This December, there’s no better way to unwind and escape than with a great book in hand (according to us, ahem). Whether you’re curled up in bed, lounging by the fireside in a winter wonderland, or just taking a cozy staycation, the right read can transport you to another world, inspire new ideas, or simply offer a bit of holiday cheer. To help with your reading selection, our librarians have curated a list of their top picks, spanning genres from fantasy sci-fi to reflective non-fiction. Dive into their recommendations and discover the perfect stories to make your holiday break even more memorable.
Aku Ini Binatang Jalang : Koleksi Sajak 1942-1949 (1986) / by Chairil Anwar
凯里尔．安哇诗选 (1961) / by Chairil Anwar
Recommended by Nur Diyana (Research Librarian – Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences)
“Chairil Anwar (1922-1949) is one of Indonesia’s most influential poets. Central to this collection is the poem “Aku,” where he boldly asserts his identity, reflecting existential angst and defiance. His innovative use of language and imagery transforms personal struggles into universal themes of freedom and individuality. This work is essential for understanding the evolution of Indonesian literature and is a critical resource for scholars and readers exploring identity and resistance. Chairil Anwar’s raw emotion and artistic expression inspire me to appreciate the power of poetry in understanding our shared human experience.“
Recommended by Patsy Chia (Research librarian – Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine)
“Many people, including me, might feel apprehensive upon hearing the word ‘algorithms’, conjuring images of complex machines and abstract concepts that seem dystopian in our contemporary world. It was therefore surprising to discover that the book turned out to be far more interesting and applicable than I had expected. The authors demystify the term ‘algorithms’, and illustrate how we can apply the underlying principles behind algorithms—like optimal stopping and randomness—to facilitate our everyday decision-making. For example, as a research librarian, I enjoy helping students locate additional resources for their research projects but I sometimes get too caught up in trying to find ‘better’ options. The principle of optimal stopping helps me identify the right moment to end the research process and proceed to the next stage.”
Cults, Conspiracies, and Secret Societies (2016) / by Arthur Goldwag
Recommended by Marcus Wong (Associate Director, Marcomms)
“It’s been said that ‘history does not repeat itself, but it rhymes’. If that’s the case, then this book is ‘poetry’ for today’s conspiracy-inclined set. One doesn’t need a tinfoil hat to appreciate the parallels between our current situation with the many fringe entities and worldviews that Goldwag reviews. What surprised me the most was how well this book has held up, considering it was originally written in 2009. Truly, ‘What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.’ (Ecclesiastes 1:9, NRSVA).”
Hard at Work: Life in Singapore (2019) / by Gerard Sasges and Ng Shi Wen
Recommended by Quek Tze Guek (Principal Librarian – Lead Subscriptions)
“I like short stories. Simply because they are short 😊 Hard at Work is a transcribed collection of social accounts by locals on their livelihood. I am enticed by the presence of colloquial everyday language although expressions could be more colourful if published in the original language they were said. There was good interplay of trust between the storyteller and interviewer, thus some accounts sounded so honest. It’s like being given a glimpse into people’s daily lives.
This is a thick book to carry around as there are 60 stories in total. The content page is my important navigator. I really look forward to a Series 2 if there is going to be one.”
Recommended by Poonam Lalwani (Curator)
“Described as ‘glistening with detail and emotional acuity’ in The Sunday Times, Home unravels the lives of a multi-generation family and how they navigate their traditional business in the rise of modernity. At its heart, it’s the story of Nisha who feels alienated despite living in a joint family and is trying to carve out her own identity and find her place in society. This novel evoked a whole range of emotions and reminded me of the challenges a woman faces, from the need to be independent and financially secure to navigating relationships to managing societal expectations, etc. Each of us have our own journey and must do right to ourselves.”
