South African Journal of Science’s Post

Every month, I'll be penning a 500-word essaylet in The Straits Times' newest column TBR (To Be Read). It is a chance for me to offer a highly personal take on emerging book-related trends, controversies, recommendations, gossip and issues. I'll be joining my arts journalist colleagues in offering these little postcards that hopefully offer some fodder for literary chatter or book banter. For my inaugural TBR, I offer my view on a popular genre – "cosy fiction" or "healing fiction" as it has been variously called – that has made dozens of global bestsellers. It's brewed coffee, purring cats and cosy bookstore counters... you've seen it on the shelves or on your feed. On Singapore's bestsellers list, six (!) out of ten fiction titles belong to this genre – so what's the craze about? I try to unpack, in a little Sunday column, why Singaporeans adore the new demure and cosy fiction. I am always on the hunt for fresh bookish material to write about, so please feel free to let me know of any book trends that you want to hear about. (If you have trouble accessing this column, feel free to message me – I can share it with you perhaps in exchange for some of your thoughts on the matter at hand!) Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gtuFdw8H #books #fiction #publishing #literature #toberead

New Book Review out now! The Reviewers — Anne and Jay Gruner were career #CIA officers in analysis and operations, respectively. Anne was Deputy Director of #WINPAC; her fiction, non-fiction and poetry has appeared in a variety of publications, including a Pushcart-nominee. Jay Gruner served as Chief of Station in multiple countries and as an area division chief, and founded J.K. Gruner Associates, a business intelligence consultancy. Read the review only at #TheCipherBrief

If Rosa Luxemburg had asked me to join her Communist Party, I'd say, "Nah, you're fine, thanks." If she'd said, "Kel, wanna join my Spartacus League?", and I'd be, "Sign me up!" Titles are so important. Book titles that is. Unless you've got a doctorate, I'm not really fussed if you're the Hon., Sir or Mx. But book titles need that ... je ne sais quoi. It's your readers' first emotive experience of your novel's world. I write loads of blurbs for authors. Tonnes of them— and I love doing it. Occasionally, though, I've been asked to rename books that felt 'off' to their authors. And I love doing that, too, because I understand the power of titles. Here are a few of my favourites: 🏰 We Have Always Lived in the Castle Shirley Jackson 🐼 Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation While I don't share Lynne Truss' 'Zero Tolerance' view, her title is unforgettable. 💀 A Dead Man in Deptford Anthony Burgess And any of Chuck Tingle's titles. I'd get banned if I wrote one here. What's your favourite book title? #titles #books #fictionwriting #editor

📖🌳 Behold, a new chapter is sprouting at Malicha Publishing! Prepare to be transported into a world where stories flourish among the leaves of creativity. Follow us to witness the flowering of our newest publication, where the seed of imagination is nurtured and brought to life. Join us on this literary journey to discover what blossoms next! #MalichaPublishing #GrowthInWords #JourneyToPublication #BloomWithUs #FromSeedToBook

On World Philosophy Day, let's celebrate the art of thinking! Philosophy isn't just about what to think; it's about cultivating the critical skills to explore how we think. Dive into the depths of thought with our related titles. Explore more at www.Gufhtugu.com. #WorldPhilosophyDay #Books #Philosophy #GufhtuguPublications

Onesimus Malatji, a South African-based creative businessman and ideologist, stands out as a beacon of inspiration in both the literary and business worlds. As an author, he has penned several influential books, including "Mwalusaka," "Overcoming Rejections," "Hustler Kulcha," and "Worshipers Mask," each resonating globally with its unique insights and narrative depth. Malatji's journey, rooted in the rich cultural landscape of South Africa, weaves together diverse experiences from his entrepreneurial ventures and his philosophical musings. His works, characterized by a profound understanding of human behavior, resilience in the face of adversity, and the intricacies of faith and modern entrepreneurship, offer readers a multifaceted perspective on life's complexities. Certainly! Here are LinkedIn hashtags relevant for book lovers, authors, and the literary community formatted in a sentence for easy copying: Certainly! Here are LinkedIn hashtags relevant for book lovers, authors, and the literary community formatted in a sentence for easy copying: #BookRecommendations #BookMarketing #BookClub #ReadingCommunity #BookLovers #Authors #Publishing #WritingCommunity #AmReading #AmWriting #Literature #BookReview #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthors #BookLaunch #BookPromotion #AuthorLife #BookIndustry #LiteraryFiction #ReadingList

What message does debut author Weena Pun convey in her novel, Kanchhi? Discover the story, in bookstores near you! #Kanchhi #WeenaPun #DebutNovel #LiteraryFiction

Flashing back to 2017, when ELISE AND THE SECOND-HAND DOG, translated by DELT member Siân Mackie, was selected as an Honour Title for BookTrust's In Other Words project. It's a beautiful story, written by one of Denmark's most prolific authors, Bjarne Reuter, illustrated by the wonderful Kirsten Raagaard and published by Wacky Bee Books. #danish #literature #translation #throwbackthursday

If you're on the hunt for something to read consider supporting one of the authors who have signed this letter. Personally, I won't be reading anything by anyone who I don't see on this list, at least for the foreseeable future. Some of my favorite authors are already on here: * Viet Thanh Nguyen * Arundhati Roy * Jia Tolentino * Sally Rooney I don't yet see all of my favorite authors, but I'll be checking back regularly. I'm definitely bookmarking this page and looking forward to discovering new authors! https://lnkd.in/gcMYZDww #freepalestine

Your story, your knowledge, your ideas—they deserve to be heard. At His Rule Publication, we’re here to help you amplify the voice of your pen. Whether it’s sharing your wisdom, inspiring change, or telling a story that resonates, we make sure your words leave a lasting impact. Ready to let your voice be heard? Let’s bring your vision to life with quality publishing services that ensure your message reaches those who need it most. Speak up, share boldly, and let your words create waves. Soro Soke! Discover more about how we support authors: www.linktr.ee/hisrulepub #AmplifyYourVoice #SoroSoke #HisRulePublication #WriteYourStory #PublishingJourney