2025 New Year Book List | Reading to Celebrate the New Year
As the year ends and the new year's dawn gently lifts the veil of time, the library cordially invites all WKUers to embark on a "Heartwarming Healing Journey." Let us use words as a guide to weave pictures that heal the soul. Let each book on your reading list transform into a unique literary comfort for you at the turn of the new year, gently brushing away the dust of the old year and leading you into a new chapter where worries are forgotten and hope is embraced!
01 A Warm Chapter of Seasonal Cycles
As the seasons change, the rhythm of life resonates with them, and each season holds unique meaning and inspiration.
Ye Shi Dong Tian, Ye Shi Chun Tian
Author: Chi Zijian
Recommendation: Ye Shi Dong Tian, Ye Shi Chun Tian is a delicate and gentle collection of essays, with Northeast China's transition from winter to spring as its backdrop, portraying moving scenes of seasonal changes and the ups and downs of life. The author skillfully blends nostalgia, childhood laughter, the warmth of family, and the wonders of nature through a unique perspective, with poetry and warmth flowing between the lines. This work is like a beacon, driving away the gloom in the severe winter of life and illuminating the path ahead. Readers can feel the piercing cold between the bitter cold of winter and the vibrant spring and glimpse the hope of life's relentless vitality.
Call Number: PL2847.T98 C45 2023 CN
Zheng Shi Cheng Huang Ju Lv Shi
Author: Xiao Fuxing
Recommendation: This book is a classic collection of essays by Xiao Fuxing, depicting a vivid picture of human life with exquisite brushstrokes. Xiao Fuxing leads readers through memories of old times, the trivia of daily life, and the scenery of travels with sincere and unpretentious words. Especially during the time shrouded by the pandemic, these essays, which are the profound thoughts and insights of Xiao Fuxing on life, are like a ray of sunshine in the winter, warm and bright, illuminating the gloom in readers' hearts. He conveys his love and longing for life through words, allowing readers to regain their authenticity and awaken the strength and hope deep within.
Call Number: PL2862.I31394 X53 2022 CN
02 A Healing Journey Through Foreign Lands
Step onto a foreign land to experience the healing power of different cultures and the soul's comfort.
Fly Already
Author: Etgar Keret
Recommendation: As Keret says, "My stories are like explosions." His book Fly Already, a collection of brilliant short stories, is even more so, with each like a brief, bright fireworks display deep in the universe, captivating the eye. In the book, Keret places his characters in strange, passionate, and joyful situations with extraordinary writing techniques. They face entanglements of family and kinship, collisions between war and games, temptations of alcohol and tobacco, and the intertwining of memory and love. These stories often defy convention but always bring readers surprises, laughter, and deep emotion. Reading this book provides enjoyment from the stories and feels warmth and care from a distant galaxy.
Call Number: PJ5054.K375 K47 2020 CN
Elsewhere
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Recommendation: "Everything you lose will return to you in another form." Elsewhere is a romantic and healing fairy tale. It features a fantastic world about death and rebirth—where time flows backward, life regresses, and people gradually revert to innocence, turn into infants, and embrace the world again. This work, which uses death as a backdrop, is as warm and healing as dawn. It tells us that death is not the end of life but the beginning of another form. In the afterlife, people can re-examine their lives, find lost beauty, and even have the opportunity to make amends for past regrets. This optimistic attitude towards life and beautiful longing for the future can motivate readers disappointed with life to move forward again.
Call Number: PJ5054.K375 K47 2020 CN
The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Recommendation: This book is a classic by Australian author Markus Zusak. Set against the backdrop of Germany during World War II, it tells the story of a little girl named Liesel who finds comfort and hope by stealing books during the war. In this book, words become Liesel's strongest support, and she brings warmth and courage to those around her through reading and sharing books. Despite living under the shadow of war, Liesel's story is full of hope and the beauty of humanity. The book demonstrates a truth through its unique narrative style and profound themes—even in the darkest moments, the power of words and love can light the light within.
Call Number: PZ7.Z837 Z87 2016
03 Happy Moments in Daily Trivialities
Let's capture those fleeting but fulfilling moments of happiness in ordinary life.