In Other Worlds (2006) / by Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak
Recommended by Nur Diyana (Research Librarian – Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences)
“In Other Worlds resonated with me deeply, especially Spivak’s focus on subaltern voices. Her insistence on listening to those often silenced felt profoundly relevant in today’s context. She challenges us to question dominant narratives, making me reflect on my own assumptions. The way she intertwines literary analysis with ethical considerations opened my eyes to the responsibilities we bear as readers. It’s not just about understanding texts, but also about engaging with the world and its complexities. Spivak’s insights have inspired me to think more critically about representation and my role in amplifying unheard stories.”
Learning to Learn / by NUS Libraries
Recommended by NUS Librarians
“Who says that vacation reading is only limited to books? If you think that learning is intuitive, and learning about learning sounds silly, guess what? It’s a myth. Enhance your learning with this online course! Uncover the truth behind common learning myths, apply evidence-based methods to enhance memory recall, and master holistic strategies to become a more effective learner. Learners so far have found the stories and activities in the course to be applicable, fun and engaging. We therefore encourage you to pick up some useful tips during this vacation!”
Notes on a Nervous Planet (2018) / by Matt Haig
Recommended by Richard Ho (Scholarly Communications Librarian)
“In this book, Matt presents easy to read vignettes of living in today’s nervous planet – such as the oppressive role of tech companies, algorithms and other people controlling our lives. We have given our smartphones too much power – the device that lets us connect with friends or watch Moo Deng’s adorable antics also keeps us constantly connected to work, bad news, celebrity gossip, and media that convinces us everything else is more important than ourselves. Reading Matt’s experiences was like meeting a friend/therapist imparting everyday wisdom, and I hope it will give you as much comfort and self-realization as it did for me while we learn how to edit our lives on this nervous planet.”
Oriental Splendour (1953) / by Herbert Van Thal
Recommended by Wong Kah Wei (Associate University Librarian)
“These tales from Arabia, Burma, Cambodia, Ceylon, China and so on are told by Orientalists such as Sir Richard Burton, Herbert Giles and a few more. Written in an archaic and long-winded way, I found some stories tough-going. But through this layer of story-telling, I sunk into a meandering past which drew intricate pictures of love, loyalty, follies and silliness. The only story that touched my heart was ‘The Courtesan’, a Chinese tale with a twist at the end, revealing the astuteness of the courtesan and the weakness of her lover. There are some beautiful prints illustrating the culture of the country of that tale.”
Putera Gunung Tahan (1973) / by Ishak Haji Muhammad (Pak Sako)
Recommended by Nur Diyana (Research Librarian – Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences)
“In his satirical and magical realist narrative, Pak Sako weaves a fantasy that challenges colonial authority while exploring ecocritical themes. By juxtaposing the values of the natives—albeit at their expense—with those of colonial administrators, he uncovers contrasting perceptions of land and value, highlighting the intricate interplay of culture, environment, and power. While the colonials pursue capitalist exploitation, the native regime reflects a more sustainable relationship with nature. I found Pak Sako’s imaginative storytelling to be a powerful critique of foreign ambitions, underscoring the ecological wisdom embedded in local practices. His work invites readers to reconsider their ecological narratives and places these disparate epistemologies on equal ground.“
State of Mind: Life and Work in a Mental Hospital (2015) / by Robert J. Craig
Recommended by Boo Qi Yu (Metadata Librarian)
“This book reminds me of the work attachments we may have as students because beyond bringing theory to life, it exposes us to the reality of the job and people involved. Set in the 20th century U.S., the author’s practical experience as an intern and psychologist is shared with us. During which, we are introduced to patients he dealt with and manifestations of various psychological disorders. While the latter led to predicaments at times, there were also hopeful moments, such as patients stepping forward to help other patients, which I found encouraging to read about.”
Recommended by Jamila Osman (Research Librarian – Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences)
“Searching for that elusive magic formula to chase those stressors away? Look no further than this well-thumbed diva guide. And men-folks – yes, you can try them too.
