The Analects is a collection of sayings and teachings attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his disciples. The book emphasizes the importance of personal and societal morality, filial piety, and the cultivation of knowledge and virtue. Confucius stresses the importance of leading by example and treating others with respect and kindness. The Analects has had a profound impact on Chinese culture and philosophy, and its teachings continue to be studied and applied today.

This ancient Chinese military treatise, written by a renowned general and military strategist, is a comprehensive guide on military strategy and tactics. It covers various aspects of warfare, from planning and preparation to execution and aftermath. The work emphasizes the importance of understanding one's enemy, using deception, and adapting to changing circumstances. It also stresses the importance of terrain, morale, and leadership. Despite its military focus, its principles have been applied to business, politics, and other fields, making it a timeless classic on strategy.

"The Book of Disquiet" is a posthumously published collection of thoughts and musings of a solitary dreamer, who is a Lisbon-based bookkeeper. The book delves into the mind of a man who is discontented with his mundane life and finds solace in dreaming and writing. The narrative is a profound reflection on life, solitude, and the nature of humanity, filled with philosophical insights and poetic language. The protagonist's introspective journey and his struggles with existential despair make it a seminal work in the genre of literary modernism.

"Journey to the West" is a classic Chinese novel that follows the adventures of a Buddhist monk and his three disciples, a monkey, a pig, and a river monster, as they travel from China to India in search of sacred Buddhist scriptures. Along the way, they face a series of challenges and obstacles, including battling demons and overcoming their own personal weaknesses. This epic tale is a blend of mythology, folklore, and fantasy, and is also a commentary on the practice and principles of Buddhism.

"Call to Arms" is a collection of short stories that vividly capture the impact of the socio-political upheaval during the early 20th century in China. The narratives delve into the lives of ordinary people, predominantly the peasantry and the lower classes, who are often caught in the throes of societal change and struggle for survival. Through a blend of realism and symbolism, the stories explore themes of tradition versus modernity, the human condition, and the quest for justice, reflecting the author's critical engagement with the national and cultural issues of his time.

"Dream of the Red Chamber" is a classic Chinese novel that provides a detailed, episodic record of life in the aristocratic Jia family. The story revolves around the love triangle between the family's heir, his sickly cousin, and his other cousin who is raised to be his wife. It is also a critique of the family's decline and a reflection on the societal norms of the time. The novel is famous for its vivid characterization and psychological depth, and its unique portrayal of Chinese society during the Qing dynasty.

This ancient text is a fundamental guide to the philosophy of Taoism, offering wisdom on how to live a balanced, virtuous life in harmony with the natural world and the Tao, the source of all existence. The book explores themes such as simplicity, humility, and non-aggression, emphasizing the importance of understanding and aligning oneself with the Tao. It provides guidance on leadership, personal growth, and spiritual enlightenment, advocating for a life of peace, contemplation, and connection with the universe.

"The Lusiad" is an epic poem that chronicles the historic voyage of Vasco da Gama, who discovered a sea route from Portugal to India in 1497-1498. The narrative is filled with both historical events and fantastical elements, including sea monsters and divine intervention. The story celebrates Portugal's maritime exploration and its heroes, while also reflecting on the human condition and the nature of life, destiny, and the cosmos.

This book is a collection of speeches and writings by the former leader of the People's Republic of China. It covers a wide range of topics including communism, revolution, class struggle, and the correct handling of contradictions among the people. The book was published with the intention of promoting the leader's ideology and was widely distributed during the Cultural Revolution. It was considered an essential guide to life and politics in China during this period.

This book is a biographical account of three generations of women in China, spanning the years 1909 to 1991. The narrative follows the lives of the author's grandmother, a warlord's concubine; her mother, a high-ranking official in the Communist Party; and the author herself, who grew up during the Cultural Revolution before moving to the West. The book presents a vivid portrayal of the political and social changes in China during the 20th century, as seen through the eyes of these three women.

The novel is a metaphysical narrative about a doctor named Ricardo Reis who returns to Lisbon, Portugal after learning about the death of his friend. He finds himself in a society on the brink of dictatorship, and as he navigates through his daily life, he encounters his deceased friend's ghost and a hotel maid with whom he begins a love affair. The book explores themes of identity, love, and the nature of reality, set against the backdrop of political turmoil.

"Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is a historical novel set in the turbulent years towards the end of the Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history, starting in 169 AD and ending with the reunification of the land in 280. The story, part historical, part legend, and part mythical, romanticizes and dramatizes the lives of feudal lords and their retainers, who tried to replace the dwindling Han dynasty or restore it. The novel deals with the plots, personal and military battles, intrigues, and struggles of these states to achieve dominance for almost 100 years.

"The Maias: Episodes from Romantic Life" is a compelling narrative set in Lisbon in the late 19th century that follows the lives of a wealthy Portuguese family, the Maias. The story centers around the romantic and professional life of Carlos Maia, but also includes a rich cast of secondary characters. The plot includes themes of love, betrayal, disillusionment, and tragedy, all set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Portuguese society. The novel is also a critique of the decadence and stagnation of Portuguese society at the time.

"The Water Margin: Outlaws of the Marsh" is a classic Chinese novel set during the Song dynasty, revolving around 108 outlaws who gather at Mount Liang to form a sizable army. The narrative explores themes of rebellion, loyalty, and justice, as these bandits challenge the corrupt and oppressive government. Despite their status as outlaws, they follow a strict code of honor and righteousness, often assisting the poor and the weak. The book is a blend of history, folklore, and mythology, offering a vivid portrayal of the political and social dynamics of the era.

In this dystopian novel, an unexplained epidemic of "white blindness" sweeps through an unnamed city, causing chaos and panic. The government responds by quarantining the afflicted in an abandoned mental hospital, where conditions quickly deteriorate into violence and squalor. Amid the despair, one woman mysteriously retains her sight and guides a small band of the blind, including her husband, through the harrowing ordeal. The novel explores themes of loss, human nature, and the fragility of civilization.

"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.

"Baltasar and Blimunda" is a historical love story set in 18th century Portugal. The narrative follows a maimed soldier, Baltasar, and a young clairvoyant woman, Blimunda, as they navigate the hardships of life during the Inquisition. Their love story is intertwined with the construction of the Convent of Mafra, a grandiose project initiated by the King. The novel explores themes of love, faith, human resilience, and the struggle against political and religious oppression.

"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.

Set in 19th century Portugal, this novel follows the life of a young priest, Father Amaro, who is posted in a provincial parish. Despite his religious vows, he falls in love with a beautiful girl, Amelia, who is also the daughter of his landlady. Their forbidden love affair results in Amelia's pregnancy, leading to tragic consequences. The novel vividly portrays the corruption within the Catholic Church and the hypocrisy of the society.

"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.

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.

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.