Different from the polished aisles of mainstream chains, Hong Kong’s independent bookstores have become havens of community and conversation. This summer, we’re turning to these local gems for their top book recommendations for secondary school students.
Reverie Bookstore
Named after the word for daydreaming, Reverie is a music-themed bookshop in Central that champions imagination in a world full of absurdities and challenges. The owner of the bookstore, Ella Yip, encourages everyone not to give up on their dreams and to continue reading physical books.
Dali Libreria (達利書店): An award-winning comic illustrated by Hong Kong artist Pen So, Dali Libreria tells the story of a determined boy who opens a bookstore in an era when few people still read. After gaining mysterious powers from Salvador Dalí himself, the boy uses his surreal new abilities to keep his shop alive. It is a whimsical yet defiant tale that reminds readers of the magic and necessity of books in the face of reality.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: This comedic science fiction book, the first novel in a five-part series by Douglas Adams, sends readers on a madcap interstellar journey after the Earth is unexpectedly destroyed. While Hong Kong may not offer many chances to hitchhike, this story dares readers to consider hitching a ride not across countries, but across the cosmos. Slim and sharp, it’s a one-day read that leaves a lasting impression.
See Through 詩斧
See Through bookstore specialises in poetry collections and holds regular in-person events to promote poetry and mathematics. Founder Wong Sound gave us recommendations that blend poetry, mathematics and storytelling in playful and profound ways.
Exercises in Style (translated by Barbara Wright): This book, by notable French novelist Raymond Queneau, is a collection of 99 distinct retellings of a simple, everyday story in which a man gets into an argument with another passenger on a bus. Each variation is presented in a unique style, exploring the rich potential of language.
Once Upon a Prime: The Wondrous Connections Between Mathematics and Literature: Many people believe that mathematics and literature are fundamentally opposed to each other. However, this book by Sarah Hart challenges that notion by showcasing various literary works, such as Ulysses, Alice in Wonderland, and Jurassic Park, which incorporate mathematical themes and concepts. These connections can enhance our appreciation of these familiar texts and deepen our understanding of the possibilities that arise when different fields intersect.
Art and Culture Outreach
This art and culture bookshop in Wan Chai curates a thoughtful selection spanning contemporary art, Chinese and Western literature, philosophy, culture, and green living. Below are recommendations from manager Hailey Tsang.
Time Difference (時差): Written by author Kwok Tsz-ki, this reflective work follows a Hongkonger’s journey through Ireland while studying Irish literature. Through vivid portrayals of the people he meets and the artists and writers he studies, Kwok intertwines personal experience with centuries of Irish cultural history. Told through a dual narrative structure, the book reimagines concepts of time, space, and belonging.
Event Scores 2: Ideas between Artist-Parents and Their Kids: This playful, collaborative book invited 45 international artists, who are also parents, from around the world to submit an alternative way of interacting with children based on the model of instructional art. It encourages readers of all ages, especially parents and children, to break from routines, follow creative prompts, and explore the joy of spontaneous, everyday art-making. It is a celebration of imagination and connection through simple acts.
101 Things to Learn in Art School: This book is a concise yet profound guide for anyone curious about art, whether they have attended art school or not. The author Kit White distils key lessons from his own experiences as an artist and educator into bite-sized reflections that challenge assumptions and open up new ways of seeing and thinking about art.
Thirsty for the Unknown
Part of a three-storey cafe, bookshop, and event space in Cheung Sha Wan, Thirsty for the Unknown is located on the second floor and offers a curated selection of books on travel writing. Here is a recommendation from co-founder Fred Lam, an avid travel writer and restaurateur, who encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones.
Cycling Around the World for Seven Years: This memoir follows Japanese travel writer Yusuke Ishida, who spent over seven years journeying across the globe on a bicycle. The inspiration for his adventure struck when he was a schoolboy and saw a lone backpacker speed past him on a bike, an image that stayed with him for years. Eventually, Ishida left his office job to chase that dream, pedalling his way through cultures, landscapes, and life lessons around the world.
Mi Spacium Culture
This second-hand bookshop in Wong Chuk Hang is dedicated to promoting cultural and arts-related literature to the public and offers books on performing arts, visual arts, photography, cultural studies and more. Owners Toby and Michelle offered up their recommendations for students.
Two Hundred Years of Hong Kong Characters: From a White Elephant to a World Cultural Heritage Site: This non-fiction book offers a unique perspective on the historical and cultural significance of the “Hong Kong Type”, highlighting its evolution from a tool for evangelism to a recognised cultural heritage. Written by Yung Sau-mei, the Project Director of Contemporary Graphic Arts (Hong Kong Print Studio), it provides valuable insights into the intersection of Western and Chinese influences in printing technology and serves as an important resource for anyone interested in the history of typography and cultural identity in Hong Kong.
FILMISH – A graphic journey through film (看懂好電影的快樂指南): This graphic novel by comic book artist, writer and illustrator Edward Ross encourages readers to explore the history of cinema from various perspectives and covers topics like set design, censorship and technology through engaging black-and-white illustrations of cinematic theories. The book won a YASLA 2017 Great Graphic Novels for Teens award and has been translated into eight languages.
