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New Books Releasing In April 2025

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Unmissable, captivating and unputdownable books await you this month. Whether fictional or based on real life, these stories are ones you don’t want to miss. So, whether you’re looking for a book to keep you up all night, an inspiring read to transform your mindset, or simply a captivating escape from the everyday, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at the exciting new releases, and start filling up your reading list—you won’t want to miss these. Happy reading!

Here are the books releasing this month: 

 

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Following the stories of three characters, this literary fiction will keep you hooked from the first page. Michelle’s older sister lies in a hospital ward, unconscious and barely breathing. Young Constable Michael Chakrabarti experiences strange happenings during his night shifts. Captain Ishaan heads the newly-inaugurated Department of Supernatural Oddities.  

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When a mother admits her child in hospital and uses it as childcare, how does she rationalize it? Here’s a story of a woman who struggles to find an outlet for her loaded brain. Her marriage with her asexual husband doesn’t help her worries and all her actions lead her to face her own demons.  

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Three friends. One mysterious disappearance. Hooked yet? While the two friends try to search for their missing third, they discover things about their friend that they never knew and eventually uncover secrets that they hope will help them find their friend before it’s too late. 

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Join Fahri Azzat on a rollicking ride through the legal escapades of a Malaysian lawyer, served with a dash of humor and a splash of candor. This collection of essays is like sitting down at the mamak with a witty lawyer friend who has seen it all in the courtroom and isn’t afraid to spill the tea or stir the coffee. 

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Whether your goal is financial freedom, personal fulfillment, or a purpose-driven existence, The Wisdom of YOLO is your blueprint to making every moment of your only life count. And that is something all need to imbibe, don’t we?  

Get ready to make your TBR exciting with all our new releases from April. Happy reading!  

 

Read an exclusive excerpt from Ageless

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Ageless aims to bridge the gap between the bench and bedside, to further Dr Michael Khor Kok Seng’s legacy of service to the community and to educate the reader by promoting healthy living and informed choices. Here is an excerpt from the book. 

*** 

Gut dysbiosis 

The gut is very important to us. We use the word ‘gut’ in both literal and abstract ways. These are all abstracts using the word gut. 

  • No guts = scared, running away  
  • Gut feeling = instinct/intuition 
  • Having guts = courage 
  • A kick in the guts = a big setback 

In literal terms, the gut means the intestines or the digestive tract. There are enzymes in the gut that digest the food that we consume. The gut also protects us as a barrier against the bad bacteria that we ingest together with the food that we eat, as well as the poisons and heavy metals that are accidentally taken in.  

Among the essential metabolites produced by the gut microbiome are vitamins, protein derivatives (amino acid parts), bile acids, and short chain fatty acids (SCFA). Sugars like table sugar and lactose (milk sugar) are quickly absorbed in the upper part of the small intestine, but more complex carbohydrates like starches and fibres are not as easily digested and may travel lower to the large intestine. There, the microbiota help to break down these compounds with their digestive enzymes. The fermentation of indigestible fibres causes the production of SCFA that can be used by the body as a nutrient source but also play an important role in muscle function and possibly the prevention of chronic diseases, including certain cancers and bowel disorders. Clinical studies have shown that SCFA may be useful in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. 

The difference in the composition of the gut microbiota can determine how healthy we are and how long we can live. A healthy gut means a good balance of microbes in our body. These microbes have a lot of functions in the body.  

The gut microbiome is a key factor in multiple processes: 

  • It helps to digest and absorb ingested nutrients. 
  • It protects as a barrier against harmful organisms. 
  • It allows the passage into the body of beneficial agents. 
  • It produces essential metabolites like vit B and K. 
  • It provides signalling of peripheral and central nervous systems. 

Harm can occur in the body when: 

  • The composition of the gut microbiota is changed, or  
  • The intestinal barrier is compromised. 

Some organisms may be pathogenic and cause disease. Although the body and the totality of all these microbes live together peacefully, sometimes there is an imbalance between the synergistic and disease-causing microbes, especially in the elderly. This causes a dysbiosis, a disturbance in the microenvironment in the gut.  

*** 

Using a combination of personal anecdotes and thorough research, this book is written with the layman in mind, and lays down the latest scientific evidence in man’s search for healthy longevity. 

Read an exclusive excerpt from The Anti-Procrastinator

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Unlike most productivity books, The Anti-Procrastinator is not a prescriptive roadmap to being more efficient in life. Instead, it will guide you to create your own manual to get things done through the power of self-awareness. 

