"Rickshaw Boy" is a novel about a young man living in Beijing in the 1920s who struggles to escape poverty and achieve personal independence. Despite his hard work and determination, he is continuously set back by societal and personal misfortunes, including failed business ventures, a disastrous marriage, and the loss of his rickshaw. The book serves as a critique of traditional Chinese society, illustrating the harsh realities of life for the working class during this time period.

"Waiting" is a story set in China during the Cultural Revolution and its aftermath, revolving around the life of Lin Kong, a military doctor who is torn between his love for two women. He is stuck in an arranged marriage with his traditional wife in the countryside, while he falls in love with a modern, city nurse. The novel explores his 18-year struggle to divorce his wife and marry his lover, depicting the clash between traditional and modern Chinese culture, personal desires, and societal expectations.

"Cartucho And My Mother's Hands" is a poignant collection of vignettes that offer a child's perspective on the Mexican Revolution. Through a series of short, vivid sketches, the narrative captures the brutality and humanity of the conflict as witnessed by the young protagonist. The work is both a personal memoir and a tribute to the resilience of women, particularly the author's mother, whose strength and tenderness are symbolized by her hands. The book blends the innocence of childhood with the harsh realities of war, providing a unique and emotionally resonant account of historical events that shaped Mexico's national identity.

"Mencius" is a philosophical text that presents the teachings and thoughts of Mencius, a follower of Confucius. The book is a compilation of dialogues, anecdotes, and allegories that illustrate Mencius's views on human nature, morality, and political theory. Central to his philosophy is the belief in the inherent goodness of human nature and the importance of cultivating one's moral character. The book also discusses his ideas on proper governance, advocating for a benevolent and virtuous ruler who prioritizes the welfare of the people.

The book is a philosophical and theological masterpiece, written as a defense of Christianity after the sack of Rome in 410 AD. The author contrasts the earthly city, characterized by pride and love of self to the point of contempt for God, with the heavenly city, characterized by love of God to the point of contempt for self. He argues that though the earthly city may seem dominant in the present age, the heavenly city will ultimately triumph. The book is a profound exploration of history, philosophy, religion, and the human condition.

"Letters from a Stoic" is a collection of moral epistles written by a renowned Stoic philosopher. The letters provide practical guidance on everything from dealing with adversity and the pursuit of wisdom to the folly of consumerism and the nature of friendship. The author's stoic philosophy encourages peace of mind through understanding and accepting the natural order of the universe, and his letters offer timeless wisdom and insights that are still relevant today.

This ancient Chinese text is a divination system and book of wisdom. It provides guidance for moral and ethical decisions through 64 hexagrams, which are six-line figures made up of broken and unbroken lines. Each hexagram represents a specific situation or state of affairs, and the text provides interpretations and advice for each. The book has been used for centuries as a tool for decision-making, prediction, and gaining deeper understanding of situations and relationships.

"Histories" is a comprehensive account of the Roman Empire from 69-96 AD, a period marked by significant political turmoil. It provides an in-depth look at the reigns of four emperors: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian, along with the social and political upheavals of the time. The narrative also covers the Jewish rebellion and the burning of the Jerusalem Temple, offering a rich historical context of the period. Despite some gaps in the record, it remains a crucial primary source for understanding this era of Roman history.

This novel tells the story of two teenage boys sent to a remote mountain village for re-education during China's Cultural Revolution. There, they meet a local tailor's daughter, who becomes their friend and the object of their shared affection. The boys discover a hidden suitcase filled with forbidden Western classics in Chinese translation, and their lives are forever changed. The books not only awaken their passion for literature, but also allow them to educate the Seamstress, ultimately leading to a heartbreaking love triangle and a tale of personal freedom against the odds.

The book is a science fiction novel that intertwines the cultural revolution of China with a complex narrative involving astrophysics, virtual reality, and alien contact. It follows a disillusioned scientist who, after suffering personal tragedy during the Cultural Revolution, sends a message into space, only to receive a response from an alien civilization on the brink of destruction. As the aliens plan their migration to Earth, a secret organization works to facilitate the invasion, while a disparate group of scientists and military personnel attempt to understand and prevent the impending extraterrestrial crisis. The novel grapples with themes of human nature, technological advancement, and the vast, often incomprehensible universe.

The "Platform Sutra" is an essential text in Zen Buddhism, presenting the teachings and philosophy of a renowned sixth patriarch. The book offers deep insights into the nature of enlightenment and the practice of dhyana (meditation). It emphasizes the concept of 'sudden enlightenment', asserting that it can be achieved by realizing one's own 'Buddha nature'. The text is also known for its promotion of direct, personal experience and the potential for enlightenment in all beings, irrespective of their social or educational status.

"The Book of Songs" is a collection of ancient Chinese poetry, providing a rich cultural and historical insight into early Chinese society. The anthology includes various types of poems, such as folk songs, hymns, and courtly songs, reflecting the life, customs, and beliefs of different social classes. It serves as a significant literary work and historical document, revealing the evolution of the Chinese language, thoughts, and values over centuries.

"Germania" is a historical and ethnographic work that provides a detailed description of the lands, customs, and tribes of the Germanic people in the first century AD. The author, a Roman historian and senator, offers a comprehensive account of the geography, anthropology, social institutions, and military practices of the Germanic tribes, often comparing their culture and values to those of the Romans. The work is considered a valuable source of information about the ancient Germanic tribes, despite its possible biases and inaccuracies.

