Here is a preview of four exciting new local non-fiction titles you can find in local bookshops all this year. Plus, don’t forget to check out 2025’s anticipated fiction titles!
‘Ageless’ by Dr Michael Khor
Publication: January 2025
Synopsis: There has been a recent explosion of knowledge in the new field of geroscience, the study of the genetic, cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive the ageing process.
This book, written with the layman in mind, lays down the latest scientific evidence in man’s search for health and longevity.
Following decades of dedication as a medical practitioner, Dr Michael Khor Kok Seng shares his perspective of living agelessly by embracing and optimising what he calls the five pillars of longevity: exercise, diet, sleep, happiness and having a purpose in life.
Apart from this, he details how these pillars can be adopted to address the mortal maladies of the modern man: obesity, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer and dementia.
Through a combination of personal anecdotes and thorough research, this book aims to further Khor’s legacy of service to the community and educate the reader by promoting healthy living and informed choices.
Author’s bio: Dr Michael Khor Kok Seng was born in Penang and was educated in St Xavier’s Institution there, and University of Malaya Medical Centre, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery in 1970. He served the health ministry from 1995-1998 and helped formulate the Private Healthcare Services and Facilities Act.
‘The Glory in Us All’ by Dr Cassandra Aasmundsen-Fry
Publication: February 2025
Synopsis: Through one’s first experiences and relationships with parents, caregivers and surroundings – one learns to determine one’s self-worth and expectations and decide what to expect and accept from others and the world.
In order to live the life one is given, one is taught to bury the overwhelming, confusing and shameful parts of oneself.
“The Glory in Us All” explains through the stories of clients working with Dr Cassandra Aasmundsen-Fry, a clinical psychologist, how the knowledge and life one has buried is responsible for making one feel stuck in relationships, careers and search for fulfilment.
Integrating the knowledge one has buried in relation to attachments, intergenerational trauma, mental health and denied needs, allows one to enter a fulfilling life with meaningful relationships, purpose and a sense of contentment.
The book is about unearthing and embracing one’s difficult parts to reconnect with oneself.
Author’s bio: Dr Cassandra Aasmundsen-Fry has a doctorate in clinical psychology. Once based in Boston, Massachusetts, she is now practising in Kuala Lumpur. Aasmundsen-Fry also founded MindWell: Modern Psychology and Therapy, a mental health practice in KL.
‘Writ at Large: A Legal Life Well-Rounded’ by Fahri Azzat
Publication: April 2025
Genre: Non-Fiction – Memoir, Socio-Cultural Commentary, Legal Studies
Synopsis: Join Fahri Azzat on a rollicking ride through the legal escapades of a Malaysian lawyer, served with a dash of humour and a splash of candour.
With a sharp eye and a sharper wit, Fahri navigates the labyrinth of Malaysia’s legal landscape, sharing insights and encounters with quirky clients, courtroom dramas, legal longings, and the occasional legal absurdity.
Themes of justice, social issues, and cultural reflections are woven seamlessly throughout his essays, giving readers a critical yet entertaining view of the Malaysian legal system and practice.
Author’s bio: Fahri Azzat studied law at Bristol University, United Kingdom, and graduated in 1997. He was admitted to the Malaysian Bar on Aug 6, 1999, and has been in practice since. He authored the Malaysian Guide to Advocacy (2019, Sweet & Maxwell) and writes regularly every Friday on his blog, “From the Bar Stool.”
‘Happy Ever After’ by Avni Martin
Publication: May 2025
Synopsis: “Happy Ever After” is based on leading industry research on what it takes to create sustainable change.
It combines the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience, wisdom from ancient philosophies, thought leadership on coaching, and experiences of working with hundreds of leaders across the world.
This book will help the reader to truly understand coaching and what makes it so powerful, as well as develop skills to transform themselves, their leadership, teams and organisations.
It contains the blueprint of how to coach at a mastery level and create a culture of coaching within organisations.
Author’s bio: Avni Martin is a master certified coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She is the founder and director of an ICF accredited coach training school, a global director of the ICF coaching education board, and a recognised thought leader and speaker with over 22 years of experience.