*** 

After analysing the multiple responses and insights, I noticed three elements were present across the board and kept recurring again and again, like a common denominator of productivity and anti-procrastination: self-awareness, proactivity, and processes.  

Self-Awareness  

The anti-procrastinators I interviewed were highly self-aware. They knew exactly what worked for them, what didn’t, and their weaknesses and blind spots. As if they were going through a procrastination X-ray, they were able to articulate what they needed to do to make things happen and what their enemies and distractions were. There was no hesitation, and they knew how to tackle the frog—and eat it. They also knew that they had to continuously audit themselves to see what was not working and make adjustments. There was always room to improve, and they were always on the lookout for blind spots. 

Proactivity  

This group of individuals was decisive and in control, thinking and behaving proactively. They were constantly thinking ahead, foreseeing and planning rather than reacting to external factors and circumstances. They had a plan B in case plan A didn’t work; they packed an umbrella in the bag in case they got caught in the rain. In fact, they didn’t talk about fighting procrastination as much as they talked about preventing it, being two steps ahead, and setting themselves up for success from the first hours of the day. They were not fighting fires; they were preventing them. 

Flexible Processes  

The anti-procrastinators all had processes, both formal and informal, and there was structure and discipline in the way they approached tasks. Each individual had their own personal recipe developed through trial, error, and iteration. Most workdays looked similar, although not strictly identical, and were pre-planned rather than left to serendipity and inspiration. None of them highlighted motivation as a key driver, but they did emphasize having their own tools and rituals, such as morning and evening routines, calendars, to-do lists, and systems to plan, execute, and measure work. Productivity was calculated and premeditated rather than left to the mercy of goodwill and positive intention. 

*** 

Whether you want to learn a new language, run a marathon, learn a new skill, or launch a business, The Anti-Procrastinator will show you that it’s possible, but it starts and ends with you. Self-awareness is the name of the game. Get your copy to learn more.  

 

New Books Releasing in March 2025

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A new month means new books to add to your TBR, and this March, we’re bringing you a lineup that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re in the mood for intrigue, inspiration, or introspection, there’s something here for every kind of reader. Dive into our list and get ready to discover your next great read!

Here are the books releasing this month: 

 

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Written by Kam Raslan, here is a satirical thriller that offers relationship drama, spying and seduction, and thrilling reunions. The book will keep you hooked throughout and take you on a journey of a man who wants to belong to something, or someone.  

 

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Our author Marga Ortigas brings to you a collection of savagely personal ‘postcards’—or eclectic experiential essays—from a former journalist on the margins of middle age. This book will make you laugh and realize that you’re not alone in the journey of life and getting older.  

 

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Here is a chilling mystery written by Ruben Dass that is also based on true experiences. Exciting, isn’t it? The story follows two forensic investigators who find a body in a horrifying state. This journey leads them to unravel secrets and hunt dark human beings.  

 

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Here’s a playbook by John Aguilar for cultivating your genius, optimizing your body, and living over 100! It will guide anyone and everyone who wants to live their best lives, and look and feel good living it. And who doesn’t want that?  

 

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Here’s a collection of short stories written by Patrick Sagaram. In these stories you will find people we all know. People like ourselves, searching and yearning, often in the wrong places for something meaningful and real or for at least a brief moment, right. 

Tempted to read them all already? Keep an eye on our Instagram page to find out when they release.  

 

 

 

 

Read an exclusive excerpt from Awakening the Advocate

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If you’re looking for a way to make a positive impact on the world, Matthew S. Friedman’s inspiring book is the perfect guide. Through his incredible experiences and tireless activism over 35 years, he shows us that one person truly can create a ripple effect that leads to global change. 

*** 

When an Act of Kindness Goes Terribly Wrong
Some time ago, I received an urgent email from an Indian businessman named Mr Gupta, who was on a work trip in Bangkok. He described a distressing incident that had occurred the previous evening before his departure back to India.  

Mr Gupta explained how, during a visit to the hotel bar, a chaotic scene unfolded before him. A crazed man barged in, shouting at a young woman in Russian and forcibly dragging her towards the exit. Concerned for her well-being, Mr Gupta, along with a few other patrons, stepped forward to help. Within minutes, hotel security arrived and apprehended the man.  

