The Straits Times Weekly Bestsellers June 21
Singaporean writer Jemimah Wei's debut novel is titled The Original Daughter.
PHOTO: WEIDENFELD & NICOLSON
1. (1) The Passengers On The Hankyu Line by Hiro Arikawa; translated by Allison Markin Powell
2. (-) Strange Houses by Uketsu
3. (2) The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei
4. (-) Strange Pictures by Uketsu
5. (-) The Wizard's Bakery by Gu Byeong-mo ; translated by Jamie Chang
6. (-) Fearless by Lauren Roberts
7. (-) The Vegetarian by Han Kang; translated by Deborah Smith
8. (-) My Friends by Fredrik Backman
9. (5) The Convenience Store By The Sea by Sonoko Machida; translated by Bruno Navasky
10. (-) Lost Souls Meet Under A Full Moon by Mizuki Tsujimura; translated by Yuki Tejima
Non-fiction:
Elevate Your Assets Elevate Your Wealth by Kelvin Fong.
PHOTO: BOOK BAR
1. (1) Elevate Your Assets, Elevate Your Wealth by Kelvin Fong
2. (2) Why Palestine? Reflections From Singapore by Walid Jumblatt Abdullah
3. (-) A Different Kind Of Power by Jacinda Ardern
4. (4) How Countries Go Broke: The Big Cycle by Ray Dalio
5. (-) Empire Of AI by Karen Hao
6. (-) The Psychology Of Money by Morgan Housel
7. (8) The Not To-Do List by Rolf Dobelli
8. (9) The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
9. (5) Apple In China by Patrick McGee
10. (6) Atomic Habits by James Clear
Children's:
The Incredible Basket by Quek Hong Shin.
PHOTO: EPIGRAM BOOKSHOP
1. (1) National Geographic Kids Almanac 2026 by National Geographic Kids
2. (-) How To Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
3. (3) The World's Worst Superheroes by David Walliams
4. (-) Ten Minutes To Bed: Little Unicorn by Rhiannon Fielding
5. (-) The Incredible Basket by Quek Hong Shin
6. (8) Eye Spy Singapore by Pippa Chorley
7. (-) Bo Bo And Cha Cha's Big Day Out (Book 2) by Jason Erik Lundberg; illustrated by Patrick Yee
8. (-) Every School A Good School by Ng Ziqin
9. (-) Dragons In Chinatown (Chinese New Year In Singapore) by Valerie Pereira; illustrated by Kwee Eng Liau
10. (-) Sly The Fly by R.S. Robbie; illustrated by Debbie Yuen and Jessley Sim
This is The Straits Times' compilation of bestseller lists from Kinokuniya, Epigram, Wardah Books, Book Bar, Bookshop.sg and Afterimage bookstores.
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Vogue Singapore
3 hours ago
- Vogue Singapore
Vogue Singapore partners with CHARLES & KEITH for Vogue Talent Prize 2025—a celebration of creativity and community
V ogue Singapore has long stood as a beacon for creativity in Southeast Asia since its founding in 2020—pushing the boundaries of fashion and culture with purpose-driven narratives and bold visual storytelling. At the heart of this mission lies the Vogue Singapore Foundation, established to nurture local talent, break down barriers to creative education, and amplify voices across the region's fashion and arts industries. This July, the Foundation launches its fourth Vogue Singapore Talent Prize, a platform dedicated to uncovering the next wave of Singaporean storytellers—those who experiment, as well as reimagine the world through digital craft. This year's edition comes once again in partnership with homegrown fashion brand CHARLES & KEITH, a longtime supporter of emerging voices and creative expression. 'We have always sought to inspire creativity by challenging boundaries and boldly experimenting with different expressions and styles, and are passionate about supporting emerging talents in their own journeys to inspire and experiment.' shares Fredie Stevens, Design Director of CHARLES & KEITH. The 2025 Talent Prize invites all image-makers and digital creatives aged between 18 and 30—be they students, recent graduates, or young professionals—to respond to a single prompt: What does 'home' mean to you? From physical space to memory, community, or belonging, applicants are encouraged to submit a visual interpretation of the theme, along with a 100-word description of their work. Submissions can span across mediums: from photography and videography to illustration, 3D art, digital wearables, animation and beyond. As a new milestone, this year's top 30 entries will be showcased on a dedicated microsite launching on 18 August 2025—a rare opportunity for wider exposure on a global platform. From this shortlist, five finalists will be chosen to create a brand campaign for Vogue Singapore, spotlighting products from CHARLES & KEITH. The final winner will be selected via a combination of public voting and expert judging. Meet the judges Natasha Damodaran, Publisher, Vogue Singapore Desmond Lim, Editor-in-chief, Vogue Singapore Fredie Stevens, Design Director, Charles & Keith Mae Tan, Creative Multi-hyphenate, Vogue Council member Ben Jones, CEO and Founder of The Mandala Group Judges this year include Natasha Damodaran, publisher of Vogue Singapore, Desmond Lim, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Singapore, Fredie Stevens, Design Director of CHARLES & KEITH, Mae Tan, Creative Multi-hyphenate and Vogue Council Member, and Ben Jones, CEO and Founder of The Mandala Group. The winner of the Vogue Talent Prize 2025 will receive S$3,000 cash prize, S$2,000 in CHARLES & KEITH vouchers, e xposure across Vogue Singapore's digital and print platforms, and an internship at Vogue Singapore. In addition to the above, the winner will also receive a 1-year complimentary U30 membership at Mandala Club (valued at S$4,876+). A creative haven and members' club for tastemakers across disciplines, Mandala Club lives by one guiding belief: 'Surround yourself with great people in great environments and great things will happen.' Their U30 initiative is designed to foster connection, collaboration and opportunity for the next generation of Singapore's changemakers. Apply here All interested applicants for the Vogue Talent Prize 2025 can simply provide a visual response that they believe answers the below question but also best showcases their creative talent, as well as a 100-word description of their work here. The submission could either be a new creation or an existing piece of work. 'Home' can be a physical space, a feeling, or a place of belonging—what does 'home' mean to you? Submit a visual piece that explores your personal interpretation of 'home'. Applications close at 11:59PM SGT on 8 August 2025. Subscribe to Club Vogue to join our inner circle and support the Vogue Singapore Foundation.

Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Straits Times
Li Nanxing on reuniting with Chow Yun Fat at Star Awards: ‘I consider him more a friend than an idol'
SINGAPORE – For Singaporean actor Li Nanxing, attending Star Awards 2025 on July 6 after a 10-year absence was a chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues. But the most memorable reunion came in the form of the 30th anniversary edition's special guest, Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun Fat, who was on hand to present awards – just like how he did at the inaugural ceremony in 1994. Back then, Chow famously remarked that Li resembled him, adding: 'Please don't come to Hong Kong, or else I will not be able to make movies any more.' At Star Awards 2025, Chow, 70, called out 60-year-old Li's name twice while onstage, when he rallied the local actors in the audience from the 1994 batch to go onstage for a wefie. Li was also the first artiste to receive a hug from Chow. Li said it was the pair's first reunion since 1994, but they did not get to chat offstage as Chow was 'very busy'. Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat (left) giving Singaporean actor Li Nanxing a hug during the Star Awards on July 6. PHOTO: ENTERTAINMENT – MEDIACORP/YOUTUBE Li recalled: 'So many people wanted to take a photo with him, and I felt so lucky to have been called. 'I have always looked up to Chow and have seen so many of his movies. In some ways, I did try to learn from him. So for him to remember me three decades later, it meant a lot to me. I consider him more a friend than an idol.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $3b money laundering case: MinLaw acts against 4 law firms, 1 lawyer over seized properties Business 'Some cannot source outside China': S'pore firms' challenges and support needed amid US tariffs Multimedia From local to global: What made top news in Singapore over the last 180 years? World Trump arms Ukraine and threatens sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil Singapore Turning tragedy into advocacy: Woman finds new purpose after paralysis Opinion Sumiko at 61: Everything goes south when you age, changing your face from a triangle to a rectangle Sport World Aquatics C'ship women's 10km open water swimming event delayed by a day due to water quality Singapore HSA intensifies crackdown on vapes; young suspected Kpod peddlers nabbed in Bishan, Yishun Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat (in white suit, in foreground) during the Star Awards on July 6, taking a wefie with stars who attended the first edition of Star Awards in 1994. PHOTO: MEDIACORP Li was speaking to The Straits Times on July 14 at the new Jurong Point outlet of home-grown restaurant brand Nan Yang Dao, which official opens on July 25. At the event, he unveiled two limited-time collaborative dishes that feature his LNX Dried Scallop Hae Bee Hiam – Hae Bee Hiam XO Penang Char Kway Teow With Double Egg ($12.80) and Ah Ge Fried Bee Hoon With Tiger Prawns ($12.80). Li launched his hae bee hiam (spicy dried shrimp sambal) brand in 2021, and it was improved in 2024 with richer shrimp and scallop flavours. Ah Ge Fried Bee Hoon With Tiger Prawns. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Li also revealed more about how he plans to celebrate his 40 years in showbiz, after debuting in the 1986 Chinese-language drama Crossroads. On Nov 29, he will hold a 40th anniversary event in Shanghai, China, with an estimated 800 fan s, including those from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. He also plans to join a Huangpu River Cruise to admire the nighttime scenery together with attendees of an eight-day Jiangnan Gourmet Autumn Tour, departing from Singapore on Nov 23 and organised by local tour agency SA Tours. During the event, he might shake fans' hands, sign autographs and even belt out a number or two. 'It all depends on what requests they have. Maybe it is to sing some theme songs or act out certain roles? I just want to thank my fans for their support all these years. 'Did you know many fans in China like Mediacorp dramas?' he shared, namedropping his period drama The Great Conspiracy (1993), which was partly filmed in the Chinese province of Shanxi and in which he played Shen Chong, a killer skilled in martial arts. Li added: 'In China, old television s series are often replayed. I was once welcomed by Chinese fans with banners saying 'Shen Chong is back', and they told me they had seen the show on television just a few years ago.' 