Editor's Note:

"Read ten thousand books, and your pen will be guided as if by the gods" is an ancient Chinese idiom that can be seen in students' textbooks. China's Ministry of Education has published an action plan to further promote reading among students across the nation. With new and diverse book recommendations, the reading scene is expected to be revived not only at schools, but also across society. To contribute to this endeavor, the Global Times launched "My Reading Life" essay contest for middle school students.

Please pick up a pen and share your stories with us at reading@globaltimes.com.cn

Participants will be rewarded once the article has been selected.

Photo: VCG

Resilient power

The story is set in China during the 1970s and 1980s, a time with great social and economic change. It follows the lives of ordinary people, especially Sun Shaoping, the protagonist, who faces numerous hardships and struggles to improve his life. The novel's portrayal of rural life and the pursuit of dreams has deeply resonated with me.

One aspect of the novel that struck me was its realistic depiction of characters. Unlike many stories with idealized heroes, Ordinary World presents flawed, relatable individuals. Sun's perseverance and dedication to self-improvement, despite his many challenges, reminded me that resilience and hard work are key to overcoming obstacles. His journey made me reflect on my own challenges and realize that I could face them with the same determination.

The theme of education as a means of empowerment is central to the novel. Sun's relentless pursuit of knowledge, despite the odds, highlights the transformative power of education. As a student, I resonated strongly with this theme. It reinforced my belief in the value of education and motivated me to persist in my studies, no matter how difficult they seemed. I found myself becoming more dedicated to my coursework, viewing it as a stepping stone toward a better future.

Additionally, the novel depicts Sun's struggles with his relationships, highlighting the emotional depth and complexity of his character. For instance, his unrequited love for Tian Xiaoxia and the tragic end of their relationship add an emotional layer to his journey, making his story even more compelling. Another significant theme in Ordinary World is the importance of relationships and community. 

Deeper bonds 

The bonds between family, friends, and neighbors provide the characters with strength and support. This portrayal of close-knit relationships made me appreciate the connections in my own life and the importance of nurturing them. I started to value my interactions with friends and family more, recognizing the role they play in my personal growth and well-being. 

The novel delves into specific instances that illustrate Sun's resilience and the challenges he faced. For example, during a severe drought that threatened his family's livelihood, he worked tirelessly to find water and save their crops. This episode made me realize the importance of persistence and ingenuity in the face of adversity. 

Another poignant moment was when he, despite his financial struggles, managed to continue his education. His dedication to self-improvement in such challenging circumstances was incredibly inspiring. It taught me that no matter how insurmountable a problem may seem, there is always a way forward if we are willing to think creatively and work hard. 

As I read the book, I often reflected on my own life. Sun's story taught me that setbacks are a natural part of any journey. His unwavering resolve to keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity, inspired me to adopt a similar mindset. I learned that true strength lies in the ability to persevere and maintain hope, even when the path is difficult. This realization helped me tackle my own challenges with a renewed sense of optimism and determination.

The novel also delves into the emotional and psychological struggles of the characters, which added another layer of depth to the story. Sun's internal battles, his moments of doubt and despair, and his ultimate resolve to push forward resonated with my own experiences. It was comforting to see that even the most resilient characters have their moments of weakness, and it's their ability to rise from those moments that defines their true strength.

Reading Ordinary World also made me reflect on the broader changes in China since the time the novel was set. As a modern Chinese citizen, I feel a sense of pride in my country's progress and strength. The novel's depiction of a time when life was much harder for ordinary people makes me appreciate the opportunities and advancements we have today. It also instilled a sense of responsibility to contribute to my country's ongoing development and ensure that future generations have even better prospects.

In conclusion, reading Ordinary World was a profound and enriching experience. The novel's themes of perseverance, education, and the importance of relationships provided me with valuable insights. Ordinary World is a powerful reminder that even in the most ordinary circumstances, there is potential for extraordinary growth. The lessons from this book serve as a source of inspiration and strength, encouraging me to face challenges with resilience and hope. The impact of this novel on my life has been immeasurable, and it continues to inspire me to strive for a better future. 

The resilience and determination of Sun are qualities I aspire to embody in my own life. 

His story has shown me that no matter where we start, we have the power to shape our destinies through hard work and perseverance.

The author is a student at Zhengzhou No.47 Middle School