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# Experience Asia with carefully selected books

The excess of goods and information means more choices, but also harder decisions. For me, this couldn’t be more true with books. It is estimated that 70,000 new releases are published every year. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to conclude that we live a world inundated with publications.

We have all had a moment when we stand in front of the bookshelf to pick up a good read but leave empty-handed because we can’t decide which book to read. We also know the feeling that the book we selected after some browsing is so not our cup of tea that it is impossible to get through a page. Of course, some may enjoy the experience of browsing around for their favorites. But when you are overwhelmed by endless shelves of books to choose from, you might want someone else to pick out the right book for you. This is where book curation comes in.

Book curation is a service that provides a selection of books that focus on a specific theme or an idea. It’s all about selecting the right resources for recommendation.

# A perfect place to be with books

The ACC began its book curation service in September in the event hall of the library in the Library Park to present about 100 books selected around two categories – professional books on Asian art and culture and general books easily accessible for all.

The ACC’s Library Park is a new type of knowledge and information space that combines a library, an archive, and a museum. It is a multifunctional place for book reading, resource viewing, exhibitions, performances, and participatory activities. The Library offers access to roughly 67,000 books, ranging from arts and philosophy, literature, to social science. The Book Lounge is ideal for casual reading of periodicals and rest. What better place for bookworms than this?

Now, let’s take a closer look at what the ACC’s book curation has to offer.

# Curated monthly reads at the ACC

In September, the ACC’s book curation brought together about 80 books on Chinese culture to mark 30 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and China. The selected materials included text and images on various aspects of China, including its history, arts, literature, and movies. It also introduced a selection of 30 books on the power of writing and the pleasure of reading to celebrate the Reading Month of September.

In October, the curation focused on the rich history and culture of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, in honor of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Central Asia. It included a children’s book collection of Asia Story, a collaboration between writers from the five Central Asian countries and Korean storybook illustrators. Among them were Suluusuu in Issyk-kul Lake; Pamir Mountains, the Roof of the World and Asan and Usen, the Protectors of Plains that featured beautiful illustrations of nature and local culture.

Another section was dedicated to the theme “Human Life and Climate Change,” and it included Acqua Alta, a pop-up book using augmented reality technology. Designed and produced by the French artist duo Adrien M & Claire B, the book is set against the backdrop of a massive flood in Venice in 2019. It received enthusiastic reviews in the ACC’s Aqua Paradiso exhibition this year.

During the month of November, the curation service featured selected works of Nobel literature laureates, as well as a collection of books related to Korea’s 30 years of diplomatic relations with Vietnam, including catalogues of major exhibitions on Vietnam in Korea, such as Oc Eo Culture of Vietnam; The Age of Discovery: Asian Ceramics Found Along the Maritime Silk Road; and The Early Morning around Red River.

The Nobel laureates collection included Simple Passion, an iconic work by this year’s winner and French writer Annie Ernaux, and The Remains of the Day, Klara and the Sun, and The Buried Giant by the 2017 winner and Japanese-born British novelist Kazuo Ishiguro.

Among the works of Asian laureates were several editions of Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore who in 1913 became the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. This wasn’t the first time the ACC shed light on the acclaimed poet. It showcased his works during the 2016 International Exchange Exhibition Rabindranath Tagore and a special lecture on Red Oleanders. In 2018, the renowned play was recited during the ACC’s The Symphony for Asia, and the ACC presented its first stage production in Korea in the following year. Later in 2021, it was adapted and published as Red Oleanders in Korean as part of the ACC’s project to publish original and adapted plays.

December’s themes are “Asian Religions and Holidays” and “Warm Reads for Winter.” The former collection includes books celebrating a variety of religions and cultures across Asia, such as Life and Religion on The Silk Road; Buddhist temples in Singapore; Myanmar’s Religions and Society; and Religion Meets Science in East Asia, as well as a research catalogue on the National Museum of Korea’s collection of religious paintings and sculptures from Central Asia.

The latter collection comprises about 50 books telling heartwarming stories of renowned artists, such as Letters to a Young Poet and The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh. If you’re looking for feel-good reads for this holiday season, the ACC’s curated bookshelves are the place to be.

In January, the curation is expected to center on “Cities and Architecture in Asia” and “New Year’s Resolutions.” The former theme will focus on books about distinctive cities across Asia and their landmark architectural styles that can bring Asian countries closer to readers.

Recommended reads of the month will be about “New Year’s Resolutions.” We all make goals or plans for the new year. Some people find this process easy, while others, like myself, may need some help or guidance to get them started. If you are anything like me, the ACC’s curated collection for the month of January will be a great starting point to develop your ideas. Why not start your new year off at the ACC’s curated bookshelves?

Designed to help people find good reads, the ACC’s book curation service is more than just recommendations. It is designed to raise public awareness of Asian culture through books by linking the theme with the ACC’s other programs, such as exhibitions, performances, and hands-on activities. Visitors are invited to experience books in different ways. If you would like learn more about Asia, or have trouble making up your mind in a sea of books, I strongly recommend you to check out the ACC’s book curation service. Who knows? Maybe you’ll come across the book of your life.