We are an independent publisher of literary fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
Established in 1997, Ethos Books, an imprint of Pagesetters Services Pte Ltd, creates fresh, different and enduring books that reflect the ethos of our changing times.
Giving voice to emerging and exciting writers from diverse backgrounds, we help foster an environment in which literature and the arts not only survive, but thrive. In short, we nurture the growing literary community in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Featured
Ayam Buah Keluak and the Art of Writing: a memoir on living creatively
Available in paperback and e-book format. Paperback + E-book bundle available below: Get the e-book at 50% off with each purchase of a paperback.
Your creativity is your gift to the world.
Award-winning author Josephine Chia illustrates this inย Ayam Buah Keluak and the Art of Writing, an account of her own emotional journey of becoming a writer. She believes that creativity is a portal to our inner strengths and talents, and can help us delve deeper into more meaningful experiences.
Josephine shares the parallels between two of the things she loves mostโcooking and writing. As a craft and art, each goes through similar processes of creation. Being a Peranakan, she shares her cultureโs quintessential recipe, Ayam Buah Keluak, as a metaphor for her philosophy.
In this heartbreaking memoir, Josephine bares her soul so that others who are experiencing what she had gone through, will take steps to uplift, and even save, themselves. This book is her gift to them.
An inspiring read for anyone looking to delve deeper into living fully and creatively.
"Ayam Buah Keluak is a masterful piece of Singapore literature. One part memoir, one part philosophy, and one part writing guide, it offers a look into the soul of one of Singaporeโs most celebrated writers. This is a story of a person who finds healing, joy and renewal in the creative process."
โLin Suling,โจSenior Columnist, The Straits Times
This book contains references to topics such as alcoholism and domestic abuse. We recognise that the ways in which readers might respond to and deal with these issues may vary, as our relationships to these topics are unique. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or not in the right headspace to experience the memoir, do put the book down and talk to someone about how you feel.
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Past Conversations
Teh Tarik with Walid IRL - Independent Art Spaces with Fong Hoe Fang, Prashant Somosundram
Dec 28, 2023
Access the full transcript of Teh Tarik with Walid IRL - Independent Art Spaces with Fong Hoe Fan...
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"he canโt recognise the Singapore that Iโm talking about, but I can" | Home, Community and Hope: Book launch of The Singapore I Recognise
Dec 4, 2023
Access the full transcript of Home, Community and Hope: Book launch of The Singapore I Recognise
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"Do we adjust our own moral compass, or do we rebel?" | The Rise and Fall of an Anti-Hero: Book Launch of catskull
Aug 29, 2023
Access the full transcript ofย The Rise and Fall of an Anti-Hero: Book Launch of catskullย here.
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Attunement
Is life hustling you out of tune? As the week roars by, we invite you to a slice of attunement penned lovingly by us, our authors and friends. Freshly delivered with care. Intimacy guaranteed. Read selected letters below.
Turning the page
Dec 9, 2024
Publishing, Iโve come to realise, isnโt simply about selling a productโitโs about cultivating rel...
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Reflections on a Bus Back to KL
Dec 9, 2024
While Iโm still elated from the reception of the book, I also feel a sense of bittersweetness.
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Trust the process of change
Dec 9, 2024
Our lives are not entirely free from hurt or poison, but we can transmute it!
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News
Turning the page
Dec 9, 2024
Read
Reflections on a Bus Back to KL
Dec 9, 2024
Read
Trust the process of change
Dec 9, 2024
Read
Neverness and Resonance
Oct 22, 2024
Read
Grief and Love
Oct 22, 2024
Read
I'll share your time, for a time
Aug 19, 2024
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Towards a Singapore that leaves no one behind
Aug 19, 2024
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Patient History: A Guide to Luminosity
Aug 19, 2024
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A theme park full of organs
Aug 19, 2024
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Rest is a Luxury We Must Aim to Afford
Aug 19, 2024
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To Build a Democratic Society
Mar 19, 2024
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The future is promising
Mar 13, 2024
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Walking Towards the Truth of Singapore
Mar 13, 2024
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Lessons in the soil
Jan 12, 2024
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Textures 2024 @ The Arts House
Jan 3, 2024
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Ethos' Recommended Reads to Close 2023
Dec 29, 2023
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Education
Whether you're a reader who is keen to dig deeper into our books, or a teacher looking to bring our authors into your classroom, Ethos Books believes in supporting and enabling knowledge-sharing, discussion and community building through literature. Check out our school programmes on this page, as well as recommended reading lists and our free book club starter packs to start your very own book club today!