
Looking for a great historical novel, the perfect YA fiction or something small and compelling to take on holiday? Here's a list of good books to read that we keep adding to
We’ve got you covered when it comes to Hong Kong movies you need to watch, trashy TV shows you will grow fast addicted to, and the coolest Hong Kong bands that you need to have on rotation, but what should you be reading? Well, thankfully, we’re all big fat book lovers here at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve put together this big fat list of books to read. Okay, we know the list could be bigger and fatter, but we’re adding to it every month with our new faves, so keep an eye out for more picks to add to your library.
Looking for some inspo for books to read? Here’s some we love
Us bookworms are a special bunch. We love the inside of Hong Kong’s best bookstores even more than a great glass of wine or the perfect cup of coffee, but sometimes it’s hard to decide which story to read next. We hope this list helps in some small way. Let us know if you found something you loved (or despised!)
Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan
Yay for novels set in Hong Kong! Exciting Times tells the story of an English teacher trying to make the city work for her. Strange love affairs, personal realisations, and class structures all come up here, and the book is wonderful as you actually recognise the different locations where it’s set.
In five words or less: Easy read by Irish writer
Good for: Anyone who’s lived in Hong Kong
Uncommon Knowledge: The Economist Explains edited by Tom Standage
Basically, this book takes articles and essays from The Economist which explore strange/thought-provoking/topical questions and analyzes them in a more palatable way. We particularly liked the one about why universities for the elderly are booming in China and the one that explains why carrots became orange.
In five words or less: The ultimate general knowledge trove
Good for: Learning stuff on the loo
Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood
I was raised in a very Catholic family, and this book is like coming home for me, except for the fact that the author’s dad got a special dispensation from the Pope to be a Catholic priest, even though he was married with kids. This memoir is funny, sad, enlightening, and so much more.
In five words or less: Imagine growing up like this!!!!
Good for: Assuaging Catholic guilt (a little)
Normal People by Sally Rooney
I was a bit late to the party on this one, as it took the BBC series to shake sense into me. Now that I’ve read it, I definitely get the hype and love the way that Rooney creates characters. This is a story of young love, growing up, family, experimentation, and relationships, and it’s the perfect tome to get lost in for a weekend.
In five words or less: Read before watching the series
Good for: Reading on the beach
Adele by Leila Slimani
This was one of those random picks from the bookshop that really blew me away. In the follow-up to her acclaimed novel Lullaby, Leila Slimani examines the concept of normality in Adele, telling the story of a sex-addicted French journalist. I really enjoyed Slimani’s deep dive into Adele’s character and why she makes the decisions she does, despite having the seemingly perfect husband and child scenario.
In five words or less: Appearances can be misleading
Good for: A quick read
Ladyboys: The secret world of Thailand’s third gender by Pornchai Sereemongkonpol and Susan Aldous
Without a doubt, this is one of the most interesting books that I have read recently. Inside its covers is a group of stories telling about the lives of a number of ladyboys, or kathoey as they are often referred to in Thai, from dancers to air stewards to travel agents and beyond. Covering a range of ages and locations, this is a fascinating and honest glimpse into a world that many of us are only familiar with on the surface. From family breakdowns to finding work to falling in love, this series of stories told in each person’s own words is a beautiful reminder of the basic human needs we all share.
In five words or less: Break out the tissues
Good for: Learning more about the world
White by Brett Easton Ellis
Oh Brett Easton Ellis. He’s such a polarising character, who you either love or hate. Part memoir, part essay on life, White tells tales of the time when American Psycho got published and was made into a movie (and subsequent Broadway show). It touches on a myriad of things that Ellis wants to discuss, including Trump, millenials, the burden of fame and many other things in-between. While I don’t agree with all his politics, it’s definitely an interesting glimpse into the man behind some of the world’s most well-known modern novels.
In five words or less: Some very strong opinions
Good for: A lazy home weekend
Mythos by Stephen Fry
Back in high school, I wasn’t allowed to take Classics as I had to have at least one science or math class on my schedule that was heavily weighed down in art-based studies. I’ve always been a bummed about that, but Stephen Fry couldn’t be a better teacher in Mythos. Schooling you in everything from the Greek Gods to etymology to symbolism and beyond, this is a book full of wonderful stories and that dry Fry wit helps when all the names get a bit overwhelming.
In five words or less: Greek Mythology: 101
Good for: A plane, a train, a boat
The Zahir by Paolo Coelho
It’s funny. I really didn’t enjoy The Alchemist, but Coelho’s other novels have rarely disappointed, and The Zahir is no different. Telling the tale of a man obsessed with finding his wife, more than the story itself, this is a book about reflection, letting go, and learning from your mistakes. The fact that there are some very interesting characters and settings is a bonus.
In five words or less: Soulful reflections
Good for: When you’re feeling introspective
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Not gonna lie. I thought I was totally missing out on a big piece of 70s music knowledge after reading the back cover of Daisy Jones and the Six, but this is indeed a work of fiction. Told in the present day as members of the band ‘recollect’ their rise to stardom (yes the requisite drugs, fashion choices and references abound), we see the band make it big, and all the little things that happen along the way. It’s a great look into the idea of how people see the same things in different ways, and an easy read for beach, bed and beyond.