Filled with empathy, Mr Gupta sat down with the woman and listened to her harrowing tale. In broken English, she explained how she had fallen victim to a Russian trafficking gang that had deceived her with the promise of a hotel job in Thailand, only to force her into prostitution. 

Moved by her plight, Mr Gupta made a compassionate decision. He offered to purchase a ticket for her to return to Russia and planned to accompany her partway on the journey. They would fly together to Hong Kong, after which he would return to India while she would continue her journey back home. 

However, things took a turn for the worse when the woman found herself alone in her hotel room in Hong Kong. Gripped by fear, she began to have second thoughts about going back to Russia. She was terrified that the trafficking gang would track her down and harm her and her family. Her anxiety escalated, leading her to resort to excessive drinking.  

In her drunken state, she reached out to Mr Gupta, who was staying in a separate hotel room, and made a distressing threat. She claimed that if he didn’t stay with her, she would falsely accuse him of rape and attempted trafficking. Faced with a challenging situation, Mr Gupta tried to persuade her to return to Russia, but her behaviour became increasingly erratic. He feared that involving local authorities would result in his arrest.  

Feeling desperate, Mr Gupta sought help through a mutual contact, who connected him with me. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, I reached out to a colleague at the United Nations who stepped up and swiftly intervened. The woman received the necessary assistance from trained specialists and was safely repatriated to Russia. Mr Gupta, profoundly shaken by the experience, returned to India, having learned a valuable lesson. 

While Mr Gupta’s intentions were noble and rooted in compassion, he underestimated the profound trauma experienced by the trafficking victim. This scenario, unfortunately, is not uncommon. Well-meaning individuals encounter trafficking victims and feel compelled to help. But due to the intricate nature of these situations and the extreme trauma endured by the victims, it is crucial that ordinary people refrain from intervening independently. Doing so can inadvertently create further complications for both the victim and the well-intentioned individual. 

*** 

In this book, you’ll learn how a once-shy boy from a New England town dedicated his life to battling the scourge of human trafficking in over 40 countries. Get your copy of this incredibly moving book today.  

Read an exclusive excerpt from B.E.S.T. Marking

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B.E.S.T. Marking presents a powerful new Leadership Paradigm to navigate the complexities of this new normal environment- and win it big. It’s more than a framework; it’s a revolution in leadership. A call to action for leaders to conquer emerging challenges. 

*** 

Why is trust important in leadership and followership?  

Trust is essential for great leaders, especially in the post-pandemic world. The pandemic has created a number of challenges for leaders, including:  

  1. Increased uncertainty and complexity: The world is more uncertain and complex than ever before. Leaders need to be able to make decisions quickly and effectively in the face of changing circumstances. To do this, they need to be able to trust their team members to provide accurate information and to execute on their decisions.  
  2. Greater need for collaboration: The pandemic has shown that leaders need to be able to collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and government officials. To build and maintain successful collaborations, leaders need to trust their partners and to be willing to share information and resources. 
  3. Increased focus on employee well-being: The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of employee well-being. Leaders need to create a work environment where employees feel safe, supported, and valued. To do this, leaders need to trust their employees and to be willing to give them the flexibility and autonomy they need to succeed.  

 

In the post-pandemic world, leaders who are able to build and maintain trust with their team members and stakeholders will be more likely to succeed.  

 

There are many benefits to trust in leadership and followership. Some of the key benefits include:  

 

  1. Increased employee engagement: When employees trust their leaders, they are more likely to be engaged in their work and to feel motivated to do their best.  
  2. Improved productivity: Trust allows employees to work more efficiently and effectively. When employees trust their leaders, they are more likely to take initiative and to go the extra mile.  
  3. Higher-quality decisions: When leaders and followers trust each other, they are more likely to make better decisions. This is because they are more likely to share information openly and honestly, and to consider all sides of an issue.  
  4. Reduced turnover: Trust helps to create a more positive and supportive work environment. This leads to lower turnover rates and higher retention of top talent.  

 

*** 

Learn more about the importance and benefits of trust in leadership and followership along with other crucial information in B.E.S.T. Marking by Jerome Mangadap.  

 

Get your copy today.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read an exclusive excerpt from Future Fit Asian Organization

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The second edition of The Future Fit Organisation series dives deep into research and grass-roots case studies from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, China and India and outlines how to localise change management strategies which to harmonise with the distinct cultures within Asia. 