'Other fans in China who watched it when it first aired are now aunties. But they bring their children and grandchildren – three generations – to see me, and it is great. They give me lots of local products, such as tea and peanuts, and I have to book a van to take all of it back to my hotel.' Reflecting on his four-decade career, Li shared that there were lows, like when viewers made 'hurtful' comments about him portraying villains in dramas such as Coup De Scorpion (1999). In any case, acting has taught him much about life, while allowing him space to play and experiment. He recently played a cash-strapped single father in the family drama Uniquely Ours (2024), and will return to the small screen as a disgraced doctor in dystopian thriller series The Leftovers, set to premiere in October 2026. Outside of the entertainment industry, Li remains passionate about his other businesses. He established artiste management company LNX Global in 2003, which manages actresses Constance Song and Vivian Lai, actor Shane Pow, UFM100.3 DJ Luo Kemin and actress-influencer Julie Tan. In 2021, he opened dessert shop Tian Wang, now located in Keong Saik Road, where he has been spotted playing cashier and waiter. In addition, he has collaborated with other F&B businesses over the years, such as Chinese hotpot chain Chamoon Hot Pot on a bak kut teh broth in 2024, and casual restaurant chain Yun Nans on a number of spring menu dishes in 2021. He said: 'I love cooking. And food is something I feel very strongly for, especially Nanyang cuisine, which has a distinctive Singaporean flavour. I love going to other countries to spread awareness about our food. And whether it is in food, acting or life, there is still a lot more to learn, experience and enjoy.'

Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Straits Times
Your S'pore Story: ‘Response has always been positive until I posted my nasi lemak character'
This artist went viral for a pop culture mash-up, but has since shifted his artwork to reflect themes closer to home The cheat code to going viral? According to a comment on Mr Andy Choo's artwork, it is making Malaysians angry. The origin of well-loved hawker dishes has long been a prickly subject between Singapore and Malaysia. So when the 39-year-old unveiled a character based on nasi lemak – as part of a series reimagining Singapore's hawker favourites as fantasy heroes – he did not expect it to stir up a debate. Watch his video here. Dozens of Malaysians flooded his page with comments, accusing him of claiming the national dish as Singaporean. Mr Choo had added a note acknowledging the dish's Malaysian origins, but the clarification did not appease them. Still, the nasi lemak debacle – while unintended – felt like a small win. To Mr Choo, it signalled a step towards greater visibility for Singaporean artists on the global stage – it shows that people outside of Singapore are noticing his artwork. He shares more about his line-up of hawker heroes, what drives him to keep creating, and how he hopes to nurture the next generation of home-grown artists. Mr Choo has also designed characters inspired by himself and his wife, Andimoo and Jegginyan (seen in the foreground). PHOTO: SPH MEDIA 'When I did One Piece Avengers in 2012 – a mash-up of the most popular Japanese and American characters – it blew up overnight. So I thought, okay, I know how to get the fame: just take popular characters, put your own spin on them and maybe throw in a crossover. But after a while, I stopped. I did not want to keep using other people's characters and most people would not even know a Singaporean was behind the artwork. I wanted to create something that was more uniquely Singaporean – that's much more meaningful to me. The idea came during the Covid-19 pandemic. I had nothing to do at home and was staring at a plate of chicken rice. At the same time, the game Genshin Impact was really popular. So I thought: what if I combined the two? Could I create something that is uniquely Singaporean? And that is how the characters were born. Chicken rice became a tall, slim lady archetype. Ice kacang and laksa represent the younger girls with smaller builds. Then, there are the big guys like chilli crab and bak kut teh. The black and white carrot cake are your average Joes. I shared them online, including on international artist pages. The response for my artwork has always been positive – until I posted the nasi lemak character. That post sparked a wave of comments from Malaysians saying that nasi lemak was not Singaporean, but Malaysian. About 10 years ago, I did something similar too – taking something familiar and putting a Singaporean spin on it. Years ago, when the Transformers movies were big, I turned Singapore's buses and taxis into Transformers too. It has always been my thing. Apart from creating my own mash-ups, I've spent over a decade helping young artists build a strong foundation in art and drawing. I have been teaching art across primary, secondary and tertiary levels. To nurture younger talent, I am now working on a curriculum that is more interesting for kids. It is packaged like a role-playing game – they unlock skills as they progress and earn badges along the way. And all the characters I've created will be used in my teaching materials. In Singapore, if you want to do art on a professional level, you either work for a company or start your own, like I did. There are not many indie studios here, which is why people end up aiming for jobs overseas, at companies like Marvel and DC. But I still want to stay. There's just something special about Singapore and I think it's because this is where I grew up. That's why I'm always trying to create something that's our own.'