Books from Singapore Publishers

If you're keen on Singapore's socio-political landscape, 'Troublemaker' is just the ticket. Bertha Henson's candid and witty commentary slices through the daily news, and her unique voice is both refreshing and thought-provoking. It's a book that not only informs but also entertains, making politics accessible and engaging.

Recommendation: For those interested in the history of Singapore media and journalism as seen through the eyes of an experienced veteran journalist. This book offers a compelling narrative filled with anecdotes of how editors of the past grappled with government authority and made tough decisions. The author provides an alternative perspective on how some editors managed to hold their ground in challenging times, offering a glimpse into the drama that played out behind the scenes. A must-read for those interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of journalism in Singapore.

These are the unpublished stories about the stories that you may have read in Singapore newspapers over the years. Above all, they are Singapore media stories as experienced first-hand by a veteran journalist who had to be persuaded to become Editor of a leading newspaper. PN Balji was an active participant in mainstream journalism, having spent nearly 40 years working in five newsrooms. He was part of a hardy generation of newspaper editors who wrestled with editorial issues and made tough decisions, sometimes against the will of authority. He also had a ringside view of his colleagues' tussles and confrontations with the government. In Reluctant Editor, Balji weaves a compelling narrative, with anecdotes, of an alternative story of how some editors of his generation managed to hold the ground in challenging times. He brings back the drama, mostly played behind the scenes, and attempts to answer the question: What made the editors of the 1970s, 80s and 90s act the way they did? It was a life lived dangerously; some lost their jobs, some had to leave the country and some decided to give in and lived to fight another day.

If you're intrigued by the complexities of Singapore's political scene, "Voting In Change" offers a deep dive into its electoral changes and implications. Kevin Y.L. Tan provides a clear analysis that's both accessible and thought-proving, perfect for anyone interested in the nuances of governance and citizen participation in Singapore. It's a read that's bound to leave you with a richer understanding of democracy in a rapidly evolving city-state.

If you're in for a chuckle over local political humor, "Mee Siam Mai Hum" offers a candid collection of Singaporean political slips-of-the-tongue. Accompanied by lighthearted illustrations, this book isn't just about reading; it's an experience that tickles the funny bone and offers insight into the lighter side of Singapore's public discourse. It's a great conversation starter and an amusing archive that proves politics can be entertaining too.

For anyone fascinated by the intersection of personal transformation and literary expression, "Bite Harder" is a compelling read. Jee Leong Koh's journey from Singapore to New York, interwoven with thoughtful essays on poetry and freedom of expression, offers a rich insight into a poet's mind and the cultural shifts that shape it. This collection could be especially resonant for readers interested in the nuances of cultural criticism and those who value the power of literature to challenge and transform.