Essays

If you're intrigued by cross-cultural examinations, Ian Buruma's "The Missionary & the Libertine" offers a stimulating dive into the East-West dichotomy. Through essays that range from cinematic sexuality in Japan to the poignant legacies of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima, you'll find a treasure trove of analyses and anecdotes that provoke thought on how these two worlds intersect and clash. Buruma's work could broaden your perspective on international relations and societal narratives.

If you've ever been captivated by the fluid elegance of Chinese calligraphy, 'Behind the Brushstrokes - Tales from Chinese Calligraphy' could deepen that fascination. Nancy L Penrose and Khoo Seow Hwa offer a window into the rich history and stories that each stroke carries, framing this art form as more than just writing. It's a cultural journey that could inspire both appreciation and creativity, especially if you're intrigued by the blend of visual art and storytelling.

This book is a collection of essays honoring Professor Lim, a leading expert on development and trade in the Asia-Pacific region. The essays cover a wide range of topics including economic growth, regional integration, and foreign investment. Recommended for those interested in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Asia-Pacific region in relation to development and trade.

This book could be a good read for someone who is interested in understanding the essence of China's culture and society, but wants to read it in English. Lin Yutang's perspective as a native Chinese author offers a sensitive and authentic portrayal of the country, making it a valuable resource for gaining insights into Chinese history, traditions, and people. The book bridges the gap for English-speaking readers, providing a deep understanding of China's rich and vibrant heritage.

Notes From China is a must-read for those interested in history and international relations. Tuchman's keen observations offer a unique perspective on China during a pivotal moment in its history. Her outspokenness and willingness to challenge popular beliefs make for a refreshing read that will keep you engaged from cover to cover.

James Fenton's "All the Wrong Places" is more than a history lesson; it's an on-the-ground account that puts you alongside a daring journalist in times of turmoil and transition. If you're fascinated by the raw complexity of Southeast Asia's political landscape, Fenton's vivid storytelling and first-hand experiences in the twilight of Saigon, the chaos of Cambodia, and the political tensions of Korea will captivate you. His unique vantage point offers a rare and humanizing glimpse into historical events that continue to shape our world.

If you're feeling the pull to understand the complexities of modern freedom struggles and to dive into the depths of personal and political discourse, Arundhati Roy's "Azadi" could be just the provocation you need. Her sharp essays blend the personal with the political, challenging you to contemplate the state of the world through the insightful eyes of a seasoned activist. This might be a revelatory read for you, especially in these times of global upheaval—it’s an invitation to ponder and to act.

Recommendation: Strangers On A Pier is a touching and insightful memoir that delves deep into the history and dynamics of a family, with a focus on the author's Malaysian and Chinese heritage. Tash Aw's vivid descriptions and personal reflections make this an engaging read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of family relationships and the cultural nuances of modern Asia.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the state of global politics and crave an incisive voice that cuts through the noise, Arundhati Roy's "The Ordinary Person's Guide to Empire" is for you. Roy takes no prisoners as she examines injustices and challenges democratic ideals, making this collection a provoking commentary that's perfect if you're looking to fuel your activism with informed perspectives.

"The Beauty of Everyday Things" explores the beauty in everyday, unassuming objects that we often take for granted. Yanagi argues that these items should be made with care and built to last, and be appreciated for their simplicity and functionality. Readers who are interested in minimalism and mindful living would find this book inspiring, as it encourages a deeper connection with the objects in our lives that we interact with daily. Yanagi's emphasis on handcrafted items and respect for tradition may also appeal to those interested in sustainability and slow living.

Unfree Speech is an inspiring call to action, chronicling the story of Joshua Wong- a young activist and his journey to fight for democracy. This book is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of democracy and wants to understand the importance of free speech in today's world. It is an urgent manifesto that highlights the need to defend our democracies, wherever we are in the world, and why we must act now. Joshua Wong's message is powerful- when we stay silent, no one is safe, but when we free our speech, our voice becomes one. This book is an inspiring guide to mobilizing for democracy, and it will leave readers motivated to take action and uphold democratic values.

The daily lives of ordinary people are replete with objects, common things used in commonplace settings. These objects are our constant companions in life. As such, writes Soetsu Yanagi, they should be made with care and built to last, treated with respect and even affection. They should be natural and simple, sturdy and safe - the aesthetic result of wholeheartedly fulfilling utilitarian needs. They should, in short, be things of beauty.In an age of feeble and ugly machine-made things, these essays call for us to deepen and transform our relationship with the objects that surround us. Inspired by the work of the simple, humble craftsmen Yanagi encountered during his lifelong travels through Japan and Korea, they are an earnest defence of modest, honest, handcrafted things - from traditional teacups to jars to cloth and paper. Objects like these exemplify the enduring appeal of simplicity and function: the beauty of everyday things.

