"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.

"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.

"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.

"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 book is a satirical novel that offers a critical examination of the Chinese scholarly class and the civil service examination system of Imperial China. Through a series of interlinked stories, it follows the lives, careers, and misadventures of a diverse group of scholars, exposing the corruption, pettiness, and hypocrisy that pervade the academic and bureaucratic worlds. The narrative delves into the scholars' pursuit of literary glory and official rank, often at the expense of genuine morality and wisdom, providing a humorous yet poignant commentary on the social and educational values of the time.

This novel provides a deeply personal account of the author's experiences during China's Cultural Revolution and his subsequent imprisonment in a labor camp. The protagonist struggles with the harsh realities of his imprisonment, including starvation and physical abuse, while also grappling with his own identity and the societal expectations of masculinity. His release and subsequent marriage only further complicate his quest for self-understanding, as he navigates the challenges of reintegrating into society and maintaining a relationship with a woman who has her own traumatic past.

This novel is a satirical science fiction tale that transports the reader to Mars, where the protagonist, a Chinese man, finds himself stranded in a society inhabited by cat-like humanoids. The narrative delves into the peculiarities and dysfunctions of this Martian civilization, known as Cat Country, highlighting its inhabitants' indolence, corruption, and societal decay. Through the lens of this alien society, the author critiques various aspects of early 20th-century Chinese society, politics, and culture, using the allegorical Cat Country to reflect on human follies, the dangers of political apathy, and the consequences of societal neglect. The story is both a unique exploration of extraterrestrial life and a poignant commentary on the human condition.

The book is a profound exploration of the symbolism inherent in religious images, myths, and rituals. It delves into the various ways in which symbols function within different cultures, examining their role in expressing the metaphysical dimension of reality. The author argues that symbols are integral to human experience, allowing individuals to transcend the ordinary world and connect with a deeper, universal level of consciousness. Through an analysis of diverse religious traditions and artistic expressions, the work reveals how symbols serve as a bridge between the sacred and the profane, offering insights into the human quest for meaning and the spiritual dimension of life.

"The Temptation to Exist" is a philosophical work that explores the human condition and the inherent struggles of existence. The author delves into themes of nihilism, despair, and the search for meaning in a world filled with suffering. Through a series of thought-provoking essays, Cioran challenges traditional beliefs, questions the nature of reality, and reflects on the complexities of human existence, ultimately offering a bleak yet profound perspective on the human experience.

This book provides a personal account of a woman's life in late 19th and early 20th century China, as she navigates the complexities of poverty, tradition, and societal upheaval. Through her eyes, readers experience the struggles of the lower classes, particularly for women, in a rapidly changing society. Her story is one of resilience and determination, as she confronts challenges such as opium addiction in her family, the death of her children, and the need to work as a servant and street peddler. Her narrative offers a vivid portrayal of the customs, family life, and social hierarchies of her time, providing a valuable historical perspective on the life of an ordinary woman in China.

This collection of stories offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of Chinese women in the early 20th century, grappling with issues of personal freedom, gender roles, and societal expectations. The titular story, written in diary form, provides an intimate look at the emotional turmoil of a young woman confronting her own desires and the constraints placed upon her by traditional norms. The other narratives in the collection similarly explore the inner lives and struggles of women seeking to define themselves in a rapidly changing world, often touching on themes of love, independence, and self-discovery. Through these stories, the book paints a vivid portrait of the complexities of modern womanhood in a society in transition.

"The Collected Songs of Cold Mountain" is a compilation of poems by a legendary Chinese poet. The book is a collection of over 300 poems filled with wit, wisdom, and spiritual insight. The poet, a recluse who lived in the mountains, expresses his views on life, nature, and the impermanence of human existence through his deeply philosophical and often humorous verses. He is considered a significant figure in Chinese literature and his works have greatly influenced Zen Buddhism.

"Love in a Fallen City" is a collection of novellas and short stories that delve into the complexities of love, betrayal, and societal expectations in mid-20th century China. The stories primarily focus on women navigating the challenging terrain of romance and marriage in a rapidly changing society. The titular story captures the tumultuous relationship between a divorced woman and a playboy against the backdrop of World War II, exploring themes of survival, traditional values, and personal transformation. Through elegant prose and deep psychological insight, the book portrays the collision of Eastern and Western cultures and the personal struggles of individuals caught in the throes of historical upheaval.

"My City: A Hong Kong Story" is a compelling narrative that provides an intimate exploration of Hong Kong through the author's eyes. The author weaves a rich tapestry of the city's unique culture, history, and identity, drawing on personal experiences, observations, and a deep love for the city. The book is a poignant tribute to Hong Kong, presenting the city's transformation over the years and the challenges it faces, while also highlighting its resilience and spirit.

