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Bestselling Nonfiction

Browse popular, highly rated secondhand nonfiction books at affordable prices, starting from just S$3.90! Titles in this collection boast above 4 stars on Goodreads, with at least 500 ratings.

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When Broken Glass Floats: Growing Up Under the Khmer Rouge - A Memoir
Chanrithy Him | W W Norton & Co Inc

When Broken Glass Floats: Growing Up Under the Khmer Rouge - A Memoir

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.18

$11.90

63% off est. retail
If you're drawn to powerful personal narratives that not only educate but also touch the heart, you'll find Chanrithy Him's memoir compelling. Her story isn't just a history lesson; it's a testament to human endurance and the bonds of family love in the face of unimaginable hardship. For anyone interested in the strength of the human spirit, this book promises an unforgettable journey.
Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found
Suketu Mehta | Headline Review

Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$8.90

57% off est. retail
Recommended for those who want a deep dive into the complex cultural tapestry of Bombay. Mehta's storytelling offers readers a glimpse into the city's underbelly of crime, glamour, and politics. Readers will appreciate the rich cast of characters and Mehta's personal perspective on his hometown.
China Wakes: The Struggle for the Soul of a Rising Power - Thryft
Nicholas D. Kristof, Sheryl WuDunn  | Times Books/random House

China Wakes: The Struggle for the Soul of a Rising Power

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

90% off est. retail
If you’re intrigued by the evolution of global powers, “China Wakes” offers a deep dive into the complexities of China's ascension. The reporters take you through the multifaceted societal changes with a level of detail that's personal yet panoramic. It's as eye-opening as it is enlightening, providing a snapshot of a pivotal time in China’s history. This book may change the way you see China and its place in the world.
Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter
Adeline Yen Mah | Delacorte Books For Young Readers

Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter

$15.90

Goodreads rating: 4.08

$15.90

If you're drawn to stories of triumph over adversity, "Chinese Cinderella" will deeply move you. The raw emotion in Adeline Yen Mah's memoir of growing up feeling unwanted is palpable. Reading her journey towards self-acceptance might inspire you, especially if you've faced similar feelings of isolation or overcome personal struggles.
Chinese Cinderella: The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter
Yen Mah | Pearson Education

Chinese Cinderella: The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter

$6.90

Goodreads rating: 4.07

$6.90

79% off est. retail
"Chinese Cinderella" is more than just a memoir; it's an intimate journey through adversity with a young girl whose resilience shines. As she maneuvers through a life of neglect and cruelty, her solace in literature becomes a powerful motif that evokes both heartache and inspiration. Anyone seeking a narrative to fuel their belief in the unyielding strength of the human spirit should delve into this book. It's a testament to perseverance and the transformative power of education.
Gweilo: Memories of a Hong Kong Childhood
Martin Booth | Bantam Press

Gweilo: Memories of a Hong Kong Childhood

$3.90

Goodreads rating: 4.19

$3.90

If you're drawn to vivid recollections of a bygone era, "Gweilo: Memories of a Hong Kong Childhood" might be your next favorite read. The charm of this book lies in its ability to transport you back to the vibrant streets and the mysterious corners of 1950s Hong Kong through the eyes of a curious child. Laden with cultural insights and edged with the bittersweet nuances of family dynamics, it's not just a memoir; it's an immersive escape into history.
The Concubine's Children: The Story of a Chinese Family Living on Two Sides of the Globe
Denise Chong | Penguin Canada

The Concubine's Children: The Story of a Chinese Family Living on Two Sides of the Globe

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.91

$13.90

If you're drawn to narratives that weave personal family histories with broader cultural and societal shifts, "The Concubine's Children" is a poignant read. It's not just a family's tale, but a story reflecting the immigrant experience, detailing struggle, resilience, and the poignant dichotomy between East and West. This book is especially compelling if you're interested in the complexities of family dynamics across continents and generations.
The Age of Kali: Indian Travels & Encounters
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William Dalrymple | Flamingo

The Age of Kali: Indian Travels & Encounters

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.99

$8.90

58% off est. retail
If you're drawn to the complexities and contrasts inherent in modern Indian society, "The Age of Kali" offers you a front-row seat. Dalrymple's storytelling weaves through the extreme diversities of India with a skilled narrative that brings to life characters ranging from political luminaries to ordinary citizens caught up in extraordinary circumstances. It paints a picture that's at once haunting and vibrant, perfect for anyone interested in the social and cultural undercurrents shaping India today.
Restless Empire: China and the World Since 1750 - Thryft
Sold out
Odd Arne Westad | The Bodley Head Ltd