FROM THE BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF MY SEDITIOUS HEART AND THE MINISTRY OF UTMOST HAPPINESS, A NEW AND PRESSING DISPATCH FROM THE HEART OF THE CROWD AND THE SOLITUDE OF A WRITER'S DESKAzadi-Urdu for Freedom-is the refrain in the iconic chant of the Kashmiri freedom struggle. And now, while Kashmir's streets have been silenced, the irony is that its people's anthem, with similar lyrics, rhythm and cadence, echoes on the streets of the country that most Kashmiris view as their coloniser. What lies between the silence of one street and the sound of the other? Is it a chasm, or could it become a bridge?In this series of penetrating essays on politics and literature, Arundhati Roy examines this question and challenges us to reflect on the meaning of freedom in a world of growing authoritarianism.Roy writes of the existential threat posed to Indian democracy by an emboldened Hindu nationalism, of the internet shutdown and information siege in Kashmir-the most densely militarized zone in the world-and India's new citizenship laws that discriminate against Muslims and marginalized communities and could create a crisis of statelessness on a scale previously unknown. The essays include mediations on language, public as well as private, and the role of fiction and alternative imaginations in these disturbing times.Azadi, she warns, hangs in the balance for us all.

This book is a beautifully poetic exploration of the color white and its symbolism in life and death. Through fragmented storytelling and stunning imagery, the narrator reflects on her own identity and the loss of her older sister. The book delves into the human spirit's resilience and our ability to find hope in the midst of destruction. If you enjoy introspective and lyrical narratives that challenge the traditional structure of a novel, The White Book is a must-read.

From one of the most engaging and discerning travel writers of his generation, a playful and profound guide to the enigma of contemporary Japan After thirty-two years in Japan, Pico Iyer can use everything from anime to Oscar Wilde to show how his adopted home is both hauntingly familiar - and the strangest place on earth. He draws on readings, reflections and conversations with Japanese friends to illuminate an unknown place for newcomers, and to give longtime residents a look at their home through fresh eyes. A Beginner's Guide to Japan is a playful and profound guidebook full of surprising, brief and incisive glimpses into Japanese culture. Iyer's adventures and observations as he travels from a meditation-hall to a love-hotel, from West Point to Kyoto Station make for a constantly surprising series of provocations guaranteed to pique the interest and curiosity of those who don't know Japan, and to remind those who do of the wide range of fascinations the country and culture contain.

'When I was younger, I thought of being a migrant and being foreign as things that made me different, an outsider. Now I think these experiences are increasingly universal…'Since the year 2000, novelist Mohsin Hamid has been writing about what it means to be an individual in an increasingly fragmented world. In the pieces gathered here, he gives us a portrait of a man coming to terms with not only his place in that world but also how its convulsions and changes shape so many of us—for good and ill. Whether writing of his home life, about being a migrant or of today's geopolitical fault lines, Hamid gives us his deeply personal take on life at the beginning of the twenty-first century.'As simple, immediate and moving as any of Hamid's fiction.' —Financial Times'Excellent. Lucid, informative and drily funny… Hamid is one of the most perceptive commentators on contemporary global politics.' —Sunday Times'Reasonable, intelligent, humble. Just the sort of commentator the world could do with right now.' —Independent''Accessible, wise and beautifully clear.' —Metro'As a Pakistani who spent his childhood in the United States and his adult life in London, Hamid has a unique perspective on the civilization clash which has defined this era. These elegantly crafted essays confront everything from the future of Pakistan and the death of Osama bin Laden to fatherhood and falling in love.' —Prospect

This book is recommended for anyone interested in knowing about India's rich past and continuous evolution. Incarnations takes the reader on a journey through time and space, exploring the lives of 50 individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping India's society, culture, and politics. Khilnani's detailed and insightful portraits, coupled with stunning illustrations, provide a unique perspective on India's history, making this book a must-read for anyone seeking to understand this complex and fascinating country.

