Saving a Sexier Island could be a good read for those interested in the history, culture, and current affairs of Singapore. The book takes the reader on a journey through 50 significant places in old Singapore that are at risk of being overlooked or forgotten due to rapid development. Neil Humphreys provides a funny and insightful account of his search for what's left of Singapore's soul, making the book an interesting and engaging read for locals and tourists alike.

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With Singapore evolving at blistering pace, old Singapore is being left behind, neglected or just plain dying? As a result, active citizenry is taking off like never before with Singaporeans campaigning to save Bukit Brown, Joo Chiat HDB flats, Rochor Centre, with Jalan Besar, Balestier and Tiong Bahru championed for their history/heritage. Basically, as Singapore becomes more of a global metropolis, the search to save its soul has been taken up like never before. Nostalgia is spreading through the country. Old Singapore has never been more hip, more trendy as Singaporeans cling to the last vestiges of what actually makes them Singaporean. The race is on to save an even sexier island. So as the nation celebrates its 50th anniversary, Neil Humphreys heads off on a tour of old Singapore to find 50 sights and sounds that are at risk of being overlooked, forgotten or even bulldozed and lost forever. Some are historically significant (like Queenstown or Tiong Bahru). Some are environmentally significant (like Pulau Hantu or Lazarus Island). Some are culturally significant (like Cafe Colbar and Thieves Market). Some are politically significant (like LKY's house!).
And some are just quirky and a tad surreal (a remote bus stop, a viewing tower in Upper Seletar, Haw Par Villa and Zouk). But Humphreys tracks them all down in a funny, insightful and unashamedly sentimental search for what's left of Singapore's soul.

Author: Neil Humphreys
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 272
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Pte Ltd
Publication Date: 07 Sep 2015

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