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Tag: Southeast Asian books

Ever wondered why the cat is not in the Chinese Zodiac? Read this excerpt from The Fraught Lives of Nathan Kwan and Lapsang Souchong to find out.

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This International Cat Day, we are delving deep into the story behind why a cat is not part of the Chinese Zodiac. Luckily, author Tutu Dutta tells us why in her new book The Fraught Lives of Nathan Kwan and Lapsang Souchong.

 

Read the excerpt below to find out.

*****

Mr Kwan looked up from his handphone and interrupted their discussion again. He said, ‘Did you know that of all the domesticated animals, the cat is not included in the Chinese Zodiac? All the other common animals, even the rat, the tiger, and the snake are in!’

‘Not forgetting the mythical dragon,’ added Jin.

‘Yes, I always wondered about that,’ said Nathan thoughtfully. ‘Maybe, they didn’t like cats in China,’ he added.

Mr Kwan explained to him, ‘One of the stories of the Chinese Zodiac is that Rat tricked Cat—’

Junie interrupted her father, ‘Yes, we know, Dad!’ She recited from memory, ‘Once upon a time, the Jade Emperor invited all the animals in the world to a race. He wanted to name the years after the first twelve animals to win the race.’

‘All the animals listened very carefully to what the Jade Emperor was saying, except for Cat, who decided to take a nap while the Emperor was talking.

‘Rat told Cat that the race would only start in the afternoon. So, Cat slept while Rat slipped out at dawn. All the animals were racing furiously. Clever Rat knew that he could not win the race, so he jumped on the back of Ox. Close to the end of the race, Rat jumped off Ox and crossed the finishing line first!’

‘So, the first year of the Chinese Zodiac is the Year of the Rat!’ Jin capped the story.

His father added, ‘It seems you all can remember everything I ever said! Anyway, in the other version of the story, Rat also tricked Cat and told him that the banquet by the Buddha was the day after tomorrow so Cat missed the banquet.’

Jin stroked his chin and said, ‘Rat used strategy to win the Zodiac Race. But you can’t always use strategy to win a race in real life. You really got to practise your ass off.’

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Did you know this fascinating story? If you liked what you read, get a copy of The Fraught Lives of Nathan Kwan and Lapsang Souchong online or at bookstores near you.

 

 

Read an exclusive excerpt from For The People’s Glory

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EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT

 

‘Old Bao, I’m glad I got you.’ 

‘Hongbing? To what do I owe this pleasure, a call from a mighty Party Hero?’ Bao, a friend and local tycoon based in Wose, teased.  

Sigh. The Party Hero in question exhaled softly. ‘I need to call in a favour.’  

‘No problem, any time! You know I owe my life to you. What do you need?’ 

‘I need half a million PD . . . in cash. And within an hour.’  

There was silence at the other end.  

‘Hello? Bao?’  

‘Yes, I’m here. That’s a lot of money, in such a short space of time . . . May I ask what the money is for? Are you in some kind of trouble? I heard some rumours from my channels—’ 

‘Hey Bao, how long have we known each other? Have you forgotten how I’ve stuck my neck out for you?’ Hongbing countered. Then, catching his breath, he quietened down, ‘I can’t divulge the reason as it’s a state secret. It’s urgent and I wouldn’t have troubled you if it wasn’t.’  

‘Don’t misunderstand, I will definitely help. Just thinking about how to gather enough cash at such short notice. Let me figure out how. I’ll ring you back on this number in ten minutes.  

‘Okay, I will wait for your call. Thank you.’  

Hongbing returned the handset to the fisherman. ‘You heard me, I’d know how to get the money in ten minutes. You better be prepared to take me to Seoul,’ he told the smuggler snidely. 

The fisherman took a drag of his cigarette and slowly blew out a cloud of smoke. ‘Chill man,’ he glanced sideways at his tense-looking potential passenger with a smirk, ‘my vessel is ever ready. Let’s see if you get your money.’ 

  *****

For the People’s Glory is based in a totalitarian state of Utopia. Shan Hongbing is focused on getting to the bottom of understanding some of the government’s workings and as he digs in, he realizes that all eyes are on him for asking questions. The state’s surveillance technology he reveres—which ‘keeps the citizens safe’—has now turned against him, tracking his every move at every turn to hold him in line with the Utopia’s principles. 

Get your copy to read this fascinating story now.  