The narrative explores the complexities of love and memory through the lens of a woman who discovers her deceased mother's diary, which reveals a poignant and secret love affair. As the daughter delves into the pages, she confronts her own romantic dilemmas and the societal pressures of 1980s China. The story weaves together themes of personal freedom, the weight of traditional expectations, and the enduring impact of love across generations, prompting the protagonist to reflect on her life choices and the possibility of happiness in her future relationships.

"The Plum in the Golden Vase" is a classic Chinese novel set during the Song Dynasty. It follows the life of Ximen Qing, a corrupt social climber and lustful merchant, who is involved with six different women. The narrative explores themes of sexuality, corruption, and societal decay, providing a detailed and critical examination of the culture and society of the time. The novel is also known for its explicit eroticism and is considered one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.

This anthology is a comprehensive collection of 300 poems from the Tang Dynasty, one of the golden ages of Chinese literature. The poems are rich in imagery and emotion, reflecting the diverse experiences of life during that period, including love, nature, war, and the human condition. The collection is renowned for its representation of the poetic forms and styles of the Tang Dynasty, making it an essential read for those interested in classical Chinese literature.

Set against the backdrop of a changing China from the late Qing Dynasty through the Cultural Revolution, the novel follows the life of Spring Moon, a young noblewoman of the Soong family. As she navigates the complexities of tradition and modernity, Spring Moon experiences personal tragedies and triumphs while witnessing the seismic shifts in Chinese society. Her story is one of love, loss, and resilience, reflecting the broader historical forces at play that reshape her country and her family's destiny. Through her eyes, readers experience the clash of old values with new ways, and the struggle to find harmony amidst chaos.

"Paper Children" is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the lives of three orphaned siblings as they navigate the harsh realities of living on the streets of a war-torn city. With their parents gone and no one to rely on, the children resort to selling handmade paper dolls to survive. As they face hunger, violence, and loss, their unbreakable bond and resilience become their only source of hope in a world that seems determined to break them. This poignant story explores themes of family, survival, and the indomitable spirit of children in the face of adversity.

The book is a haunting exploration of the supernatural, delving into the eerie and the uncanny through the story of a mysterious woman who haunts a Romanian family. With a narrative that weaves between the boundaries of the living and the dead, the book examines themes of love, obsession, and the cultural folklore of vampirism. The protagonist's encounter with the enigmatic Christina and the subsequent unraveling of reality challenge the reader to confront the power of ancient myths and the darkness that lies within the human psyche.

The book is a manifesto and autobiographical account that details the creation and political ideology of the Iron Guard, a nationalist and anti-Semitic organization in Romania during the early 20th century. It combines personal experiences with ideological exposition, advocating for a nationalist revival, anti-communist and anti-Semitic policies, and a radical overhaul of Romanian society based on Christian values and extreme nationalism. The narrative also reflects the author's leadership role and his vision for a unified, spiritually cleansed Romania, emphasizing loyalty, discipline, and the sacrifice necessary to combat perceived corruption and foreign influence.

The book is a poignant exploration of life under a totalitarian regime, as experienced by a young boy growing up in post-World War II Romania. Through the protagonist's eyes, readers witness the oppressive atmosphere of a society where fear, indoctrination, and the omnipresence of the state disrupt the innocence of childhood. The narrative delves into themes of family, loyalty, and the struggle for personal identity against the backdrop of political propaganda and the harsh realities of a communist state. The title, which translates to "The Bullet of the Fatherland is Sweet as Honey," reflects the bitter irony of patriotic slogans clashing with the grim truths of the characters' lives.

"Red Scarf Girl" is a memoir of the author's childhood during the Cultural Revolution in China. The story follows a 12-year-old girl from a previously respected family who is labeled a class enemy and forced to turn against her own parents. The book provides a deeply personal account of the extreme political and social upheaval during this period in China's history, highlighting the fear, confusion, and courage of a young girl struggling to reconcile her loyalty to her family and her loyalty to her country.

"Falling Leaves" is a heartbreaking autobiography that recounts the life of a young girl who grows up in a wealthy but abusive family in 20th century China. Despite being the daughter of a prosperous businessman, she is treated as an outcast and blamed for her mother's death, who died shortly after her birth. The story portrays her struggle for acceptance and love within her family, her journey through the cultural revolution in China, and her eventual success as a physician in the U.S. It's a poignant exploration of the themes of familial bonds, resilience, and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.

"Nostalgia" is a collection of interconnected stories that explore themes of memory, desire, and the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination. Set in a surreal version of Bucharest, the book delves into the lives of various characters, including a young boy fascinated by his eccentric aunt, a man haunted by dreams of his childhood, and a woman searching for her lost lover. Through vivid and poetic prose, the author weaves together these narratives, creating a mesmerizing exploration of the human experience and the power of nostalgia.