Essential Essays by Renowned Writers---Middle School Students Reading and Appreciating Famous Essays

Author: Zhen Guanghao, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: Gatherings of renowned authors and masterpieces, condensing the essence of literature; experience splendid civilizations, absorb wisdom for growth! As one grows older, reading becomes a more sophisticated pleasure in life. In youth, even when it was just about fleeting romance, reading had to be done with a certain flair. I often spent my days with friends, the sound of waves lapping against the shore marking the beginning of our happy day. Some read, while others played the mouth organ. The wind gently blew, and young hearts were as clear as if washed with water. A few bread rolls, some sausages, and pickled cucumbers were our lunch. Often, it wasn’t until the sun had set that we suddenly realized the day was already over.
One summer and autumn, my closest friend Yuan Xiaobing and I would almost every evening take a book to the Songhua Riverbank. We’d read our favorite books, sometimes exchanging thoughts and opinions about them. For the brilliance of the books and the equally brilliant, spontaneous comments we couldn’t help but make, we felt a deep sense of satisfaction. When the light no longer illuminated our reading, we’d gaze at the golden river under the setting sun, watching the lights gradually brighten along the northern bank. A hazy, beautiful, indescribable emotion swirled within our young hearts. Life truly holds many moving moments, and books inspire us to reflect on life’s uncertainties.
The, or "random thoughts," can flow freely, wandering as the heart desires, expressing whatever comes to mind, and taking shape effortlessly. It is unbound by form, style, or length—write when inspired, and stop when not. It can be long if there’s much to say, or short if there’s little. Though most are brief, they perfectly embody the saying of actor Pan Changjiang: "Condensed is always exquisite."
When relaxed, one’s true self often naturally emerges—when the mood strikes, set aside worries, write freely and without care. In this ease, one expresses their spirit and reflects on life, simply to honor themselves and release pent-up emotions. The hallmark of a is its freedom and flexibility. It grants authors great liberty in both content and form. Watching a movie or TV show, reading an engaging book, accomplishing a difficult task, meeting a long-lost friend, receiving something long desired—life’s joys and sorrows, insights into certain phenomena, or opinions on specific issues—all can be written down as a. A good tells stories clearly, expresses emotions sincerely, and presents arguments thoughtfully.
This book selects renowned works on five major themes—reading, descriptive writing, history, philosophy, and travel—to provide students and readers with inspiration and reference.