The Inconvenient Convenience Store
Author: Kim Han-yeom
Recommendation: The Inconvenient Convenience Store is a small shop called "Always," despite always being short-staffed and having incomplete inventory, it warms every heart in its unique way. The homeless man Dugu, the shop owner Ms. Lian, and those seemingly insignificant clerks and customers jointly weave touching stories in this warm little store. With gentle words, Kim Han-yeom depicts the deep warmth and understanding between people. Here, everyone is buffeted by the storms of life but also finds the strength to move forward through mutual support. From initial hesitation and anxiety to gradually learning forgiveness and gratitude, The Inconvenient Convenience Store is like a warm ray of sunshine illuminating a peaceful corner in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Call Number: PL994.415.H634 K56 2023 CN
Shen Congwen: Dao Ri Guang Xia Qu Sheng Huo
Author: Shen Congwen
Recommendation: Stepping into Shen Congwen: Sheng Huo Zai Ri Guang Xia is like embarking on a poetic journey of the soul. This selection of essays by the literary giant is a dazzling crystallization of his wisdom and emotions throughout his life. Five chapters shine like five beams of light, illuminating the footprints of his youthful quest for knowledge, the waves of life's emotions, the dreamlike paradise of Xiangxi, the colorful tapestry of Yunnan customs, and the insights from his writing journey. In Shen Congwen's writing, the ordinary is no longer mundane dust but is gilded by sunshine, with every inch of land in Xiangxi radiating the freshness of a haven beyond the mortal world. The smiles of the villagers are like mountain streams, washing away the dust of the soul. He softly tells us that although life is full of thorns, as long as we have sunshine in our hearts, we can discover extraordinary beauty in the ordinary and comprehend the true meaning of life.
Call Number: PL2801.N18 S54 2021 CN
The Courage to Be Happy
Authors: Kishi Tanichiro / Furukawa Takeshi
Recommendation: On the journey to pursue happiness, The Courage to Be Happy, as the sequel to Japanese philosopher Kishi Tanichiro's "Courage Series," cleverly integrates the century-old wisdom of Adler. It guides readers toward the shore of happiness through profound dialogues between a young person and a philosopher. It is an in-depth exploration of psychology and a practical guide to achieving a happy life. In the book, courage is given unprecedented importance—it is the key to unlocking the door to happiness, inspiring us to face challenges, break free from the shackles of the past, and embrace the splendor of each present moment. This book is a feast for psychology enthusiasts and even more so a soul-nourishing soup for everyone who harbors dreams and longs to embrace happiness. Remember, happiness does not easily descend. It requires courage and perseverance to pursue and create.
Call Number: BF175.5.A33 K57 2017 CN
Tsubaki Stationery Shop
Author: Ogawa Tsumu
Recommendation: Tsubaki Stationery Shop is a heartwarming work by Japanese author Ogawa Tsumu, set against the backdrop of a stationery shop in a Tokyo alley. It tells how the shop owner, Kozue, inherits her grandmother's stationery shop and calligraphy service. Kozue connects people's hearts with her pen and warms every soul with her words, allowing people to feel the neglected beauty in a fast-paced life. Every letter is a touch of the soul, and every pen carries deep emotions. The book depicts a story about stationery and letters and a warm lesson on finding peace and strength in a fast-paced life. Open the pages and let this gentleness heal your soul.
Call Number: PL874.G39 O33 2023 CN
04 The Beam of Hope in Life's Tenacity
Facing life's challenges, unwavering belief becomes the beacon of hope, illuminating the path ahead.
Boy's Life
Author: Robert McCammon
Recommendation: Boy's Life traces the footsteps of growth, intertwined with suspense and fantastical hues, unfolding a warm journey that heals the soul. In that town gently caressed by strange winds, Corey is not just a witness but also a participant. Alongside a talking dog and a mysterious old man, he unravels a series of town mysteries. In the pursuit of truth, Corey learns bravery and love, deeply experiencing the fragility and tenacity of life. This journey is not just about growth but also about how to maintain innocence and courage in a complex world, touching the depths of every reader's heart and finding resonance and healing in the reader.
Call Number: PS3563.C3345 M33 2011 CN
The Road
Author: Cormac McCarthy
Recommendation: "When the end comes, the best way to survive is to take the torch and walk down the dark, long road." On a post-apocalyptic wasteland, "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy sharply depicts a magnificent journey of a father and son navigating despair hand in hand. This is not an ordinary post-apocalyptic novel but a song of hope woven with love and tenacity. The desolate world whispers surrender at every turn, yet the figures of this father and son shine like a beacon in the darkness, illuminating the glory of humanity. They seek tomorrow amidst the ashes, each fall and rise exploring the depths of humanity and celebrating the power of familial bonds.