Restless Empire: China and the World Since 1750

$11.97

Goodreads rating: 4.03

$11.97

As the twenty-first century dawns, China stands at a crossroads. The largest and most populous country on earth and currently the world’s second biggest economy, China has recently reclaimed its historic place at the center of global affairs after decades of internal chaos and disastrous foreign relations. But even as China tentatively reengages with the outside world, the contradictions of its development risks pushing it back into an era of insularity and instability—a regression that, as China’s recent history shows, would have serious implications for all other nations.In Restless Empire, award-winning historian Odd Arne Westad traces China’s complex foreign affairs over the past 250 years, identifying the forces that will determine the country’s path in the decades to come. Since the height of the Qing Empire in the eighteenth century, China’s interactions—and confrontations—with foreign powers have caused its worldview to fluctuate wildly between extremes of dominance and subjugation, emulation and defiance. From the invasion of Burma in the 1760s to the Boxer Rebellion in the early 20th century to the 2001 standoff over a downed U.S. spy plane, many of these encounters have left Chinese with a lingering sense of humiliation and resentment, and inflamed their notions of justice, hierarchy, and Chinese centrality in world affairs. Recently, China’s rising influence on the world stage has shown what the country stands to gain from international cooperation and openness. But as Westad shows, the nation’s success will ultimately hinge on its ability to engage with potential international partners while simultaneously safeguarding its own strength and stability.An in-depth study by one of our most respected authorities on international relations and contemporary East Asian history, Restless Empire is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the recent past and probable future of this dynamic and complex nation.
Factory Girls: Voices from the Heart of Modern China
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Leslie T. Chang | Picador Usa

Factory Girls: Voices from the Heart of Modern China

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.93

$8.90

54% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the personal stories behind the headlines of China's economic surge, "Factory Girls" is for you. Leslie T. Chang dives deep into the lives of two women navigating the chaotic world of migrant labor, shedding light on the human cost of the products we often take for granted. It offers a profound, eye-opening experience that's both socially relevant and emotionally resonant.
A Little Book of Japanese Contentments : Ikigai, Forest Bathing, Wabi-Sabi, and More (Japanese Books, Mindfulness Books, Books about Culture, Spiritual Books) - Thryft
Sold out
Ryo Takemasa, Erin Niimi Longhurst  | Chronicle Books

A Little Book of Japanese Contentments : Ikigai, Forest Bathing, Wabi-Sabi, and More (Japanese Books, Mindfulness Books, Books about Culture, Spiritual Books)

$8.55

Goodreads rating: 3.91

$8.55

69% off est. retail
Recommendation: - Dive into the wisdom of ancient Japan, as this book uncovers the philosophies that contribute to the country's long, healthy lifespan. With easy-to-follow exercises and stunning illustrations, "A Little Book of Japanese Contentments" is the perfect companion for those seeking a more balanced and gratified life. - This book is for anyone interested in Japanese culture and spirituality, as it delves into the concepts of ikigai (living with purpose), wabi-sabi (the beauty of imperfection), shinrinyoku (forest bathing), and more. Allow this book to guide you on a journey towards cultivating happiness in everyday life.
Wish Lanterns : Young Lives in New China - Thryft
Sold out
Alec Ash | Picador

Wish Lanterns : Young Lives in New China

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 4.22

$8.26

61% off est. retail
This is the generation that will change China. The youth, over 320 million of them in their teens and twenties, more than the population of the USA. Born after Mao, with no memory of Tiananmen, they are destined to transform both their nation and the world.These millennials, offspring of the one-child policy, face fierce competition to succeed. Pressure starts young, and their road isn't easy. Their stories are also like those of young people all over the world: moving out of home, starting a career, falling in love.Wish Lanterns follows the lives of six young Chinese. Dahai is a military child and netizen; 'Fred' is a daughter of the Party. Lucifer is an aspiring superstar; Snail a country migrant addicted to online games. Xiaoxiao is a hipster from the freezing north; Mia a rebel from Xinjiang in the far west.Alec Ash, a writer in Beijing of the same generation, has given us a vivid, gripping account of young China as it comes of age. Through individual stories, Wish Lanterns shows with empathy and insight the challenges and dreams that will define China's future global impact.
The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew
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Lee Kuan Yew | Times Media Private Limited

The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew

$4.90

Goodreads rating: 4.46

$4.90

This memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, leadership, and the incredible transformation of Singapore. Through the eyes of Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of modern Singapore, you'll gain insights into his visionary leadership and the strategies he employed to turn a small, resource-poor nation into a thriving global hub. Lee's candid and pragmatic approach to governance will leave you inspired and in awe of Singapore's success story.
Escape from Camp 14 : One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West - Thryft
Sold out
Blaine Harden | Penguin Books

Escape from Camp 14 : One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West

$7.59

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$7.59

65% off est. retail
"Escape from Camp 14" is a vivid account of the life inside North Korea's political prison. The book portrays the story of Shin Dong-hyuk, the only person born inside one of these camps to have escaped. It highlights the inhumane conditions of the political prison camps and the brutalities people had to deal with on a daily basis. It is a must-read for those interested in human rights and political issues.
Air-Conditioned Nation Revisited
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Cherian George | Ethos Books

Air-Conditioned Nation Revisited

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.42

$11.90

56% off est. retail
This book could be a good read for anyone interested in understanding the intricate blend of comfort and central control in Singapore's society. Through a compilation of essays by Cherian George, it provides critical insights into the country's political culture, shedding light on both its mastery of the environment and the potential risks it poses to individual autonomy and sustainability. With updated reflections on continuity and change, this 20th anniversary edition offers a comprehensive exploration of Singapore's unique societal dynamics, making it a must-read for those intrigued by the complexities of this nation.
First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers
Sold out
Loung Ung | Harper Perennial

First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.33

$8.90

64% off est. retail
This book is a gripping and harrowing memoir that takes you on a journey through the terrifying experiences of a young girl during the Cambodian genocide. Loung Ung's story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and courage in the face of unimaginable brutality. If you are looking for a deeply moving and inspiring read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, this book is for you.