New Books Releasing This August

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The month of August brings to you a variety of stories ranging from grief, loss, self-discovery and fantasy to romance, horror mystery, memoirs and more. It’s an absolute treat for readers looking to add new books to their TBR and especially for those who love reading different genres of books.  

Here are the books releasing this month: 

 

Worship The Body

Worship The Body||

Written by the two-time Philippine National Book Award winner Alvin Yapan, this book explores human relationships and sexualities. Told from different but interlocking points of view, the story becomes a song complete with recurring refrains and a coda, intimating that there are silences to the body that are essential to our understanding of happiness. 

 

The Summer of Letting Go  

The Summer of Letting Go||

Written by Catherine Dellosa, this story is about loss, grief and self-discovery in a heartwarming way. When eighteen-year-old Kali’s uncle dies in a car accident, her world stops. She begins to see the ghost of her uncle at a tea shop where she gets a job to stay close to him and is faced with the cute but aloof owner. Things start to go array when the landlord of the tea shop condemns its demolition.  

 

Veins of Power  

Veins of Power||

Award-winning writer Mica De Leon is back with Book 2 in her Seed Mage Cycle series. Just as in Book 1, Winds of War, you can expect treacherous twists and turns in this Filipino fantasy. The returned gods of Kayumalon are the new currencies of power. In Kayumalon, seed mages are a coin a dozen, but the god vessels are infinite. It would take more than a legend, more than a good king, more than a mage, to navigate the Kayumalon court. 

 

Me In Your Melody  

Me In Your Melody||

Deborah Wong tells us a story about a heartbroken and unemployed FMC who struggles to contend with her past and rebuild her present, she learns that to get a grip is to find courage and strength in spite of the adversities; by replacing attitude with self-respect—from coping with the bad faith of a long-time friend to a near-death experience, she realises the importance of family and unconditional love. 

 

Ascension  

Ascension||

Written by Philippine National Book Award winner Eliza Victoria here is a horror mystery about a group of friends who reunite after years at a wake. Told in two timelines with the present and flashbacks from the friends’ youth, this story delves into themes of spirit possession, betrayal, secrets, bizarre rituals and mass hysteria that takes place in a small town.  

 

The Gumption of Mr. Toilet  

The Gumption of Mr Toilet||

Written by Jack Sim, who is widely known as Mr. Toilet and who broke the global taboo around toilets and sanitation, this life-changing inspirational book that you will benefit from abundantly while reading it. The story talks about how Jack Sim who was born poor and failed academically, became a successful serial entrepreneur and an ultra-successful serial social entrepreneur, changing the world by mobilising global movements. He also eventually became a professor with an Honorary Doctorate Degree. 

 

And For the Record  

And For The Record||

Here is a page-turning memoir of the Filipino writer-musician Yugel Losorata. He has extracted salient points from his many years making music, being in a band, writing news and features, and keeping up with the euphoria and struggles of being a writer-musician in the Philippines. He unabashedly shares his story and pop culture through his eyes, especially how his life mirrors that of a dreamer facing difficulties and surviving the whole shebang with dignity intact and without regrets. 

 

Found something you love already? Get your copies now. 

 

Cheers to Fictional Friends on International Friendship Day

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While your friends in real life might not be out there saving the world, fighting evil, scamming tourists or solving mysteries- rest assured that your fictional friends will always take you on an unforgettable adventure. This International Friendship Day, we are celebrating fictional friendships that you will cherish forever. 

 

Julian Kee and his friends from the Prophecy of the Underworld series

Prophecy of The Underworld||

We met the gang in Book 1 – Prophecy of the Underworld where Julian led his friends into the Underworld to retrieve a magical rock that can save their world. This fast-paced adventure is full of exciting twists and turns.  

The Library of No Return||

In Book 2 – The Library of No Return, Julian and his friends Mia and Ryan return for yet another hilarious and adventure-filled jaunt to the Underworld where their help is required to deal with a crisis.   

The Twin Blades of Doom||

In Book 3 – The Twin Blades of Doom, the gang is set to save the Underworld a third time. The fun, laughter and adventure continue in the third and final book of the series Julain tries to make a plan that can resolve the problems of the Underworld once and for all.  

