To WKU Freshmen | Read Recommended Booklist from the Secretary to Start Your First Lesson of University
The Class of 2028 is about to step into the WKU campus with new goals in their hearts in this hot summer.
Gorky once said, “Books are the ladder of human progress.” In the hot and vibrant days of university life, books are like brilliant stars, illuminating the path ahead.
Wang Beijiao, the Party Secretary and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wenzhou-Kean University, has specially prepared a reading list for freshmen. Let us follow this reading list to experience ancient and modern times and travel all around the world, embarking on a new journey in life.
Wang Beijiao, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wenzhou-Kean University
To the Class of 2028,
Greetings! First, I would like to congratulate you on becoming a member of the Wenzhou-Kean University community!
The Chinese nation has advocated reading since ancient times, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge, sincerity and integrity. It aims to inherit the everlasting spirit of the Chinese nation and shape the Chinese people's self-confidence and self-improvement.
For university students, reading is of great significance. It broadens horizons, increases knowledge, and helps cultivate critical thinking and independent personality. Good books are the key to wisdom, helping students understand the complex world and form profound insights. Reading classics and talking to thinkers from past generations can also inspire innovation and are crucial to personal growth and social contribution.
As a member of a China-US cooperative university, you must study cutting-edge Chinese and foreign science in class and read through the works of famous Chinese and foreign writers out of class. Don’t forget to draw knowledge and strength from books, and let books become good teachers and helpful friends that accompany your growth.
It is worth mentioning that the platform connecting China and the United States provides you with unique reading resources. WKU Library currently provides 60,000 print books, 1 million e-books and more than 13,000 e-journals. Meanwhile, WKU students can also seamlessly access approximately 440,000 e-books, 50,000 e-journals and 309 academic databases from Kean University in the United States. So, take a chance and enjoy reading the books!
On this occasion of starting a new journey in your life, I have also prepared my private booklist, which I recommend to you on your way to seeking knowledge, truth, and wisdom. I sincerely hope you will become talents combining Chinese and Western knowledge and are familiar with ancient and modern times!
Wang Beijiao,
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wenzhou-Kean University
Recommended Booklist
Philosophy and Thought
A Short History of Chinese Philosophy / Feng Youlan
Author: Feng Youlan
Summary: Written by Chinese philosopher Feng Youlan, this book provides an overview of the history of Chinese philosophy. It outlines the spirit, background, key philosophers, and major schools of Chinese philosophy, offering a comprehensive understanding of the development and evolution of Chinese philosophical thought.
Recommendation: "One may not be religious, but one is definitely philosophical." This statement emphasizes the impact of philosophy on people. This book is essential for understanding the inner structure of Chinese culture and the evolution of its philosophical thought. It helps readers understand how historical philosophical ideas have shaped the unique cultural character and values of the Chinese nation. This book is invaluable for university students to enhance their humanistic qualities and philosophical thinking, adding depth and brilliance to their life journey.
The Story of Philosophy / Will Durant
Author: Will Durant
Summary: Will Durant presents the wisdom of philosophical thinkers in simple terms, connecting their ideas to modern society and human life. From Socrates to Voltaire, Durant brings philosophy to life through engaging stories.
Recommendation: "The young are more suited for invention than for judgment; more suited for execution than for counsel; and more suited for new projects than for settled business." This book's lively and humorous writing style not only explains theories but also connects them to life, inspiring freshman readers to cultivate critical thinking and independent thought. This is crucial for their academic research and serves as a guiding light for their life's journey, helping them stay clear-headed and self-reflective in a complex world.
Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life / Richard Paul, Linda Elder
Authors: Richard Paul, Linda Elder
Summary: This book details the basic elements, traits, standards, and development levels of critical thinking, aiming to help readers improve their thinking quality and think more rationally and justly.
Recommendation: "Critical thinking is based on sound judgment, using appropriate evaluation standards to assess the true value of things." This book breaks traditional and fixed ways of thinking, promoting critical thinking in daily life. It helps university students develop independent thought, self-directed learning, and problem-solving skills, enhancing their logical thinking and judgment, breaking their mental constraints, and guiding them to express themselves better.
