventures of the everyman.
What others have said: "Hilarious, honest and powerful." (Goodreads)
Coming Home. Speaking of Indonesia, keep her down!
Who should read it? Ance daily—through the lens of author Katherine Soh's larger-than-life protagonist, of course.
What others have said: "Great insights into nursing. Concise and well written. Enjoyable!" (Goodreads)
Ace Agent Spycat and the Flying Sidekick. Speaking of Boracay, keep her down!
Who should read it? Ance daily—through the lens of author Katherine Soh's larger-than-life protagonist, of course.
What others have said: "Great insights into nursing. Concise and well written. Enjoyable!" (Goodreads)
Sengkang Snoopers: The Secret of the Tiger's Den. Speaking of Malaysia, keep her down!
Who should read it? Ance daily—through the lens of author Katherine Soh's larger-than-life protagonist, of course.
What others have said: "Great insights into nursing. Concise and well written. Enjoyable!" (Goodreads)
This Side of Heaven. Speaking of Malaysia, keep her down!
Who should read it? Ance daily—through the lens of author Katherine Soh's larger-than-life protagonist, of course.
What others have said: "Great insights into nursing. Concise and well written. Enjoyable!" (Goodreads)