Call Number: PS3563.C337 M33 2006
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry
Author: Fredrik Backman
Recommendation: Featuring a clever seven-year-old girl named Elsa and her eccentric, wild seventy-seven-year-old grandmother, this book constructs six fantastical kingdoms. The grandmother loves Elsa in her own unique way, even continuing to protect her and guide her growth through apology letters to the neighbors after her passing. With its unique narrative style, relatable plot descriptions, and profound character portrayals, this novel evokes the greatness of familial bonds, making readers laugh and cry while reigniting their love for life. It's not just a book but a spiritual baptism, encouraging readers to relight their passion and longing for life.
Call Number: PT9877.12.A32 B33 2016
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Author: Garth Stein
Recommendation: "Your heart determines what you see. We are the creators of our own destinies." This book vividly portrays the deep bond between a dog named Enzo with a human soul and his racer owner Danny. Through its unique narrative perspective and captivating storyline, readers feel the warmth of family, the power of love, and the value of loyalty. The story of Enzo and Danny, filled with laughter and tears, not only showcases family warmth and the strength of love but also profoundly discusses the true meaning of life. It's a moving tale of loyalty and a journey that inspires an inner longing for warmth and love, comforting readers' souls and firming their beliefs.
Call Number: PS3569.T3655 S74 2019
Flipped
Author: Wendelin Van Draanen
Recommendation: "But every once in a while, you find someone who’s iridescent, and when you do, nothing will ever compare." Flipped cleverly intertwines the inner monologues of its male and female protagonists through a first-person perspective, depicting a chapter of innocent adolescent love. It's not just a novel about first love but also a profound exploration of growth, firm belief, and self-awakening. Readers walk alongside the protagonists, growing within their thought worlds and experiencing those heartwarming moments of dreams, courage, and love. The text is filled with youth's vitality and warm glow, inspiring readers to regain their infinite longing and affection for a beautiful life.
Call Number: PZ7.V2857 V36 2018
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Author: James Herriot
Recommendation: This is a heartwarming and poetic work that captures the daily moments of a country veterinarian, showcasing a beautiful picture of harmonious coexistence between humans, animals, and nature. Each story in the book is like a vivid painting filled with heartwarming and poetic work that captures a country veterinarian's daily moments with heartwarming and poetic work that captures a country veterinarian's daily moments of love and warmth. It's not just a book about animals but also about life, humanity, and beauty. While reading, you'll be moved by the author's reverence and love for life, as if immersed in that peaceful and spiritual countryside, forgetting the hustle and bustle of the world and finding inner tranquility and peace.
Call Number: SF613.H44 H47 2013
The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green / Dutton Juvenile
Recommendation: The protagonists, Hazel and Augustus, in a cancer support group, never abandon their pursuit and longing for a beautiful life despite the brevity and fragility of life. Their love, like the brightest star in the night sky, is short yet dazzling, reminding us that even with limited life, love and hope can stretch infinitely. The book doesn't limit itself to a love story but deeply explores life's meaning, death's value, and attitudes toward adversity through Hazel and Augustus's experiences. It teaches us to cherish those around us and face every challenge in life bravely. Whether experiencing a low point in life or craving a heart-touching story, The Fault in Our Stars is a must-read.
Call Number: PZ7.G8233 G74 2012
All recommended books are available on the third-floor atrium of the SLAC library. Welcome, readers!
This "heartwarming and healing journey" continues! Join in the new interactive activities of "WeChat Comments" and "Postcard Messages" as we embark together on a New Year's reading list adventure!
"WeChat Comments"
You might find familiar classics or books you haven't yet flipped through in our New Year's Book List. After borrowing a book, leave a message to share your reading insights (200 words or more). The eight insightful posters will have a chance to win a "WKU Bear"! (The comment is valid until January 12th, 2024.)
"Postcard Messages"
The Library Service Desk has prepared beautiful postcards for you! Write down your beautiful aspirations for the New Year on it, or recommend a book you love dearly and briefly explain why. After completing it, bring it to the Library Service Desk to participate in a raffle for fabulous prizes!
Content | SHEN Shiyi
Layout | SHEN Shiyi
Review | HU Linxiao & REN Yuanyuanao
