?The Blade: An Illustrated Guide by Li Jia-Liang, published by Footprint Culture, NT$480
(Provided by Freehill)
?My Box by Yi Ching-Miao, translated by Xin Ruyi, published by Linking Publishing, NT$340
Recommendation: Opening this book, you see the small history of an individual alongside the grand history of the external world. Through the mother’s diary and the father’s letters, the shape and contradictions of a family are outlined, while the author’s personal quest gives this family story rich depth. This book can serve as a model for writing about family stories—every home has a box, and every box holds a wealth of stories. (Huang Liru)
?Ballad of the Drifter by Wu Huai-Chen, published by Mule Culture, NT$350
Recommendation: A passionate piece of writing that pioneers surf literature in Taiwan, introducing us to the drifters who live for the waves—not just the stereotypical rebellious surf kids. The author, a philosophy PhD, not only contemplates the ocean and life but also records the people and history of Taiwan’s east coast, broadening our perspective. It turns out surfing can also be a philosophical solace. (Hung Chen-Yu)
?In This Lifetime, Be a Farmer at Least Once by Lin Dai-Ling, published by Freehill Publishing, NT$380
Recommendation: Unlike many recent cases of educated youths abandoning their careers to farm or leaving cities for rural life, the author rents land in the city to grow crops, living a life of reclusion within the urban sprawl. This conveys a certain attitude toward life and a wisdom of living in harmony with nature’s laws. The writing is detailed and sincere, lively in form, without grand theories, yet full of the drive to inspire people to hit the road. (Guo Zi-Li)
?Food Notes from Changhua by Chen Shu-Hua, published by Yuan-Liu Publishing, NT$399
Recommendation: With solid academic rigor akin to thesis writing, the author vividly and lively documents the snacks of Changhua’s towns. From street food stalls to banquet tables, from ingredients to local customs, from Japanese-era newspapers to county chronicles, text and imagery complement each other, showing both effort and emotion. After Taipei and Tainan’s street food gained fame, Food Notes from Changhua presents not just mouthwatering dishes, but also the former glory of Changhua. (Liu Zi-Jie)
?The Craftsmen by Huang Jing-Yi and Yan Zhi-Jie, published by Yuan-Liu Publishing, NT$399
Recommendation: From illustrations and photos to descriptive text, everything is well-matched and mutually enhancing; creative ideas and layout design fully convey the craftsmen’s spirit and skill, combining fun with meaning. The professionalism, passion, and perseverance of 52 folk artisans set a lofty benchmark in today’s profit-driven, food-quality-conscious Taiwan. (Guo Zi-Li)
?The Great Passing by Nakamura Jinichi, translated by Hsiao Yun-Ching, published by San-Cai Culture, NT$280
Recommendation: This book discusses aging, illness, and death without beautification or abstract philosophizing, yet it remains engaging and hard to put down. Based on a retired doctor’s clinical observations in a nursing home and his 15 years of facilitating “contemplating your own death” gatherings, the author speaks candidly about how aging, illness, and death should return to nature, inspiring proactive approaches to life. (Hsia Jui-Hong)
?The Treatment Trap: How the Overuse of Medical Care Is Wrecking Your Health and What You Can Do About It by Rosemary Gibson and Janardan Prasad Singh, translated by Liu Dao-Jie, published by Business Weekly Publications, NT$320
Recommendation: Under a commercial fee-for-service model, the controversies over the necessity and appropriateness of medical tests or treatments are real issues worth addressing. This book is rich in information, highlighting the gap between the ideal and reality in medical practice. Though set in the U.S., it reflects pressing issues Taiwan must confront, making it a valuable reference. (Wang Chih-Yuan)
?Let’s Go Hiking with Kids by Huang Fu-Sen, illustrated by Leah, published by Footprint Culture, NT$320
Recommendation: A newlywed couple passionate about hiking continues their hobby even after having children, carrying or holding them as they go. This book details the nuances of parent-child hiking, offering not only technical summaries but also heartwarming interactions and fresh perspectives on the hiking world. (Hsu Wen-Hung)
? Expert Talk: Illustrated Knife Encyclopedia by Li Jialiang, published by Far East Press, NT$480
Recommended reason: This is a rare locally created work. The author, a seasoned fishing enthusiast, has been fascinated by the world of blades since childhood and is capable of crafting knives and sheaths himself. With his profound knowledge, passion for research, and skillful portrayal of cultural aspects in daily life, he transforms an obscure specialty book into something approachable and engaging—offering insights for experts and entertainment for lay readers alike. (Xia Ruihong)
2013 Beautiful Life Book? Selection Committee
(Sorted by the number of strokes in surnames)
? Wang Zhiyuan (Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine)
? Hong Zhenyu (Writer, author of "The Traveler’s Food Calendar")
? Guozi Li (Writer)
? Xia Ruihong (Veteran media professional, currently a homemaker and writer)
? Xu WenHong (Associate Professor, Department of Food Science, Yilan University)
? Huang Liru (China Times Travel Section Reporter)
? Liu Zijie (Writer)
? Qu Xinyi (Chief Writer, TVBS Weekly)