Psychology
The Road Less Traveled / M. Scott Peck
Author: M. Scott Peck
Summary: This book explores the journey of mental maturity, encouraging readers to face and solve life's pains and problems to achieve self-growth.
Recommendation: "Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths in the world. It is a great truth because once we truly understand this truth, we transcend it." This book is suitable for all readers seeking growth and progress. It not only includes profound psychological theories but also offers practical guidance, helping university students explore and understand themselves, and enhancing their social adaptability and life planning.
Procrastination: Why You Do It, What To Do About It Now / Jane B. Burka, Lenora M. Yuen
Authors: Jane B. Burka, Lenora M. Yuen
Summary: Through rich cases and theories, this book analyzes the causes of procrastination and provides solutions to help readers overcome the habit.
Recommendation: "People procrastinate to comfort themselves, believing their potential is greater than their performance, maintaining the belief that their potential is outstanding and limitless." This book delves deeply into the phenomenon of procrastination, pointing out that its causes are not single but include anxiety, conflict, and even fear of success. For readers troubled by procrastination, this book offers practical methods and techniques to improve work efficiency and quality of life.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone / Lori Gottlieb
Author: Lori Gottlieb
Summary: A therapist's memoir that showcases the process and effects of psychotherapy through real cases, exploring ways to solve psychological troubles.
Recommendation: "There is nothing more desirable than liberation from pain, and nothing more fearful than letting go of dependence." This book, from the perspective of a therapist, tells stories that resonate deeply with readers, whether about love, friendship, family, or career challenges. It gives university students, who might face adaptation issues and psychological problems, an understanding of the therapy process and methods, providing self-healing power and courage.
Personal Growth
WKU Leapers / Editorial Committee of the Wenzhou-Kean University Leapers
Editors: Editorial Committee of the Wenzhou-Kean University Leapers
Summary: Compiled by excellent graduates of Wenzhou-Kean University, this series aims to help juniors smoothly apply to their dream universities.
Recommendation: This book offers valuable practical experiences of seniors, serving as a precious and invaluable gift for freshmen who are eager but somewhat confused about their future. The strategies, time management methods, and application tips introduced are proven effective by seniors' practices, helping freshmen avoid detours and quickly find their development path, building confidence, and achieving personal brilliance.
Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite and the Way to a Meaningful Life / William Deresiewicz
Author: William Deresiewicz
Summary: This book deeply analyzes the status of students under the American elite education system, pointing out that despite their intelligence and talent, they are filled with anxiety and lack a sense of purpose, following blindly like "excellent sheep."
Recommendation: Yale University professor William Deresiewicz criticizes the "excellent" facade under exam-oriented education, encouraging university students to not only pursue academic excellence but also maintain curiosity, critical thinking, and explore personal interests, with a clear sense of goal for their future development.
Literature and Life
A Wavy Life / Mai Jia
Author: Mai Jia
Summary: The book tells the story of a person's rise and struggle amidst the tides of history, showcasing the complexity and resilience of human nature. Spanning nearly a century, it skillfully uses a child's perspective to revolve around an unresolved mystery, depicting a life entangled with the times. Within its extraordinary tale lies the profound flavor of life's vicissitudes, eliciting deep sighs of reflection. Life is like the sea, carrying within it the eras, legends, and human hearts, marked by the cruelty born of the every day and the kindness brought by time.
Recommendation: "Life is like a sea; it takes courage to live, not to die." This quote from "Ren Sheng Hai Hai", a novel by Mao Dun Literature Prize winner Mai Jia, vividly encapsulates the profound themes explored within the book. Through vibrant storytelling, deeply etched characters, and a multi-perspective narrative technique, the novel reveals the complexity and multifaceted nature of humanity. It allows readers to witness both the brilliance and darkness of human nature while uncovering the essence of life, regardless of the adversities faced, one must uphold their beliefs and seek their own value and meaning. Reading this book will help readers experience life's unpredictability and resilience, prompting them to reflect on the meaning of existence.
