Nature

In 2015, Singapore celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of its independence. From its founding as a British colony with no natural resources, the country has transformed itself into one of the most urbanized and prosperous nations in the world. Just as remarkable is the harmonious diversity of the people who identify themselves as Singaporeans—a fusion of ethnicities, languages, religions, and places of origin.Starry Island presents essays, fiction, and poetry by two dozen contemporary writers whose stories of Singapore express the complex tensions and interconnections of this anomalous, confounding, and paradoxical society. These fresh and accomplished works range from meditative essays to magical realist fiction and lyric poetry.Contributing writers include Yu-Mei Balasingamchow, Kim Cheng Boey, Grace Chua, Dan Ying, Jeffrey Greene, Philip Jeyaretnam, Khoo Seok Wan, Amanda Lee Koe, Jee Leong Koh, Desmond Kon, Karen Kwek, Shirley Geok-lin Lim, Nicholas Liu, Jason Erik Lundberg, Christopher Mooney-Singh, Eleanor Neo, Ng Yi-Sheng, O Thiam Chin, Wena Poon, Alfian Sa'at, Toh Hsien Min, Cyril Wong, Wong Yoon Wah, and Jerrold Yam.The volume includes photographs of Singapore's spectacular contemporary architecture and portraits of early twentieth-century Chinese and Peranakan families.

Kharkiv is an ambitious city. It is full of seemingly contradictory  it is a highly industrialised city, a centre for scientific research and I.T., home to the first skyscrapers built in Ukraine. Yet it is also a cultural centre, home to many outstanding writers and artists, and in recent times Kharkiv has seen rapid development in gastronomy and of an authentic underground culture. Kharkiv can be considered Ukraine s intellectual centre, being home to more universities and places of learning than even the capital, Kyiv.Kharkiv was the first capital of Soviet Ukraine and is thus also a historic city, full of architectural landmarks which testify to its rich past. It is unique, surprising, and a place which its residents are proud to call home. With this book, we are pleased to share with you our love to Kharkiv! The book is neither a guide nor a manual.  Rather, it s an insight into the city we adore one that is wonderful, fascinating and strange. In its pages, you ll find references to major historical events, famous and talented residents, art, culture, sports, literature, traditions and even beloved street food.Inside Awesome Kharkiv you will chapters on history, culture, food, places, nature, sports, technology gorgeous photos and images throughout the bookbeautiful layout insightful and short texts explaining interesting things you need to know about Kharkiv, including historical and cultural context fun factsAbout The Awesome The Awesome Series travel books are best selling in Ukraine since 2012. Loved by locals and visitors alike, they are a genuine take on the Ukrainian art, cities, culture, food and traditions.