It is easy-peasy to go to contents page and decide which ones you wish to try out. Rule of thumb – de-stressing takes time, practice patience – what better time to try than during these hols. Take cue from this diva – the act of just reading this guide s.l.o.w.l.y. actually helps. Read on what author has shared with her version of Aunt Aggie in ‘dear diva’. The first chapter begins with ‘forget perfect’ – how wondrous is that! 😊 Keep calm, read on and recharge with this do-able guide. 💕”
The Eye Over the Golden Sands: Memoirs of a Penang Family (1997) / by Lim Kean Siew
Recommended by Wong Kah Wei (Associate University Librarian)
“Lim Kean Siew was a lawyer and leader of Malaya’s Labour Party. His family was renowned in Penang so I thought I would be reading about a Penang Peranakan family. Well, not quite. Although Lim Cheng Ean, Lim Kean Siew’s father, was Peranakan, Kean Siew’s mother wasn’t. Rosalind Hoalim was a Chinese from British Guiana, spoke only English and probably stood out like a sore thumb with her Western ways. But she was fascinating and was admired by her eldest brother-in-law for being different from a typical Nyonya mother. Another chapter which is fascinating is the detailed description of their home Hardwicke and the many guests the family entertained.”
The Law and the Lady (1998) / by Wilkie Collins
Recommended by Wong Kah Wei (Associate University Librarian)
“I thoroughly enjoyed Wilkie Collins’ Diary of Anne Rodway (1856), a story in a book of stories, because Anne is one plucky and smart gal, pursuing the murderer of her friend. So I eagerly read The Law and the Lady (1875) anticipating another sensational crime story with another smart Victorian lady detective. Even though the ‘detective’, Valeria Brinton, has similar observation powers and tenacity which led to her uncovering the truth, this story does not have a villain. Instead, Collins tells a story of the deathly web of unrequited love exposing the follies of man. Lots of Gothic drama.”
Recommended by Kho Su Yian (Research Librarian – Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences)
“The Pandemic Cookbook combines comic art, food reviews, and reflections on pandemic life. The artwork varies from Sonny Liew’s unique style, nostalgic 80s-90s comic books, to near-photorealistic food depictions. Serious pandemic issues—mask mandates, international responses, and food for frontline workers— are presented through a human lens, using individual voices from interviews to highlight different perspectives. I like how the differing views on issues are presented with refreshing honesty, without sugarcoating unpleasant realities, and how the heavy topic of the pandemic is presented in a light, whimsical but still respectful manner. It’s a good way to learn about and appreciate how people from all walks of life were affected by the pandemic and how they contributed to our collective survival.”
The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters (2020) / by Balli Kaur Jaswal
Recommended by Poonam Lalwani (Curator)
“Singaporean Balli Kaur Jawal’s novel is about the Shergill sisters who were never close nor got along when growing up and have grown even further apart as adults. Upon their mother’s death, the sisters made a pilgrimage to the Golden Temple (Amritsar), carried out their mother’s final rites and ended up making unexpected discoveries about themselves and their mother. At the heart of it, the story is about diasporic families and siblings and the support and togetherness when things get tough. What I loved about the book is its honest representation of the sibling relationships which can be messy and yet you know that they will be there for you, rain or shine.“
Three Body Problem (2020) / by Liu Cixin
Recommended by Marcus Wong (Associate Director, Marcomms)
“Now adapted into a Netflix series, Liu’s Three Body Problem is a sweeping sci-fi epic that introduces a uniquely Asian voice to mainstream sci-fi literature, hiterhto dominated by Western voices (aside from the late Arthur C Clarke, whose love for South Asia is well demonstrated in his work). Proud of his culture without resorting to jingoism, Liu’s series brings refreshing cultural balance to the genre. I’ve often shied away from reading translated work, but having some insight into the Chinese language helps me better appreciate the linguistic tensions and cultural nuances that underpin the narrative.”