Ping Fan De Shi Jie / Lu Yao
Author: Lu Yao
Summary: Set against the backdrop of the decade from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s in China, the book portrays many ordinary people from various social classes at that time through complex conflicts and entanglements, centering on the two brothers, Sun Shao'an and Sun Shaoping; labor and love, frustration and pursuits, pain and joy, daily life and great social conflicts are intertwined in a complicated way, which profoundly shows the difficult paths taken by It profoundly demonstrates the difficult and twisted paths that ordinary people have traveled in the historical process of the big era.
Recommendation: “The people raised on this yellow land, despite their earthy dress and coarse culture, are as dense as the stars in the sky.” In this book, the writer describes the process of historical changes in the rural areas of northwest China, which truly and profoundly reflects the social reality. At the same time, the author also establishes many vivid and touching characters in the book, and the spirit of hard struggle shown by these protagonists is still inspiring for today's college students. Reading this book will help readers feel the glory and resilience of human nature, and at the same time encourage college students to pay attention to reality, take responsibility, strive for their ideals, and establish a positive attitude towards life.
Walden / Henry David Thoreau
Author: Henry David Thoreau
Summary: This book records Thoreau's more than two years of living and thinking by Walden Pond, expressing his profound thoughts on nature, life, and society. It reveals the essence of life discovered by the author in nature.
Recommendation: Why should we live with such hurry and waste of lives? This book is a spiritual exploration and a guide to self-sufficient, simple living. Thoreau's deep thinking and spiritual journey of returning to nature offer university students fresh perspectives and insights. It encourages them to seek harmony with nature, discover the essence of life, and maintain inner peace and clarity amidst a fast-paced modern life.
The Old Man and the Sea / Ernest Hemingway
Author: Ernest Hemingway
Summary: This book tells the story of an old Cuban fisherman who, after not catching any fish for eighty-four days, finally hooks a big fish. He fights with the fish for three days at sea, eventually killing it. On the return journey, he faces repeated attacks by sharks, and by the time he returns to port, only the fish's head, tail, and a spine remain. The work showcases the courage and perseverance in human struggle against nature and fate.
Recommendation: "The Old Man and the Sea" is Hemingway's most representative motivational novel, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1953 and the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1954, solidifying his significant position in world literature. Although the novel is short, it conveys a profound fighting spirit, as stated in the book: “A man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.” In the wilderness of life, when we are occasionally weary, disheartened, or flustered, this book will act as a seasoned elder, supporting and guiding you forward.
History and Culture
Wan Gu Jiang He: Zhongguo Li Shi Wen Hua De Zhuan Zhe Yu Kai Zhan / Xu Zhuoyun
Author: Xu Zhuoyun
Summary: How to view one's own history and culture? Where does China come from, where does Chinese culture come from, and where is it heading? "The Eternal River" is a scholarly answer from renowned historian Xu Zhuoyun, and it is a historical work written for today's Chinese people. It explores the evolution and turning points of Chinese history and culture from a geographical perspective.
Recommendation: This is a comprehensive work on Chinese history by the overseas Chinese historian Xu Zhuoyun, and it won the third "Wenjin Book Award." This book is a historical treasure for contemporary Chinese readers, focusing on the Yellow River and Yangtze River, two major river systems in China. The book is not difficult to read. Instead, it flows like a gentle breeze, making Chinese history come alive. College students can use this book as a supplementary historical resource to better understand the origins of Chinese culture and expand their cognitive boundaries.
A Global History: From Prehistory to the 21st Century / Leften Stavrianos
Author: Leften Stavrianos
Summary: This book focuses on global history and emphasizes influential events that have shaped history. It examines human development from the perspective of thousands and even tens of thousands of years and links historical events across continents on a timeline.
Recommendation: The author’s broad perspective gives the book a logical and comparative narrative. It is engaging and dynamic. Compared to some difficult philosophical texts, 95% of the book describes past events, with the remaining 5% extracting insights, making it highly readable. Many parts of the book provide a grand and broad perspective for college students to understand the past, view the present, and imagine the future. Thus, this book is an excellent tool for expanding historical perspectives and is definitely worth reading and rereading.
