The Nancy Lang Story

Nancy Lang; Samunnangeok: 270 pp., 12,000 won

Pop artist Nancy Lang could be judged one of the most controversial figures in the art and entertainment scene nowadays. Not just because she carries a white cat doll on her shoulder wherever she goes or because of her unique artwork, but mostly because the 31-year-old is not afraid to show off to the world who she really is.

Her new book ``The Nancy Lang Story’’ does just that.

Don’t be fooled by the sweet and innocent cover, for the book contains her raw perspective toward the world, and it’s not all hopeful and innocent.

``Everything I do is a performance. It’s part of my art,’’ she wrote in the prologue.

The book reads like her journal, from her first acquaintance with art to her latest exhibits around the world, plus her insights and opinions on almost everything, from art, fellow celebrities, fashion, entertainment and life.

Strange and somewhat hard to understand Lang may be at first glance, but the book will hopefully help those who have been skeptical of her work and reputation.

Who knows? You might want to follow her trademark catchphrase: ``Cutie, Sexy, Kitty Nancy!’’

-Han Sang-hee

The Officiant’s Message by a Monk

Ven. Beokryun; Hyu: 272 pp., 12,000 won

What would be the most important message you would give to your child who is facing marriage, one of the biggest decisions in their lives? Numerous parents may be baffled by the question, probably because there are just so many things to explain but so little time. Not to worry.

Ven. Beopryun’s new book `` The Officiant’s Message by a Monk’’ is a compilation of his essays and advice he wrote on an Internet website concerning the issues of love, relationships and marriage.

``You must get married when you don’t feel lonely when you are alone and don’t feel suffocated by living with someone else. That’s the perfect time when marriage cannot affect and place both of you under restraint,’’ the monk writes.

The book is simple and straight to the point. Most importantly, it really makes the reader think about relationships, not in a complicated way but in a more subtle and dignified manner.

Through his wise words and advice, readers will be able to realize what really is important in a relationship; not money or fame, but knowing and accepting your true self.

-Han Sang-hee

My Single Room Interior

Yoo Mi-young; Sungandang Company: 167 pp., 13,500 won

As the number of singles is increasing, the cultural and social trends related to their lifestyles are becoming a hot issue. The singles can decorate their personal space as they want without having to accommodate others.

This book is a guide for decorating ideas on how they can use their own spaces in a more creative and convenient way.

The rooms are small but with creative ideas, the space can be altered to become a cozy and more comfortable place.

The book introduces how to effectively use the space according to the residents’ movements and how to arrange furniture and storage items through interesting examples which are found in other cities such as New York, Paris and Tokyo.

For an ideal singular nest, a partition dividing the living space for their different uses, low furniture, colorful aspects and decorations with paintings and posters are among the recommendations. The book also gives information about do-it-yourself items to redesign homes.

-Chung Ah-young

The World That Changes the World

Willie Cheng et al; John Wiley & Son: 256 pp., $29.95

This new book explores a detailed view of the social ecosystem by 21 international authors, including world and business leaders and experts in various fields, who share their perspectives with powerful insight.

The authors examine new ways, practices and possibilities of the social ecosystem that is seeking to change by some neo-philanthropists and social entrepreneurs and other innovators. The book argues that they bring new market and business practices that are transforming current social models and structures.

“Neo-philanthropists entering the social space bring along new market and business practices, some of which appear to be at odds with the values of the social world. From within the sector, new heroes ― the social entrepreneurs ― are emerging to create social change on an unprecedented scale in new pattern-changing ways. Meanwhile, the power of technology and innovation to foment disruptive change is enabling new possibilities and outcomes. The demands of accountability placed by civil society players on corporations and governments are also rebounding on them. All these factors, and more, are transforming the social ecosystem even as it seeks to transform the larger world,” the editors say in the book.

-Chung Ah-young