Freedom from Fear - collected writings from the Nobel Peace prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi Aung San Suu Kyi's collected writings - edited by her late husband, whom the ruling military junta prevented from visiting Burma as he was dying of cancer - reflects her greatest hopes and fears for her fellow Burmese people, and her concern about the need for international co-operation in the continuing fight for Burma's freedom. Bringing together her most powerful speeches, letters and interviews, this remarkable collection gives a voice to Burma's 'woman of destiny', whose fate remains in the hands of her enemies. Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, and leader of Burma's National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi is one of the world's greatest living defenders of freedom and democracy, and an inspiration to millions worldwide. This book sits alongside Nelson Mandela's memoir Long Walk to Freedom. 'This book is bound to become a classic for a new generation of Asians who value democracy even more highly than Westerners do, simply because they are deprived of the basic freedoms that Westerners take for granted'The New York Times 'Aung San Suu Kyi's extraordinary achievement has been to confront the regime peacefully, reasonably and persuasively... [in] one of the most laudable continuing acts of political courage' Financial Times 'Such is the depth of passion and learning that she brings to her writings about national identity and its links with culture and language that she has attracted the admiration of intellectuals around the world' Sunday Times Aung San Suu Kyi is the leader of Burma's National League for Democracy. She was placed under house arrest in Rangoon in 1989, where she remained for almost 15 of the 21 years until her release in 2010, becoming one of the world's most prominent political prisoners. She is also the author of Letters from Burma.

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.

"The White Book by Han Kang is a beautifully written meditation on grief, resilience and love. The book explores the color white, which serves as a powerful symbol throughout, representing both purity and emptiness. With haunting prose and mesmerizing storytelling, Kang weaves together a fictional journey with personal memoir, exploring the narrator's experiences with love, loss, and death. This book would be a good read for anyone who enjoys introspective and poetic literature, and wants to explore the human spirit’s ability to endure and find meaning in tragedy."

Returning to India -- the subject of his acclaimed An Area of Darkness -- in 1975, at the height of Indira Gandhi's Emergency, V. S. Naipaul produced this concise masterpiece of journalism and cultural analysis, a vibrant, defiantly unsentimental portrait of a society traumatized by repeated foreign invasions and immured in a mythic vision of its past. Drawing on novels, news reports, and political memoirs -- but most of all on his conversations with ordinary Indians, from princes to engineers to feudal village autocrats -- Naipaul captures India's manifold complexities.

If you're someone drawn to the intricacies of culture and history, "Age of Kali" is a compelling ticket to the heart of the Indian subcontinent's turmoil and beauty. William Dalrymple masterfully intertwines the personal with the political, guiding you through landscapes few outsiders witness. This isn't just travel writing; it's an intimate diary from the edge of modernity and tradition.

First published in 2001, this book brings together all of Arundhati Roy's political writings so far. This revised paperback edition includes two new essays, written in early 2002: 'Democracy: Who's She When She's Not at Home', which examines the horrific communal violence in Gujarat, and 'War Talk: Summer Games with Nuclear Bombs', about the threat of nuclear war in the Subcontinent.

Letters from Burma - an unforgettable collection from the Nobel Peace prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi In these astonishing letters, Aung San Suu Kyi reaches out beyond Burma's borders to paint for her readers a vivid and poignant picture of her native land. Here she celebrates the courageous army officers, academics, actors and everyday people who have supported the National League for Democracy, often at great risk to their own lives. She reveals the impact of political decisions on the people of Burma, from the terrible cost to the children of imprisoned dissidents - allowed to see their parents for only fifteen minutes every fortnight - to the effect of inflation on the national diet and of state repression on traditions of hospitality. She also evokes the beauty of the country's seasons and scenery, customs and festivities that remain so close to her heart. Through these remarkable letters, the reader catches a glimpse of exactly what is at stake as Suu Kyi fights on for freedom in Burma, and of the love for her homeland that sustains her non-violent battle. Includes an introduction from Fergal Keane 'Aung San Suu Kyi has become a global symbol of peaceful resistance, courage and apparently endless endurance' Guardian 'A real hero in an age of phony phone-in celebrity, which hands out that title freely to the most spoiled and underqualified' Bono, Time Aung San Suu Kyi is the leader of Burma's National League for Democracy. She was placed under house arrest in Rangoon in 1989, where she remained for almost 15 of the 21 years until her release in 2010, becoming one of the world's most prominent political prisoners. She is also the author of the collection of writings Freedom from Fear.

If you're intrigued by the complexities of Japanese media archetypes, "A Japanese Mirror" is a compelling read. Ian Buruma delves into the nuances of cultural heroes and villains, unveiling the societal underpinnings that shape them. It's a fascinating journey through Japan's beloved samurai legends, complex gender portrayals, and evolving family dynamics, layered with historical context. This book could give you a deep understanding of the weave between Japan's traditional roots and its modern narratives.

