Our local literary scene has come a long way. It is now so vibrant, filled with many voices adding flavour to the field. This has had important social implications. It is, after all, our local authors who are able to tap on and write about their lived experiences not only as Singaporeans, but also as individuals with particular interests from different socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, identifying along a spectrum of sexual orientations. Creating conversation is key, and we have them to thank for helping us put into words the things we may think/ feel but have not been able to fully understand or say, what more talk about.

 

Despite being a bookworm since I was a child, my interest in local literature is a recent occurrence, sparked by a conversation I had with a small second-hand bookstore owner in Far East Plaza. The store is one of those places with a huge selection of second-hand books that you can either choose to borrow or purchase (I’m a huge sucker for these kinds of stores – I always go in saying I’ll just have a look and end up walking out with more books to add to my glaringly large “To Read” pile at home).

The store had full shelves and piles of second-hand books like these everywhere
The store had full shelves and piles of second-hand books like these everywhere

 

The owner was chatting about how he would love to expand on the local lit selection he had. He mentioned how much he adored the scene now compared to when he was a teenager and proceeded to give me a few recommendations based on the books I had picked out from his store. I gave some of them a shot and have been intrigued by local lit ever since.

 

Though I’m pretty sure a seasoned bookseller like himself could probably provide you guys with a better list, here are some books that I’ve (so far) discovered and loved as a novice reader in the field. In general, each of these books has contributed to my understanding of certain issues in Singapore, whilst also helping in the ever-ongoing formulation of my own identity. For those reasons, I’ve always – and will continue to – recommend them as books I feel like every local reader should eventually read.

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NON-FICTION

 

Non-fiction is a tricky section, in my opinion. I’m personally not a fan of recommending titles that are too niche to new readers, especially when it comes to topics like politics or social issues. As such, these 3 books are the ones I attribute to giving me a good sense of breadth (though admittedly not necessarily depth, or in providing possible solutions) of the key socio-political issues I feel every local should know about.

 

 

FICTION

 

I must admit this is my least-explored area of the local scene. I ended off 2020 with a surge of fiction reads but sadly this trend has yet to spill over much into 2021 or into my interest in local lit. But I guess that just means I have many new good fiction reads coming my way! Here are a 2 from those I’ve read that I feel like spoke to me the most as a young Singaporean, both of which were recommendations from my other book-lover friends.

 

 

POETRY

 

I am by no means a poetry expert, but I do find a lot of solace in reading a poem that not only just gets it but is also able to present it (whatever it is) in such a simple yet powerful and beautiful way. I’m also a fan of recommending poetry as, like an essay-based or short stories book, they take less time to read. Amidst my busy schedule I personally find it calming and grounding to slow down for a few minutes whenever I can to read and digest a poem or two. Here are a few of my favourites.

 

 

 

I should perhaps mention that, like everyone else, my preferences and tastes are my own; these books are a reflection of local issues and experiences that I feel are significant, and of course this will not be the same for every reader. But that’s the fun of reading, isn’t it? You learn and grow with each recommendation you read that changes your perspective and opinion on certain things. I would certainly love to hear more about what local reads you guys have loved (more fiction, please!).

 

#SupportLocal

 

By Fithri,
ReadNUS Programmes Director