Did you know
Aomamm will release her new novel, Hidden Guy, in April.
SW looks at Mina’s books
By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb
Napaswan Khuan-ngern (Aomamm), who writes under the pseudonym Mina, was one of three finalists at the Nak Kien Na Sai Awards (Fresh Faced Author Awards), arranged by Jamsai Publishing in 2011.
Since then, the 22-year-old writer has published five romantic novels, including It's You: Chao Khong Hua Jai Yang Ngai Tong Chai Thoe, 31 April: Tae Rak Mad Jai Ping Nay Tao Dee and Vanilla Maiden: Rak Krang Nee Mai Mee Roop Bab Rai.
Aomamm, who majors in business Japanese at the Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology, started reading romantic novels in high school and has loved them ever since. Later, Aomamm also became interested in reading Japanese detective novels.
As a writer and a bookworm, Aomamm appreciates the many benefits of regular reading.
“Reading is an eye-opening experience because writers share their unique experiences,” she said. “Reading always teaches you new things and broadens your perspective.”
Student Weekly recently asked the young novelist to tell us about five of her favourite books.
Title: Triple Nine Apartment: Game Rak Nee Mai Mee Toi
Author: Look Chop
Publisher: Jamsai Publishing
This romantic novel is about a girl who falls in love with a gorgeous but arrogant guy named Sepia. The girl later finds out that Sepia lives next door to her in the same apartment block and tries everything to win his heart.
“I’ve been a fan of this author since she posted her stories online before releasing a book. She writes about the kinds of situations that happen in real life. I can really relate to the characters.”
Title: Jed Wan Jong Wan (Seven Days Haunting)
Author: Pakinai
Publisher: Gao Ga Dod
Seven Days Haunting is a horror series consisting of seven books. Each book tells a ghost story which involves a person who was born on a different day of the week. The seven books are related to one another, but they can also be read separately. Aomamm said that she couldn’t put the books in the series down once she started reading them.
“There are clues and questions in the stories that keep readers interested. I like the book about the person born on Thursday the most because it’s about university students who live in an apartment. I could relate to that story. After reading it, I couldn’t sleep!”
Title: Scorpion Tattoo: La Rak Jong Jum Jai Yai Tao Rai Kab Nai Satan
Author: Hideko Sunshine
Publisher: Jamsai Publishing
This novel is about a love triangle. A girl is torn between two good-looking brothers. Aomamm said that she likes this novel because the writer is good at expressing the feelings of the characters.
“This story makes me feel emotional. I can understand the characters’ pain. After reading this, I begin to read Hideko Sunshine’s other books.”
Title: Pom Prid Sa Na Peek Kee lan (Mystery of Kylin's Wing)
Author: Keigo Higashino
Translator: Ploytabtim Tabtimtong
Publisher: Nation Books
This novel kicks off with a murder case after a man is stabbed in the chest. Aomamm enjoyed this book because it offers more than just a simple murder case.
“While the case in the book is being investigated, there are issues brought up about relationships between family members and friends. It made me realise how important communication is in relationships.”
Title: Fah Mai Koey Mued Goen Mong Hen Dow (The Sky Hasn’t Been Too Dark to See Stars)
Author: Kidmakk
Publishing: Jamsai Publishing
The book is a compilation of thoughtful quotes that were posted on the author’s Twitter account. Aomamm finds the quotes in the book encouraging when she faces hard times.
“During hard times, reading the quotes in this book makes me think in a positive way. I can look at my problems from a different point of view. It’s a very encouraging book.”
Vocabulary
- pseudonym (n): a name that somebody, usually a writer, uses instead of their real name
detective (n): a person, usually a police officer, whose job is to examine crimes and catch criminals
bookworm (n): a person who likes reading very much
perspective (n): a way of thinking about something
arrogant (adj): behaving in a proud, unpleasant way, showing little thought for other people
clue (n): an object, a piece of evidence or information that helps police solve a crime
love triangle (n): a situation that involves three people, each of which love at least one of the others
kick off (phrasal v): to start
encouraging (adj): giving you a feeling of hope, support, etc.