Maya, Chong and Rohan from Frappes for Three 

Frappes for Three||

A story of an unlikely trio whose paths cross at university where they become good friends. Maya wants to become a writer, Chong is a stylish fashionista who wants to make her mark on the fashion world and Rohan comes from a middle-class family and the pressure of making something of himself. While each has their own dreams and aspirations, they also have to deal with family expectations. What helps most in such situations? Having close friends! This is a story of love, loss and self-discovery where no matter what happens, these friends are always going to be there for each other.  

Nathan, Junie and Sachin from The Fraught Lives of Nathan Kwan and Lapsang Souchong 

The Fraught Lives of Nathan Kwan and Lapsang Souchong||

Cousins Nathan and Junie along with their friend Sachin are labeled as bookish nerds by the popular kids in their school. However, when a new student Aida, who is glamourous and fashionable befriends them, their popularity also goes up. Sounds like a sweet high school drama, doesn’t it? But when Nathan’s beloved cat goes missing the gang reunites in search of it and discovers that their quaint neighborhood is hiding dark secrets. The story merges the charm of old-school mystery, adventure and folklore; with complex Millennial characters. 

Carmen, Hai and Marina from Hue City  

Huế City||

Carmen, a twenty-five-year-old college dropout; Marina, a wealthy Singaporean yearning for a new life and love along with Hai, a receptionist, tout and part-time pimp together make up the notorious Ativan Gang. They are scammers who befriend tourists so they can drug them and rob them. Now, for some friends group activities involve going to the movies, having dinner or having picnics together but for Carmen, Hai and Marina it’s all about achieving their goals one way or another.  

Keix, Zej, Pod and Vin from The Night of Legends and The Light of Stars 

Friends are always meant to have your back and get you out of bad situations and these books are all about that.  

The Night of Legends||

In The Night of Legends Keix is rescued from an underground prison by her friends Zej and Pod and is determined to rescue her best friend Vin. Her captor is the very organisation that she had joined as a trainee soldier as a teenager. Keix, who is dealing with memory loss recovers thanks to the care given to her friends and sets off on a journey to figure out what exactly is going down in this organisation.  

The Light of Stars||

In The Light of Stars, the friends are back together to defend each other and take revenge for all the misdoings from the past. We love a story of friends coming together to save and protect each other. 

 

Did you find any friendship story that tugged at your heartstrings? Get your copies now.  

 

 

 

 

Fall in love and feel the thrill with our rainy-day recommendations

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There’s lightning in the sky, the wind is blowing, and rain drops fog up your windows. What do you do next? Make a warm beverage and pick up a book of course, because there is no better way to spend a rainy day other than reading! And, we know exactly what you need to read.  

Experience the romance of rain and thrill of thunder with these books.  

 

Romance of Rain 

Love on the Second Read 

Love on the Second Read
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A tenacious romance book editor meets a nerdy sci-fi and fantasy book editor and they’re made to work together on a manuscript. With meddling besties and the drama of ex-lovers, this book is an absolute treat for book lovers who want a dreamy romance in the publishing world.   

 

Rebels, Traitors, Peacemakers  

Rebels, Traitors, Peacemakers
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Stories that will bring all the warmth on a cold rainy day! Read how love tries to conquer all in a series of true stories about Indian-Chinese relationships spread across the world. Learn about their struggles, conflicts, triumphs and connections. Disclaimer: keep tissues handy.

 

Finding Us Again

Finding Us Again
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A story about high school lovers who got separated but the boy leaves messages for the girl behind photos in hotels. Sounds romantic, doesn’t it? But true love is never that simple. With new partners by their side and a series of serendipitous events, things can go either way for the protagonists. 

 

 

Thrill of Thunder

Horror, He Wrote 

Horror, He Wrote
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Love, betrayal, murder, redemption – sounds like the perfect recipe for a thriller, doesn’t it? With this read, you get more. With spine chilling twists and turns involving the lives of a ghost who returns to tell her story, a failing writer, a murdered twin and more, this book is one you won’t be able to put down. 

 

The Showgirl and The Minister

The Showgirl and the Minister
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Enter Sydney in 1966, where a former Chief Minister is missing, and a young stripper gets involved in his disappearance. Read how the private detective untangles this mystery while fighting his own demons in this story inspired by the real-life disappearance of Chief Minister Lim Yew Hock.  

 

The American Boyfriend

The American Boyfriend
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The idea of travelling across the world to meet your long-distance boyfriend sounds perfect until it involves a mysterious murder and tragic robbery. Especially when you are a single mother with a toddler. When things go dark, it’s tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel and you will find it hard to put this book down.  

