My bookshelf

Liked it. Gained an understanding of the overall process from the Winter Solstice to the Lantern Festival, finding the traditions of 'Kitchen God', Spring couplets, and the mix of gambling and shopping interesting. The slight melancholy as the lanterns go out was particularly moving.

My second journey through 'Dream of the Red Chamber'. The road is still long. It's late at night, time to sleep.

Almost deceived by the prevalent slang, yet it turned out to be a delightful surprise. I finally managed to finish it in a few days. The thoughtfulness is delicate, the prose fluid, often coming across passages that stir the emotions, compelling me to circle them with a pen, and I really enjoyed the philosophical depth contained within. It vividly records many day-to-day details and personal experiences, creating a visceral connection to the text, making me feel as if I'm approaching the author, or rather, the author is approaching you, truly a literate and artistic youth. Our sensitive nerves are so similar, and at many points, it feels like I should weep, but tears are long gone. It feels like this personality is almost a well-read individual, emboldened by literature to face the world, who is lonely and abandoned in growth, only accompanied by a computer, accustomed to living unobtrusively. Perhaps because of the same undertone, melancholic and suffering from the depths of the universe. A person: another person adds a split in the world of infinite possibilities, and collectively humans form a bizarre and colorful flower. This is what makes nature so strict, cold, merciless, rational yet wonderful. Because of this author, I have developed an interest in the city of Xiamen. I must visit it.

No wonder I can’t continue with this book, even though there are quite a few seemingly incomprehensible but familiar feelings. It's probably because this kind of narcissistic confidence, soaked in literary art and wildly unleashed, is too far removed from me, even antagonistic. Got to chapter 6, then set it aside

Today is a special day: I finally finished reading the Chinese version of this book. Its vision, mindset, and way of thinking, calm and rational with profound knowledge, are admirable in countless ways. A serious work and a good one at that. It is hard to imagine anyone studying Chinese history could skip this book. Reading it is difficult, writing it must have been incredibly challenging. It took me two months to read it half in Chinese and half in English, and even two years may not be enough to fully grasp its content.

Much of it still reads like casual spoken dialogue on paper, with plenty of repetition and superfluous language. The content is not concise enough, and the depth varies inconsistently throughout: some parts are detailed while others that require explanation are glossed over. Nonetheless, it is very worthwhile for beginners. The organization of knowledge is valuable, and the summaries of viewpoints are enlightening, helping to refine vague impressions. One can find a bit of solace in the author's perspective.

I gradually read it over two and a half weeks. I'm glad that I've finally finished it—it was a precious experience. Accompanied by the author's gentle and restrained writing, I walked through the dark and heavy twentieth century. Thank you.

There are many brilliant aspects to this historical read that broadens one's horizons, due to forward-thinking perspectives and engaging narration that compels one to keep reading. It is likely a must-read for beginners in history. Worth reading again, a must to re-read! When I am able to produce different interpretations and address the confusions within this book, I will have passed my history test.

Very readable and quite comprehensive, it outlines the development of the national character as seen through the author's eyes. The content is very enlightening, making it one of the most valuable readings I have encountered. Those who despise it are mostly resistant to the forceful opinions presented in the book, but the passionate text does not make me dislike it; instead, it allows me to appreciate the author's way of thinking, value system, and contemplation. Not all books need to be written with calm and loaded with evidence for fear of failing to convince. This book has its value, deserving more than an 8 out of 10. Unfortunately, those who should read it show no interest at all. If you're hesitating because of low ratings, I still recommend giving it a try.

The reading feels odd; on one hand, it talks about needing depth and pursuing a profound life, yet the book's language is coarse and the writing simplistic. It lacks depth, and even the examples used to argue points are weak. It reads more like a high school essay, not meeting expectations.