Through her writing life and inspirations, get an intimate glimpse into the books that led to PP Wong writing Slice the Water.
Which book made you want to become a writer?
The Blind Assassin, Margaret Atwood.
I remember being struck by how it masterfully combined genres and emotion. Margaret Atwood’s bold voice inspired me to find my own voice and tell the stories I’m passionate about.
Which book left the deepest impression on you as a child?
Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Montgomery.
Like Anne, I was a bit of an outsider who loved to live in my imagination. It’s my dream to visit PEI one day.
Which genre did you abandon as you grew older?
I read in all genres: literary, political non-fiction, experimental literature, middle-grade, rom-coms, graphic novels, and so on. A good book is a good book regardless of genre.
Which book left you thinking long after the last page?
Please Look After Mom, Kyung-Sook Shin
The premise is deceptively simple: a mother goes missing in a crowded Seoul subway station, and her family searches for her. But the real exploration happens internally, in memory, regret, and the quiet, unnoticed sacrifices of a mother’s life.
Which book makes you laugh?
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, Paul Gallico
It’s hilarious and is pure joyous fun. In a world where negative news hits us every day, stories that celebrate laughter, wonder, and delight are a breath of fresh air.
Which book do you wish you had written yourself?
Girl, Woman, Other, Bernardine Evaristo
If I could write an extraordinary work like this in my lifetime, it would be deeply rewarding, not just for the achievement itself but for what it represents after so many years of dedication, effort, and growth.
Which author’s works do you revisit most often?
Kazuo Ishiguro
I admire how he challenges himself with every book he writes, tackles new genres, and pushes boundaries of form. His work not only surprises readers with its innovation but also reveals a deep understanding of human emotion.
Which book made you notice the beauty of words for the first time?
The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy.
The language is so exquisite and poetic. Her lyrical style doesn’t just tell a story; it immerses the reader in the emotional and cultural landscape of Kerala. The novel is not just read but felt.
Which book empowered you?
My Own Words, Ruth Bader Ginsburg
This book shows how determination and intellect can overcome systemic barriers. Her humility and humour make her achievements feel relatable, reminding us that empowerment comes from courage, persistence, and staying true to one’s values.
Which book do you love for its artwork or visual design?
The Sculptor, Scott McCloud
Scott McCloud is probably best known for his influential books on comics theory, often studied in schools as textbooks. The Sculptor was an exquisite love letter inspired by his wife, who later tragically passed away. The artwork is brilliant, stunning, expressive, and emotionally powerful.
When it comes to visual design, I have to give a shout-out to Julie Scriver, the Creative Director I worked with on Slice the Water. She spent weeks going back and forth with me to refine the fonts, ensuring each had its own “‘personality”’ to tell the story. She also embedded a beautiful frog icon within the text as a tribute to the protagonist’s beloved pet. Every detail shapes the whole reading experience.