Guns, Germs and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies / Jared Diamond
Author: Jared Diamond
Summary: Issues of early and late civilizations, societal progress and regression, etc., have always been major topics of human interest. "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" explores why some civilizations were able to conquer others, revealing deep patterns in human historical development through multidisciplinary perspectives including biology, geography, and history.
Recommendation: This is a Pulitzer Prize-winning landmark work in history and anthropology! Despite the tough-sounding title "Guns, Germs, and Steel," the book is not about the history of war and steel or the past of germs but about the entire history of humanity. As a milestone work, "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" can change our conventional views on history and provide a new perspective on understanding the diversity and complexity of human societies.
Sternstunden der Menschheit：Vierzehn historische Miniaturen / Stefan Zweig
Author: Stefan Zweig
Summary: Zweig, with the touch of a poet and artist, portrays the turning points and heroic stories in human history through the decisions of fourteen historical figures at crucial moments. These stories span different eras and regions, showing both the brilliance and darkness of human nature.
Recommendation: Among countless talented people throughout human history, which fourteen individuals could catch the eye of Zweig, known as the "king of biographies"? The answer is revealed in this book. Zweig uses the touch of a poet and artist, with astonishing and sincere writing, to present the experiences of fourteen brilliant human stars. These experiences can inspire and encourage college students in their learning and life. Therefore, if this book has lingered in your mind for years but remains unread, don’t hesitate, to read it now!
Science and Knowledge
Shang Di Zhi Tou Zi Ma? Liang Zi Wu Li Shi Hua / Cao Tianyuan
Author: Cao Tianyuan
Summary: Starting from the 18th century and continuing into the 21st century, a group of scientific giants began to overturn the traditional edifice of physics, fighting for the ultimate theory of the universe, which significantly altered the course of human development. This book humorously and interestingly reviews the dramatic development of quantum theory from its inception to its current state.
Recommendation: “Shang Di Zhi Tou Zi Ma? Liang Zi Wu Li Shi Hua” is hailed as the scientific equivalent of “Sternstunden der Menschheit”. Although it's a book about physics, it is not obscure or difficult to understand. Instead, its concise language has earned it a series of book awards since its publication, and it has consistently ranked among the top 10 bestsellers. Many readers even consider it China’s “A Brief History of Time”! If you have an interest in quantum mechanics, time travel, string theory, multiple worlds, parallel universes, or Schrödinger's cat, you definitely shouldn't miss this book. It is an excellent read that stimulates students' scientific curiosity and encourages them to explore science with courage and wonder.
The History of Science / Ray Spangenberg, Diana Moser
Author: Ray Spangenberg, Diana Moser
Summary: This book is a comprehensive introduction to the history of science, covering from ancient times to the modern era. It is divided into four sections, each focusing on the development and changes in physical sciences, life sciences, the relationship between science and society. The book uses the scientific revolution as its main thread to showcase the pioneers, achievements, failures, and impacts of science, while also revealing the true history of science and encouraging critical thinking.
Recommendation: The book has received 13 honors, including the Wenjin Book Award, the Excellent Bestseller Award, the National Science Popularization Outstanding Work Award, and nominations for the China Government Publishing Award and the Chinese Excellent Publication Award. It is a highly acclaimed classic read. The author's conversational narrative style is friendly and easy to understand, resembling a master storyteller. At times citing various sources and at other times breaking down complex ideas, the book makes what many might see as a dry and dull history of science truly engaging. Through reading this book, one realizes that the journey of science is not without its deviations and even misleading paths. Notably, the book also addresses the role and status of women in science and the challenges posed by postmodernism. These topics that are rarely covered in typical science history works.