"An uncannily honest writer." — New York Times Book ReviewThe novelist and journalist Amitav Ghosh has offered extraordinary firsthand accounts of pivotal world events over the past twenty years. He is an essential voice in forums like The Nation , the New York Times , the New Republic , Granta , and The New Yorker.   Incendiary Circumstances brings together the finest of these pieces for the first time—including many never before published in the States—in a compelling chronicle of the turmoil of our times. Incendiary Circumstances begins with Ghosh’s arrival in the Andaman and Nicobar islands just days after the devastation of the 2005 tsunami. We then travel back to September 11, 2001, as Ghosh retrieves his young daughter from school, sick with the knowledge that she must witness the kind of firestorm that has been in the background of his everyday life since childhood. With a prescience born of experience, Ghosh warned decades ago of the dangerous rise of religious extremism. In his travels he has stood on an icy mountaintop on the contested border between India and Pakistan, interviewed Pol Pot’s sister-in-law in Cambodia, shared the elation of Egyptians when Naguib Mahfouz won the Nobel Prize, and stood with his threatened Sikh neighbors through the riots following Indira Gandhi's assassination. With intelligence and authentic sympathy, he "illuminates the human drama behind the headlines" ( Publishers Weekly ). Incendiary Circumstances is unparalleled testimony of an era defined by the ravages of politics and nature.Amitav Ghosh is acclaimed for his political journalism and his travel writing. The New York Times Book Review called his travelogue, In An Antique Land , "remarkable . . . rivals anything by the masters of social realism in modern Egyptian literature." He is also the best-selling author of four novels, including The Hungry Tide and The Glass Palace , which has been published in eighteen foreign editions. Ghosh has won France's prestigious Prix Medici Etranger, India's Sahitya Akademi Award, the Arthur C. Clarke Award, and a Pushcart Prize. Educated in South Asia, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom, Ghosh holds a doctorate in social anthropology from Oxford. He divides his time between Harvard University, where he is a visiting professor, and his homes in Kolkata, India, and Brooklyn, New York.Praise for Incendiary Circumstances"This absorbing collection of essays by the novelist, journalist, and travel writer Ghosh . . . covers some two decades of catastrophe and upheaval, from sectarian violence in his native India during the 1980s through the September 11 attacks . . . to the recent Indian Ocean tsunami. With an eye for evocative detail, he illuminates the human dramas behind the the plight of tsunami refugees trying to rebuild their lives and finances after every bank record and piece of ID is lost to the waves; the courage of ordinary Indians protecting their Sikh neighbors from rampaging Hindu mobs . . . He is equally engaging when he turns from current affairs to literary essays on, say, the international culture of novel reading or the Kashmiri poet Agha Shahid Ali. Written in luminous prose with unusual understanding . . . an insightful look at a chaotic world."— Publishers Weekly Starred ReviewPraise for Amitav Ghosh"Ghosh is adept at delineating the complicated crosscurrents of emerging national independence movements. He is even more impressive at portraying the different ways in which individuals react to the turmoil, hardship, and disorientation wrought by war.”— Wall Street Journal"A wonderful hybrid of travel writing, reporting, historical analysis, and memoir – in other words, the kind of piece [Ghosh] writes better than almost anyone else.”— Washington Times

The Corpse Walker is a compilation of twenty-seven extraordinary oral histories that opens a window, unlike any other, onto the lives of ordinary, often outcast, Chinese men and women. Liao Yiwu (one of the best-known writers in China because he is also one of the most censored) chose his subjects from the bottom of Chinese people for whom the “new” China--the China of economic growth and globalization-—is no more beneficial than the old. By asking challenging questions with respect and empathy, he manages to get his subjects to talk openly about their lives.Here are a professional mourner, a trafficker in humans, a leper, an abbot, a retired government official, a former landowner, a mortician, a feng shui master, a former Red Guard, a political prisoner, a village teacher, a blind street musician, a Falun Gong practitioner, and many others–people who have been battered by life but who have managed to retain their dignity, their humor, and their essential, complex humanity.Liao crafted the interviews (conducted between 1990 and 2003) with sensitivity and patience, working both from notes and from his own memory of these remarkable conversations. The result is an idiosyncratic, powerful, and richly revealing portrait of a people, a time, and a place we might otherwise have never known.

If you're drawn to untangling the threads of history and culture, "Behind the Forbidden Door" is like a well-drawn map into the labyrinth of China's once closed-off world. Tiziano Terzani offers not just a tantalizing glimpse, but a deep dive into the complexities of a society that has long fascinated outsiders. His account is particularly compelling for those interested in the contrasts between the rich traditions and the wave of modernization that swept through China during the 20th century.

This book provides a critical examination of Chinese culture from a unique perspective, calling out the toxic elements of Confucianism that have had a negative impact on society. It offers a thought-provoking analysis of the country's political, social, and ethical issues that is both challenging and enlightening. Readers who are interested in exploring new ideas and willing to engage in critical thinking would find this book a worthwhile read.