POP culture, in the form of books and shows, is a reliable companion for many.
Before the curtain closes on 2024, some participants of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme, run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team, share the book or show that had the biggest impact on them this year.
For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
“Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë had a profound impact on me with its prose and exploration of love and morality. Brontë’s descriptions of her native moorlands and how the landscape shapes the characters’ behaviours captivated me. The relationship between the two main characters is one of the most memorable and emotionally complex in literature. Wuthering Heights is a classic that will stay with me.” – Hayley Poh, 17
“Heaven by Mieko Kawakami is only over 100 pages long but holds double the emotional force. Set in a high school, it explores the sensitive topic of bullying, with conversations between the protagonist and his bully that made me reflect on the complexity of morality. It’s heartbreaking but beautiful. – Isabella Thang, 16
“I have been hooked on the Haikyu!! television series. What started as a pastime has since become a source of inspiration. The show changed how I view volleyball – it’s not just about the game; it’s also about failing, persevering and growing. Haikyu!! has become a major motivator in my volleyball practice.” – Bertilda Wong, 15
“Rain Town, directed by Tunku Mona Riza, resonated deeply with me. Isaac’s struggles in the film mirrored my own journey. The film beautifully balances following one’s passion with honouring family expectations, reinforcing that pursuing communication after years in the science stream is the right path for me.” – Daniel Fadzlan, 21
“Though comedic, Never Have I Ever taught me to accept loss without running from the sadness. As a student, I relate to the challenges of balancing expectations with enjoying my time in school. It is a heartwarming show that helped me grow mentally this year.” – Rania Prabagaran, 14
