Books from Singapore Publishers

If themes of home, identity, and movement resonate with you, then 'To Gather Your Leaving' will strike a chord. This anthology's rich poetry examines the global human experience, urging readers to contemplate the nuanced concepts of belonging and migration. Its contemporary relevance might just redefine your understanding of home in a world that's connected yet divided.

If you've ever wanted to express yourself through the lens of a camera, "New Eyes" could be a catalyst for you. The author Tilak Hettige invites you on a journey that transcends technical skills and dives into a more profound understanding of visual storytelling. It’s not just about snapping pictures—it's about capturing moments with a newfound depth of emotion and awareness.

If you're looking to immerse yourself in a tapestry of rich imagery and profound contemplation, "Interlogue: Poetry" could speak to your soul. Kirpal Singh's collection is a perfect companion for quiet evenings where one desires both comfort and depth in verse. The publication may not be the latest, but the themes are timeless, making it a thoughtful read for poetry lovers.

Tracking the developments of Asian diaspora poetry in America, Australia, UK and Europe, To Gather Your Leaving is a groundbreaking global anthology that explores new ways of looking at nation, culture, identity, and place. Gathered here are established and new poets who are émigrés, refugees, and descendants of Asian migrants, poets who straddle two or more languages, cultures, and places, and who question and complicate the notion of home in the age of global change and transnational crossings. The poems collected here, spanning over three decades and representing three generations, eschew straightforward answers to the questions of identity and citizenship, offering profoundly rich, diverse and moving perspectives on what it means to belong on this earth.

Ernest Goh’s close encounters with these creatures of the slimy-scaly kind began in the longkangs around the Siglap kampong where he spent much of his early childhood. Armed with nothing but empty milk tins and his bare hands, he scooped up whatever went past — tadpoles, guppies and the occasional frog.Prized possessions they were then. Today, fish continue to fascinate millions of hobbyists worldwide, turning Singapore into the world’s ornamental fish capital. (The island accounts for 24 per cent of world export and over 40 per cent of the Asian market.)In this book, 38 varieties of fish and aquarium creatures that have charmed enthusiasts all over the globe — including the Red Bubble Eye, Shovelnose Catfish and Albino Clawed Frog — are shown in colourful, close-up glory. Surprising, whimsical and always fascinating, The Fish Book is master photographer Ernest Goh’s first book. It is also his homage to the humble longkang fish for ensuring his childhood world went beyond late-afternoon cartoons and school textbooks.

We Contain Multitudes could be a good read for poetry enthusiasts who appreciate a diverse range of voices. The anthology features both established and upcoming poets from Singapore and around the world, presenting a blend of literary concepts, styles and voices. The book features poems that touch on themes like diversity, culture, identity, and human experiences. The collection's unique and distinctive feature is its focus on presenting a mix of literary works that reflect the human experience across different cultures and environments.

Let Tan Tarn How, one of Singapore’s most controversial playwrights, take you on a journey that confronts the social and political issues facing Singaporeans today. With his signature wit and unflinching candour, he puts the spotlight on issues of life and death, sex and love, government, national identity and racism. This collection contains six award-winning plays and an introduction by Dr. K. K. Seet.Reviews:On The Lady of Soul and Her Ultimate “S” Machine“…the most important thing about Tan Tarn How’s play is its marking of a watershed in Singapore theatre: it is arguably the first English play to present the country critically and artistically, without hiding behind coy allegory.”—Hannah Pandian, The Straits TimesOn Undercover“The play, a farce about the goings-on in an internal security department, takes Singapore theatre into uncharted territory.”—Koh Buck Song, The Straits TimesOn Six of the Best“Six of the Best, in dealing with such an explosive topic, will hopefully get under the skin to the heart of racism in Singapore.”—Phua Mei Pin, The Straits TimesOn The First Emperor’s Last Days“With The First Emperor’s Last Days, playwright Tan Tarn How continues to stake out a unique place for himself in Singapore theatre, as a creator of topical, political plays.”—Cherian George, The Straits TimesOn Machine“Tan’s sensitivity and genius is obvious throughout: the dialogue is light but loaded. In the exchanges, there are just the right doses of surprise to compliment, of feigned ignorance to encourage and of coyness to intrigue, as both the man and woman manoeuvre expertly towards their ultimate goal—the bed, after which the relationship ceases to be.”—Suhaila Sulaiman, The Straits Times

There is no other city quite like Singapore, and yet, no other city which these voices might call their own. No Other City: The Ethos Anthology of Urban Poetry brings together a rich spectrum of poetic voices and visions at work in Singapore today, from published poets such as Boey Kim Cheng, Lee Tzu Pheng and Arthur Yap and to new poets such as Alfian Sa’at, Ng Yi-sheng and Teng Qian Xi. All have one thing in common: they have known the city for most of their lives, and their sense of identity is deeply intertwined with the urban and cosmopolitan landscape of the modern Asia metropolis.This anthology attempts to capture the dynamic interplay between people and places caught in the throes of a new urban reality, wrought within one generation of independence.

If you have a sweet tooth and love the idea of combining the finesse of French pastries with the zen-like subtlety of Japanese flavors, "Okashi" is your kind of adventure. Keiko Ishida guides you through a delectable journey that's as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate. The step-by-step illustrations and tips will empower even novices to create exquisite treats that would impress at any gathering.

This book is an excellent read for people interested in Peranakan culture and heritage. It offers insightful information on the lifestyle, traditions and values that define the Peranakan community. The author's detailed writing and personal anecdotes make the stories come alive. The book's most unique feature is the way it makes a complex culture accessible to readers, providing rich historical and cultural information. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about Peranakan culture.

If you’ve had a long day or just need a quick pick-me-up, "Funny Jokes" might just be your best companion. Lim Khoi Wah has a knack for light-hearted humor that could resonate with your need for a chuckle. It's a compact source of joy that you can turn to for a good laugh or to lighten the mood at gatherings.