This historical work offers a comprehensive narrative of the history of Rome, from its mythical origins to the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus. The author chronicles the major political, military, and social events of the Roman Republic, including the founding of the city, the establishment of the Republic, the Punic Wars, and the rise of Julius Caesar. The book is a significant source of information about the early history of Rome and is often considered one of the most important works of Roman history.

This novel tells the story of Jesusa, a woman who experiences the Mexican Revolution, the Cristero War, and the development of the Institutional Revolutionary Party. Through her eyes, readers witness the struggles of poverty, the brutality of war, and the realities of a woman's life in early 20th century Mexico. The protagonist's life is filled with hardship, but she remains resilient, embodying the spirit of the Mexican people during a turbulent time in history.

"Cold Nights" is a poignant love story set in the backdrop of China's turbulent political climate during the 1940s. The narrative follows the protagonist, Wan Da, as he navigates through the hardships of life, love, illness, and death. As his wife, Zhenzhen, falls ill with tuberculosis, Wan Da's struggle to secure medical help for her amidst the chaos of war paints a vivid picture of human endurance and the power of love. The book also explores themes of existentialism and the human condition, offering a profound look at life's hardships and the strength of the human spirit.

"Death Of A Red Heroine" is a crime novel set in 1990s Shanghai, China. The story follows Inspector Chen Cao as he investigates the murder of a young woman, whose body is found in a canal. As Chen delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption, political intrigue, and personal secrets that challenge his loyalty to the Communist Party and force him to confront the complexities of modern Chinese society. Through vivid descriptions of Shanghai's changing landscape and insightful commentary on social issues, the novel offers a captivating portrayal of a country in transition.

"Teahouse" is a historical drama that explores 50 years of Chinese history (1898-1948) through the microcosm of a Beijing teahouse. The narrative follows the lives of the teahouse owner and his customers, reflecting the social changes, political turmoil, and cultural shifts of the time. The story provides a deep insight into the Chinese society, its traditions, and the impact of Western influence. It also highlights the struggle of the common people amidst corruption, oppression, and the collapse of traditional values.

"A Hero Born" is the first installment in an epic martial arts saga set in the Song Dynasty of China, where the story follows the life of Guo Jing, a young boy from a humble background. After his father, a loyal Song patriot, is murdered, Guo Jing is raised by Genghis Khan in the Mongolian steppes. Throughout his adventures, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, learns from legendary martial arts masters, and is imbued with the values of honor, loyalty, and the complex moralities of warfare and brotherhood. His destiny is intertwined with the fate of his nation as he embarks on a quest to become a true hero and to confront formidable enemies that threaten the very fabric of the martial arts world.

This book is a collection of ancient Roman poetry by a renowned statesman and poet. The poems reflect the author's experiences, thoughts, and feelings about life, love, politics, and society during the Roman Republic era. The author's eloquent and vivid writing style, combined with his astute observations and insights, make this book a valuable resource for understanding Roman culture and history.

"Records of the Grand Historian" is an ancient Chinese text that provides a comprehensive history of China, from the earliest times up to the author's own period. The book is divided into five parts: the Basic Annals, the Chronological Tables, the Treatises, the Hereditary Houses, and the Biographies. It covers the lives of significant figures, political events, cultural developments, and much more. The author's objective and critical approach to history has had a profound influence on Chinese historiography and continues to be a valuable resource for understanding ancient Chinese history and culture.

"Attis and Other Poems" is a collection of lyrical works that delve into themes of love, desire, and personal anguish. The poems are characterized by their emotional intensity and vivid imagery, often reflecting the poet's own tumultuous love affairs and inner turmoil. The titular poem, "Attis," stands out with its mythological narrative and exploration of themes such as identity and transformation. Throughout the collection, the poet's mastery of language and form is evident, as he skillfully weaves together personal experiences with broader reflections on human nature and the complexities of the human heart.

This sprawling, complex novel is a rich tapestry of historical, philosophical, and literary references that explores the identity and culture of Latin America through a fantastical lens. Set primarily in 16th-century Spain during the reign of Philip II, the narrative weaves together the lives of historical figures and fictional characters, blending reality with myth and time travel. The story delves into themes of creation and destruction, the cyclical nature of history, and the quest for a utopian society, all while examining the consequences of colonialism and the search for a Latin American identity that reconciles its indigenous, African, and European heritage. The novel's intricate structure and dense prose challenge the reader to consider the past's impact on the present and future of a region with a tumultuous history.

"Heavy Wings" is a novel that explores the societal changes in China during the late 20th century. It follows the story of a group of innovative engineers striving to design and build China's first large-scale commercial aircraft. Despite facing numerous challenges such as lack of resources, political interference, and personal struggles, they remain committed to their mission, symbolizing the spirit of perseverance and innovation. The story is a reflection of China's journey towards modernization and technological advancement.

"The Nine Guardians" is a poignant novel set in the 1930s in Chiapas, Mexico, during the time of agrarian reforms under President Lázaro Cárdenas. Narrated from the perspective of a young girl from a landowning family, the story explores the profound social and cultural upheavals faced by both the indigenous people and the ruling class as land is redistributed. Through her eyes, readers experience the clash of cultures and the violent struggles over land rights, witnessing the impact of political change on personal and familial relationships. The novel delves deeply into themes of power, race, and identity, providing a rich, emotional, and historically grounded narrative.