_______________________________________________________________________________

Leadership styles vary significantly across Asia, reflecting the rich tapestry of traditions and values that define the continent. From the consensus-driven approach in Japan to the authoritative style in some Southeast Asian countries, leaders must be open to gaining a deeper appreciation for the approaches that resonate most effectively within their specific cultural contexts.  

The Transformational Leader in Asia  

For leaders in Asia, successful transformations are deeply rooted in a blend of traditional values and forward-thinking approaches. Here’s my take on the bedrock principles leaders must embody to spearhead successful transformations in the region.  

  1. Respect for hierarchy and authority 

Traditional Asian cultures often place a high value on hierarchy and respect for authority figures. Leaders should be mindful of this and foster a culture of open communication while maintaining a level of deference. Example: Rivigo, an Indian logistics technology company, places a strong emphasis on discipline and structured operations. They have implemented innovative solutions while maintaining a structured approach to their operations, with their proprietary software reducing driver fatigue, optimizing routes and monitoring truck performance – helping cement its position as the largest, fastest, and safest. 

  1. Harmony and collectivism 

Asian cultures emphasize the collective over the individual. Leaders should promote teamwork, consensus-building, and a sense of belonging among team members. Encouraging a harmonious work environment is crucial.  

  1. Long-term relationship building 

Building strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect is paramount. Leaders should invest time in cultivating connections with team members, clients, and stakeholders. Long-term relationships can be key to sustainable success. 

  1. Adaptability and flexibility 

Asia is a diverse continent with various cultures and business practices. Leaders should be adaptable and open to different approaches. Being flexible in the face of change is essential for navigating the complexities of the region. 

  1. Emphasis on education and skill development 

Many Asian cultures place a high value on education and continuous learning. Leaders should support and provide opportunities for skill development and professional growth among their team members. 

  1. Cultural sensitivity and inclusion 

Being sensitive to cultural nuances and differences is crucial. Leaders should create an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and heard, regardless of their cultural background. 

  1. Balancing tradition with innovation 

Striking a balance between preserving cultural traditions and embracing innovation is key. Leaders should encourage forward-thinking and creativity while respecting the heritage and values of the community. 

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To read more about the Core Principles of Transformational Leadership, get your copy of this incredible book by Friska Wirya now.  

Books To Fall In Love With This Valentine’s Day

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Hello book lovers!  

It’s the season of love and we’re here to celebrate with that ONE THING we love the most – books!  

We have curated a special list of books with unique and captivating love stories for you to read this Valentine’s Day. Come, fall in love.  

Cheese Donuts Are Most Definitely Subpar
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An enemies-to-lovers romance that will make you swoon! Follow the love story of Ellie and Dion as they start off on kind of a bad note and soon realise that they don’t really despise each other.  

Little Lovely Lily
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This dark romance is all you need right now, trust us. Imagine a love that is forbidden and crosses multiple boundaries to win. Meet ‘The Heartbreaker’ and his obsession, Lil and read how they will do anything to be together.  

The Summer of Letting Go
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Here’s a story about how a crush at work can turn into something more. But Kali and Luca’s story is a lot deeper than that. The layers of emotion in their story will keep you hooked from the beginning.  

Me in your Melody
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Go on a roller coaster with Emily who is heartbroken and unemployed, as she meets new people only to run into her K-Pop Idol ex-boyfriend. There is drama, love triangles, self-realisations and a lot more in this story.  

Steady Sarah
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This is for the independent girlies who need the reassurance of self-love but also be open to finding love in unthinkable places, just like the main character Sarah. Her adventure will set you free.  

One Night Stand
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Love is complicated, and rarely ever simple and here’s a book that includes the messiness behind love. It’s dark, it’s scandalous and you won’t want to put it down as you read about Gale, Papang and Queen.  

Love On The Second Read
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This is a work romance of our dreams! Emma and Kip are involved in a friendly, flirty and literary smackdown that grows into something deeper than either of them had signed up for.  

Sudden Superstar
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This is the story of Arya, who goes viral on the internet overnight and Dave, a famous yet reclusive artist who’d retreated from the public. Things go awry when their paths cross, but it might not be the worst thing. 

Rebels, Traitors, Peacemakers
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We all are guilty of loving fictional love stories but here are REAL stories of Indian-Chinese relationships – heartfelt encounters of their struggles and triumphs. They will give you hope to fight for what you love.  