Aesthetics and Art
Tan Mei / Zhu Guangqian
Author: Zhu Guangqian
Summary: This book is written in the form of letters and begins with the idea that "to purify life, one must first beautify life." It systematically explores topics such as the nature of aesthetic attitudes, the distance between art and life, the relationship between aesthetic experience and empathy, the connection between aesthetic pleasure and physical pleasure, and the differences between natural beauty and artistic beauty. The language is clear and accessible, filled with profound insights, and guides readers through a straightforward and unambiguous path to understanding aesthetics.
Recommendation: "Beauty is not something that falls from the sky, it is half in the object and half in your hands." Since its publication, it has been highly praised and is considered a classic that combines both academic depth and broad appeal. The book holds significant academic value, guiding readers into the world of beauty and exploring its essence and meaning. Beauty is everywhere. The key is to establish a correct aesthetic view, enhance artistic appreciation, and advocate for the artfulness of life. By doing so, one can experience the presence of beauty in everyday life. Therefore, this book serves as an enlightening and guiding text for university students to understand the basic concepts and theoretical framework of aesthetics.
The Story of Art / Ernst Gombrich
Author: Ernst Gombrich
Summary: This book provides a comprehensive overview of art history, from ancient cave paintings to modern experimental art, illustrating how art history is a narrative of continuous and changing traditions. It presents the diversity and evolution of art in a lively and engaging manner.
Recommendation: Art is often perceived as distant from everyday life and inaccessible to the general public. This book dispels that misconception. Not only is it a panoramic introduction to art history, but it also serves as an aesthetic guide for beginners. It bridges the gap between art and everyday life, demonstrating that everyone can appreciate art and that artists experience emotions like everyone else. This book is beneficial for students to understand art correctly, cultivate an interest in art, and develop an eye for beauty in daily life.
More Books
Besides, there are also many recommended books in the library! WKUers can come to the library to borrow!
《麦田里的守望者》 / J·D·塞林格
《我在故宫修文物》 / 萧寒主编
Lost in Thought / Zena Hitz
《巴别塔》 / 匡灵秀
《愤怒的葡萄》 / 约翰·斯坦贝克
《海边的卡夫卡》 / 村上春树
《解忧杂货店》 / 东野圭吾
《流浪地球》 / 刘慈欣
《牧羊少年奇幻之旅》 / 保罗·柯艾略
《社会性动物》 / 艾略特·阿伦森
《生死场》 / 萧红
《时间贫困》 / 凯茜·霍姆斯
《四时之外》 / 朱良志
《天才在左 疯子在右》 / 高铭著
《围城》 / 钱钟书
《窄门》 / 纪德
《繁花》 / 金宇澄
《雪国》 / 川端康成
《人间草木》 / 汪曾祺
《献给阿尔吉侬的花束》 / 丹尼尔·凯斯
..........
Reading Activity
Wenzhou-Kean University Library has prepared a reading reflection-sharing activity for this booklist, Books Recommended by the Secretary: Insights from Students. We welcome all freshmen to participate in this activity! There are opportunities to win generous prizes!
Students choose a book from the recommended booklist and share their reflections and insights (at least 200 words, in either Chinese or English) via the QR code below.
Activity Time
August 16, 2024 - September 20, 2024
Prize
We will award prizes to the top fifteen students! Additionally, students who actively participate in this event have a chance to receive a canvas bag from the library!
First Prize: Xiaomi Wristband*2
Second Prize: Xiaomi Audio System*5
Third Prize: WKU Bear*8
Participation Prize: Canvas Bag*10
Book Recommendation Activity
If you have books you would like to recommend, you can also participate in our Book Recommendation Activity.
Participation Method
If you have books you would like to recommend, you can also participate in our Book Recommendation Activity.
Participants can visit the Library Service Desk on the third floor of SLAC, write their book recommendations and reasons (in any length, either in Chinese or English) on the activity cards, and paste them on the Book Recommendation Wall. After the library staff confirms, participants can go to the Service Desk to get a cardholder as a participation prize on a first-come-first-served basis.
We look forward to witnessing how reading will make you love life even more and lead you to a wonderful university experience!
Content | Access Service Unit
Layout | HU Linxiao
Review | REN Yuanyaun