In five words or less: This band didn’t actually exist
Good for: When you can’t really do big words
<h3Newcomer by Keigo Higoshino
If you’re a fan of Japanese authors (and even if you’re not) then Newcomer is a wonderful pick for summer reading. Telling the story of a murder in Tokyo, Higoshino beautifully interweaves characters from around the neighbourhood, all of whom interact with the thoughtful Detective Kyoichiro Kaga. Gentle plot twists and unique characters are the order of the day here.
In five words or less: Classic Japanese way with words
Good for: Crime buffs who like a little character with their murder
Home Remedies by Xuan Juliana Wang
The debut collection of short stories from Xuan Juliana Wang transverses age, location and time, but these are all stories held together by the identity of youth. Born in China, but raised in Los Angeles from age seven, the writer draws on her own past to inform her characters, giving them a beautiful and unique empathy.
In five words or less: The voice we need
Good for: Quick stories before bed
There There by Tommy Orange
A wonderful read, There There is the debut work by the Cheyenne and Arapaho writer who was born and raised in Oakland, California. A multigenerational story, it tells of loss, recovery and memory, but mostly it speaks to identity in a fascinating way. Twelve characters travel to the Big Oakland Powwow, each with a different reason for being there; there is heartbreak and heroism.
In five words or less: No wonder everyone loves this
Good for: On a plane, in Spain, in the rain
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler
Aged 21, Tess packs up her life in Ohio and moves to New York, even though she’s not sure about her new life plan. After talking herself into a job working at one of the city’s leading restaurants, she begins to learn about the secret life of servers (and subjects like terroir) as she muddles her way through the big smoke with a handful of alluring characters by her side. They even made this into a TV show, so be sure to add to your list of books to read.
In five words or less: Wine, cocaine and adulting
Good for: Anyone who’s ever worked in a restaurant (or been to one)
Turtles all the Way Down by John Greene
Perhaps not as overtly lovable as The Fault in Our Stars, Turtles all the Way Down is still a mastery of story-telling by John Greene, complete with the teenage angst and awkwardness that young adult fiction does best. When chronic OCD sufferer Aza and her best friend Daisy attempt to solve a mystery to claim a police reward, they find themselves in a world full of billionaires, tuataras and sadness. It’s just a really good book.
In five words or less: The title eventually makes sense
Good for: Anyone craving a fun and easy read with a little depth for good measure
The Blister Exists by Little Thunder
So, this is more of an encyclopedia than a work of fiction, but the famed Hong Kong artist beautifully tells the story of the different positions that need to be mastered in pole dancing in The Blister Exists. Showcasing her signature illustrative style, the book is a gorgeous work for anyone fond of dreamy and wistful watercolour art with heart and movement.
In five words or less: Sometimes you don’t need words
Good for: Long Saturday mornings on the couch with a coffee in hand
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Make sure you have the tissues ready for this one, especially at the end. When Breath Becomes Air was written by neurosurgeon and neuroscientist Paul Kalanithi after he was diagnosed with brain cancer. The beautifully written true story documents treatments, ups and down and most importantly what really matters in life. This one will have you questioning the bigger things in life. Definitely one of the best books to read if you’re looking for a little inspiration.
In five words or less: Read the ending alone (Seriously! I read it in a doctor’s waiting room. Not pretty.)
Good for: When you’re questioning the meaning of life
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
If you’ve ever visited Japan, then you’ll probably love this book that tells the story of a woman who works in one of the many totally efficient, clean and well-organised convenience stores in Tokyo. With society and family constantly questioning the lead character’s choice of career, we see her picking up idiosyncrasies from the other staff, just to affect a type of normalcy. This book is made even better when you learn that the author actually works part time in one of the convenience stores.
In five words or less: Wonderfully detailed and written
Good for: When you are lusting over Japan’s obsession with order
What I talk About When I talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
This autobiographical-esque book by Murakami is a great read if you want to learn more about the human side of the famed Japanese author. Here, he documents his love of running in his typically meticulous way, weaving anecdotes of runs he has completed around the world with tidbits of information about the goings on inside his head.
In five words or less: Quick, easy and interesting read
Good for: A short trip or for getting a bit more of a glimpse into the inner workings of Murakami
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
A Monster Calls is actually the novel written by Patrick Ness, after Siobhan Dowd had the idea, but couldn’t complete the tale due to her terminal illness. The story itself tells the tale of a boy trying to comes to terms with his mother’s sickness, and interweaves a monster who is both scary, kind and wise. This is another fave one of our books to read, and another one that will require tissues to be close by.
In five words or less: Should’ve been written years ago
Good for: Anyone who has ever lost someone they love (and those who haven’t)
The Spy by Paulo Coelho
In this historic novel, Coelho tells the fascinating story of Mata Hari, a woman who arrived in Paris with nothing before becoming the darling of the day. Based in fact, with a heavy splash of artistic license, the way the author captures the tone of the dancer-cum-courtesan-cum-spy makes for a thrilling read.
In five words or less: Magic and whimsy everywhere
Good for: Beach, pool or bed
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
The second novel translated into English by South Korean author Han Kang, The Vegetarian is actually a story about a vegetarian, but it’s so much more than that. Yeong-Hye makes a perfectly rational decision to stop eating meat, but the consequences lead to some dark places with her family, and some even darker ones for herself. When it comes to books to read by Korean authors, if you liked the strangely addictive Please Look After Mother by Kyung-Sook Shin, you’re bound to love this.
In five words or less: Get ready for weirdness
Good for: Anyone who’s mad for Korean culture