 

Found something you can’t wait to start reading?

It’s time to cozy up with these perfect rainy-day reads.  

Pre-Release: Read an exclusive excerpt from The Power Above Us All, before anyone else!

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Here is a sneak-peak! Read an exclusive excerpt from The Power Above Us All by Ronaldo S. Vivo Jr, translated by Karl R. de Mesa. A novel of ordinary decent criminals and extraordinarily brutal cops weaving together and colliding inside the giant slum of ‘Dreamland’, within the megalopolis of Metro Manila, Philippines.

————————————————————–

In this moment three things remain bright in my memory. Three things only: Che’s smile, my final reminder to my friend Buldan, and the scent and taste of the soup of a disgusting toilet mixed with, hell, the taste of someone’s hotdog-shaped shit—some pig cop from precinct nine.

Past midnight. Outside the San Joaquin 7-Eleven, Buldan and I were hanging steady. Smoking, watching. Across the street two uniformed pigs were walking to where we stood. We kept conversing calmly but we were nervous at their approach. Both police officers walked past us and straight into the 7-Eleven. We exhaled, relieved. Both of us also concurred that it was time to change locations.

That was till we noticed the commotion inside. I told Buldan to see what was up. Just the two pigs arguing loudly with two teen boys, he said, and that the young men both looked way too smooth-skinned to be any good if a fight went down.

Well, I thought, it’s good timing these two teenage dirt bags showed up. We wouldn’t need to move at all now.

Seconds later, another young man exited the convenience store. He looked no older than nineteen to me, if a day. Quick tap on Buldan’s shoulder. He returned my gesture with a nod. Before we walked on, I handed him another stick of Fortune Lights. Buldan slotted the cigarette behind his right earlobe, then he pushed off in the same direction our third teen went. I remained at the 7-Eleven, continuing to surveil the two police officers inside.

When I finished my cigarette—still waiting for Buldan’s text message—I stepped into the convenience store. Time to cool myself with the air-conditioning and also get closer to see what was what.

I sat on one of the dining area’s chairs and eavesdropped on the exchange. Ah, the teens were being hassled for IDs. The stylishly bearded youths already had curly-haired legs despite their smooth appearance and yet they were still being asked for IDs for the beer they wanted to buy. Clever pigs. Whatever happened next, the two police would come away with some extra cash for their meth-buying money.

Not ten minutes in I got a text from Buldan saying to meet back at the room.

———————————————————-

To find out what happens next, pre-order The Power Above Us All.

Unique Gift Ideas for Dads

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Dads have always been treating us since we were kids! It’s time for you to treat your dad with a thoughtful present that’s perfect for him. Share your love for books by getting your dad, yes you guessed it right, a book!

For dads who live corporate lives

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This book examines the profound pen impact of corporate reputations on any company’s ability to advance its business agenda over time. It has insights from experts around the world and serves as a guide for those wanting to better understand how companies can operate on a stronger, more resilient, and authentic basis. It might sound serious to you but could be exactly what he needs.

For dads who love adventure

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Is your dad the type who always wants to plan outdoor activities for the family? Like hiking, biking and exploring nature. Then this book is definitely a ‘step’ in the right direction. It is the biography of a Sherpa who went from being a village boy to an environmentalist. He has climbed twenty-one peaks over 8,000 metres, including eight ascents of Everest and has a story worth devouring.

For dads who are entrepreneurs

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Is your dad a self-made man who makes you proud? This book, which talks about the two largest companies in the world – Amazon and Walmart. It’s lucid and well researched with inputs that will surely inspire the reader with every chapter.

For dads who are proud feminists

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Are you blessed with a feminist dad? Then this book will make a perfect gift for him. It is written by two finance professionals who spoke to 24 powerful women about their struggles with making money and keeping it, their sometimes-uncomfortable relationship with the all-powerful dollar, and how they’ve come to terms with, even celebrate, their financial and personal status in the world.

For dads who are Zen

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Here’s the perfect gift for dads who never shout, always stay calm, help you out, make you understand things in a sensitive manner and are basically Zen. This book talks about personal experiences, spirituality, the wisdom of water, Daoist principles and is essentially a guide to deeper harmony.

Found the perfect gift? Order it online or find it at bookstores near you.