BookToker Reads in Unexpected Places for the Main Character Vibes
The Straits Times
|February 16, 2025
Who: Jennith Chen, 29, runs the BookTok account @readwithjenn on TikTok, where she recommends titles, including romance and Asian literature, to some 13,400 followers.
Who: Jennith Chen, 29, runs the BookTok account @readwithjenn on TikTok, where she recommends titles, including romance and Asian literature, to some 13,400 followers. She has a popular series called What Are People Reading On The MRT Train, in which she compiles titles she sees people reading during her commutes.
"Right now, I am reading an early copy of The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei, out in June 2025, because I am a sucker for stories about sisters — and we need to support our local authors.
The novel is set in turn-of-the-millennium Singapore and explores complex family dynamics, as well as the enduring bonds of sisterhood between Genevieve and Arin.
I have been into this book as it has everything I enjoy, like going through all stages of emotions while vividly relating to the Singapore culture flawlessly blended in the storyline.
This story is from the February 16, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
'MORE HASSLE THAN FUN' Why Philippines lags behind neighbours in drawing tourists
Congested airports, lack of good branding named among reasons for tourism slowdown
5 mins
January 04, 2026
The Straits Times
Cambodia accuses Thailand of annexing border village
Cambodia said on Jan 2 that Thai forces had taken control of a disputed border village, accusing Thailand of \"annexing\" the area after a truce halted deadly fighting along their contested frontier a week ago.
2 mins
January 04, 2026
The Straits Times
How to tell your adult kids that the bank of mum and dad is closed
It starts innocently enough: a cheque to cover the rent after a job loss, an invitation to move back home after earning a degree, an offer to take over student loan payments until a new graduate can land a better-paying job.
4 mins
January 04, 2026
The Straits Times
My favourite season? When athletes unveil a new version of themselves
There's something renewing when athletes enter the new year with tuned bodies, fresh ideas, polished skills and full of hope.
5 mins
January 04, 2026
The Straits Times
6 Wedding of the year: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's union
\"I'd marry you with paper rings,\" American pop star Taylor Swift once sang about her former boy friend, British actor Joe Alwyn.
3 mins
January 04, 2026
The Straits Times
I know my children love me. They slip handwritten notes into my phone case
Having children has been a wonderful blessing.
2 mins
January 04, 2026
The Straits Times
TBR (To Be Read) Contrasting takes on masculinity in David Szalay's Flesh and Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein
There is a distinct strain of masculine sentimentality in literary fiction that cloaks its bathos with spare prose.
2 mins
January 04, 2026
The Straits Times
'No talks' over January signings, says Amorim
Ruben Amorim said on Jan 2 that there are \"no conversations\" about potential Manchester United reinforcements in the January transfer window, as he juggles a depleted squad.
2 mins
January 04, 2026
The Straits Times
Villa riding 'exciting' wave at home fortress
Aston Villa beat struggling Nottingham Forest 3-1 at home on Jan 3 to ease the pain of their midweek mauling by Arsenal, leapfrogging Manchester City into second place in the English Premier League table.
2 mins
January 04, 2026
The Straits Times
Beverage container return scheme to start in April with 6-month transition period
Businesses get more time to clear existing stocks ineligible for refund of 1O-cent deposit
2 mins
January 04, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size