Hundred Famous People Talk About Reading

Author: Cao Zhengwen
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-08-01
Features: "Reading Joy" column of the Xinmin Evening News was launched in January 1986 as a special column derived from the "Nightlight Cup" supplement. It was proposed and initiated by the supplement editor Cao Zhengwen. From 1986 to 2006, Cao Zhengwen independently edited the column for 20 years, and by August 2006, it had published 1,000 issues. Over the 20 years, "Reading Joy" maintained the consistent style of "Nightlight Cup," organizing contributions from renowned writers while valuing submissions from readers. Cao Zhengwen, under the pen name "Mishu," ran the column "Book Friends' Tea House," which corresponded with 10,000 readers and encouraged them to purchase books. The column introduced 20 sections, including "Joy in Books," "Why I Write," "Me and Books," "A Book That Influenced My Life," "My Study," "Current Reading Perspectives," "My Books," "Book Tasting Notes," "Evening Reading Reflections," "Book Hunting Notes," "Bookstore Sketches," "Editorial Musings," and "Experiences from Foreign Book Markets." The column organized contributions from over 300 renowned scholars and writers such as Bing Xin, Zhao Jiabi, Ke Ling, Shi Zhecun, Wang Yuanhua, Zhang Kebiao, Qin Shouou, Yu Guangyuan, Zang Kejia, Tang Guizhang, Su Bujing, Qian Zhonglian, Jia Zhifang, Ji Xianlin, Chen Huangmei, Jin Kemu, Qin Zhuang, Feng Yingzi, Zhou Ruchang, Lou Shiyi, Zhang Peiheng, Wang Meng, Liu Shaha, Zhang Xianliang, Yu Qiumo, and Zhang Ping. Seven series of "Reading Joy" books were published, and the column won more than 10 awards. Former Shanghai Writers' Association Chairman Xu Zhongyu once praised "Reading Joy," saying, "Though short in length, the column always carries interesting and meaningful content. The writing is engaging, blending seriousness with humor, avoiding clichés and enriching the tone. Here, solemn academic lectures have little market—it can be said to be a pure haven in the garden of news."