This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Rose Of Time

   New and Selected Poems

   

   This collection of poetry weaves together themes of memory, exile, and the passage of time, capturing the essence of human experience through vivid imagery and poignant reflections. The poems explore the complexities of identity and belonging, often drawing on the poet's own experiences of political upheaval and displacement. With a lyrical and introspective style, the verses invite readers to contemplate the transient nature of life and the enduring power of hope and resilience.

   The 8213th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

2. 2. Sidetracks

   Explorations in Memory

   

   Sidetracks by Bei Dao is a profound exploration of the poet's life journey, captured in a long poem that weaves through his experiences across different times and places. The narrative begins with a series of existential questions and unfolds through thirty-four sections, reflecting on his life from his early days in Beijing to his years of exile across six countries. The poem revisits significant moments, such as his work during the Cultural Revolution and his return to China after years away. Through encounters with various people and places, the poem captures the essence of displacement and the search for identity, blending personal history with broader cultural currents.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Amazon