No Room in Neverland
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Of chance encounters, imaginary worlds, forgotten pasts and redemption – here is the story of Gemma and Cole and how everything changes when they meet. Gemma sets out on a journey for truth. 

Finding Us Again
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A beautifully serendipitous love story of Bryce and Nora who fall in love in high school and find an unconventional way to stay in touch after graduation. The story spans over a few years and we ache to see them together again.  

So, which one are picking up first?

New Books Releasing In February 2025

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It’s the month of love, and what we love the most is books! Diving into new stories always brings us joy and this month the joy is doubled with exciting genres like short stories, graphic novels, autobiographies and psychology. We can’t wait for you to read them. 

Here are the books releasing this month: 

The Glory in Us All
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Written by Dr. Cassandra Aasmundsen-Fry, a Clinical Psychologist, this book explains through the stories of her clients how the knowledge and life we have buried are responsible for making us feel stuck in our relationships, careers and search for fulfilment. It talks about unearthing and embracing the difficult parts to reconnect with ourselves and with hope. 

A Fiery Flesh and Other Stories
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Written by Ismim Putera, this book features short stories that expose the flimsy nature of the human heart and the frailty of the human body in various ways. They’re gruesome, and surreal and will truly keep you hooked with every page.  

Enlightened Leadership
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Written by Tshering Tobgay, Bhutan’s esteemed Prime Minister and TED Talks sensation, this book will help you discover the transformative power of wisdom, courage, and compassion. It offers invaluable insights into leadership that combine ancient wisdom and modern best practices, blending timeless guidance from the past with today’s principles for effective governance. 

Be Real
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Written in poetic form by Felix Cheong and illustrated by Arif Rafhan, this book puts a finger on the zeitgeist of our times. Here is a graphic novel that talks about how we know what’s real in an age defined by curation; and how we even recognize ourselves when we reveal our ‘true’ selves.  

Seeking Home
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Written by Amanda Oon, this book tells us a story of family, race, identity, and self-discovery. But, above all, it is a cultural portrait of Singapore and Malaysia’s rich heritage and history. It’s an autobiography that will take you from London to Singapore and talk about the food, culture, and people that shape the identities of these two countries.  

Happy Reading!

New Books Releasing In January 2025

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Happy New Year!  

We’re welcoming 2025 with a variety of new reads that are eager to find a spot in your TBR. From fantasy and self-help to short stories, memoirs and more – we have an interesting selection of books for you to delve into.  

Here are the books releasing this month: 

Seeds of Conquest||

Here is the third and final book in award-winner author Mica De Leon’s Seedmage Cycle series. The vengeful gods of Kayumalon are at war. The king is indisposed. Invaders have breached the northern borders. Kayumalon is ripe for the taking. Meet Kalem, Yin, Dakila and JinWun among others as you go on their final journey.  

The Anti-Procrastinator||

Unlike most productivity books, The Anti-Procrastinator is not a prescriptive roadmap to being more efficient in life. Instead, it will guide you to create your own manual to get things done through the power of self-awareness. By aligning your why with your values, your mission, and your action plan, you will minimize resistance and maximize results. 

The Secret Lives of OFWs||

From mananangals to aswangs, engkantos to mambabarangs, oryols to andudunongs, and even the great Bakunawa – The Secret Lives of OFWs follows eight different stories of Filipino migrant workers who happen to be supernaturals. Forced to embark on their own migratory sojourns to seek a better life and provide for their loved ones, these stories delve into the struggles faced by OFWs and their families, and how even feared creatures of Philippine folklore are not spared from the hardships of the diaspora. 

Juveniles & Other Stories||

Juveniles and Other Stories is a collection of seven short fictions translation in English from Thai under the theme of ‘youth’- a tattered, confusing period of trials-and-errors, and the last taste of refreshing bliss before the vast blue sky we see yonder would turn into a suffocating ceiling once we learn of our limits. While the stories are meant for adults, most of the protagonists are young children.  

Awakening The Advocate||

This book is a captivating sequel to Matthew S. Friedman’s previous memoir, ‘Where Were You: A Profile of Modern Slavery’. As you read his powerful stories, you’ll be reminded of the immense suffering in the world, but you’ll also be uplifted by the sheer strength and determination of those who fight against it. It will ignite your passion, challenge you, and encourage you to take action toward bringing about meaningful change. 

We’re sure you found your next read already! Follow us on Instagram to know more about these these books.  

 

Happy Reading, pals!