Pak Yu Alex Kwok
was reading….

The Mindful Musician: Mental Skills for Peak Performance

by Vanessa Cornett

“It reminds us to always think actively and teaches us to listen to the commands given by our brains. Besides, it also shows us how to understand our complexed mind and maximise the performance level”

Esther Yoo
was reading….

The Comfort Book

by Matt Haig

“I have been bringing this book on my travels since I got it in HK and it is perfect to read just before bed or when the stress or anxiety starts to creep in. The writing and messages there makes me feel like a friend is right by my side 😊”

Mahan Esfahani
was reading….

The Makioka Sisters

by Jinichiro Tanizaki

“I am going through a big phase of reading a lot of Japanese literature. To be honest it’s because I don’t have massively positive feelings when I’m in Japan, so I decided a few years ago to read through most of their major authors; I came to the conclusion that they don’t feel particularly positive about Japan, either.”

Tony Siqi Yun
recommended….

Before the coffee gets cold

by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

“It is a simple fast read consisting of 4 separate stories that take place in a mysterious Japanese coffee shop. The book offers an immersive experience of time traveling while maintaining a deeply emotional narrative”

Cong Quartet
recommended….

Indivisible by Four: A String Quartet in Pursuit of Harmony

by Arnold Steinhardt

“Some of our members read this in their younger age and it was definitely an inspiration for us to become professional quartet musicians. Highly recommend to anyone who want to have a sneak peek of a quartet musician’s life.”

Fung Lam
recommended….

This is not a Book

by Jean Jullien

“This is not a book.”

KJ
was reading….

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

by Milan Kundera

“Because my other half gave it to me”

Sharon Chan
was reading….

Never Let Me Go

by Kazuo Ishiguro

“A novel that keeps me interested and involved sentimentally. I feel uneasy when I came to realise what the protagonists have been going through and who they actually are. Not only a sad story, but a book that makes me question the meaning of the rights and freedom to live, and who and what we are actually living for?”

Rachel Cheung
was reading….

A Gentleman in Moscow

by Amor Towles

“In a seemingly uninteresting setup, with the plot written in basically the same environment, it surprisingly draws me to discover the most profound side of humanity. The book takes us through mysteries, fantasies, romance, friendship and family love. It tells us that even when one can still find the meaning of life when stripped away from all the things that are actually external.”

Charles Kwong
recommended….

Ways of Seeing

by John Berger

“Basically it eloquently explains the fact that great artists are never merely people who are good at their crafts, but are actually also thinkers and philosophers whose ideas and visions could be seen or read from their masterpieces. These insights from the book also helped to shape my views in music as a composer and a musician.”

Maoshan Connie
recommended….

Wave

by Suzy Lee

“A wordless and seemingly simple book that evoke emotions of joy, fear, laughter, and more.”

Isaac Lowe
recommended….

Wiener Werkstätte

by Taschen

“The leitmotiv of this book lies in the new artistic movement of Vienna at the beginning of 20 century, or the so-called Vienna 1900. Since the movement is also closely related to Mahler’s works, I believe that that book can provide a plausible ground to understand Mahler’s music.”

Kilian Chan
was reading….

Wild Curiosity:
How to unleash creativity and encourage lifelong wondering

by Erik Shonstrom

“I met this book by chance at the Hong Kong Central Library. The curiosity goes to the word ‘curiosity’ itself. This is a timely read for myself as one of the reasons I founded Aura Music is to encourage lifelong wondering and exploration.”

Maoshan Connie
recommended….

Watermelon Swimming Pool (西瓜游泳池)

by Annyeong Dall

“You’d have a strong urge to jump in together after reading the book. Imagination extends beyond the book, and it changes the way you see ordinary things in the world forever.”

Kilian Chan
recommended….

Music for Mister Moon

by Philip Stead & Erin Stead

“The moon is always there listening to our playing.”

Stephen Lam
recommended….

The Museum of Innocence

by Orhan Pamuk

“This book simply brings me back to the older time of the middle east and reminds me how lovely romance can be.”