Good book for lower advanced Chinese?

[Liv Boyd]

Hello everyone!

I have to write a book review for my class, and I was wondering if anyone could recommend a Chinese book that would suit my level (lower advanced). I can get through Harry Potter without great difficulty, but the book review for my class should review an academic book or a rather more literary book.

Also I have about a month and a half to read it, so I was looking for something quite short, perhaps under 200 pages.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!

[gato]

What would you enjoy reading? There are so many books. You could always go browse on dangdang.com. If you can read Harry Potter in Chinese, you should be able to read most other books.

[Liv Boyd]

Well I tried to read a book about slums, but I didn't get anywhere - perhaps it was just a boring book?? ;P

Anyway, I'm just interested to see if anyone about my level has read a fairly short book that they liked and would recommend. Just as long as it's on an academic topic or fairly literary. I would do Harry Potter, but I think it might be a bit more low-brow than what my teacher is looking for. I think she would prefer we reviewed a more serious book.

[renzhe]

Like gato said, there is so much out there, but perhaps one of the books and stories of the month would be interesting for you. Most of them are not too difficult in terms of language.

[sukitc]

I would recommend any 武俠 novels by 古龍. The 武俠 genre is no longer considered crass popular entertainment but rather a unique Chinese contributions to world literature, hence, it should suit your teacher's requirement. I pick 古龍 rather than the perhaps more respected 金庸 because his works are definitely easier. Also, I can't think of any work by 金庸 that is only 200 pages long.

[Lu]

I would recommend 活着 (as I have many times before). Not too long, fairly easy, certainly literary.

Also not too long and fairly literary is 熊貓 by Mian Mian. But check with your teacher first, it might not be considered literary enough.

[Liv Boyd]

Ah yes they made a movie of 活着that I liked. I might give that one a try. Will also look into those 武侠novels. Novels with lots of action do tend to be easier to read.

Thanks everyone!!!

[Lu]

The movie is different from the book though, it stops a lot earlier in the story. Make sure you don't watch the movie and tell your teacher you read the book :-)