The book captures the anticipation and wonder of Christmas Eve in a single magical night. The narrative follows a family sleeping peacefully as mysterThe book captures the anticipation and wonder of Christmas Eve in a single magical night. The narrative follows a family sleeping peacefully as mysterious sounds draw the narrator to the window, where a miraculous scene unfolds with Saint Nicholas arriving in a sleigh. Each stanza of the poem paints a vivid picture of the Christmas spirit, transforming an ordinary home into a scene of unexpected joy and surprise. It has become a yearly tradition to read this book. I've already read the book once this year and will likely read it again as I get closer to Christmas. ...more
Chris Van Allsburg's Polar Express is a wonderful Christmas story to get you in the mood for the holidays. A boy boards a mysterious midnight train onChris Van Allsburg's Polar Express is a wonderful Christmas story to get you in the mood for the holidays. A boy boards a mysterious midnight train on Christmas Eve, traveling toward belief and wonder. At the journey's end, the protagonist receives the first gift of Christmas: a silver bell audible only to those who truly believe. Van Allsburg's illustrations capture the story's quiet power with simple illustrations that shimmer with possibility. The book celebrates belief as a choice that brings joy and mystery to human experience. Not only is it a great book to get you in the holiday spirit, but it is also a wonderful book to read in the classroom. ...more
Midway upon the journey, I found myself within a tome, so dark and weary, yet alight That even scholars oft were left receding as in the pale of midnightMidway upon the journey, I found myself within a tome, so dark and weary, yet alight That even scholars oft were left receding as in the pale of midnight.
Oh, how hard a thing it is to measure The nature of this work, Which leaves the mind a tempest of awe and sorrow.
So sweet was it, prose upon prose; But to sing of the good which there I found, I cannot well recount how I came To enter on this high and winding text, Where, like an ocean, literary yachts do make long journeys.
But after I had reached a perfect page, There to my eyes a summit was affixed, Which Dante's genius did sweetly touch with gilded prose, and promises of the divine.
Upon this peak, three realms did I survey: The depths of Hell, where sinners rage, Then Purgatory's slopes in ashen tones, And last, the heights of Paradise so bright, Where blessed souls in endless glory stay.
Here ends my canto of this book sublime, Whose fame through centuries has ever thrilled, And shall endure beyond the bounds of time....more
"JLPT Nihongo Nōryoku Shiken Best Moshi N1" is an extremely useful resource for those aiming to pass the N1 level. The practice tests closely resemble the actual exam, making it ideal for familiarizing oneself with the format and difficulty. Additionally, the detailed explanations help deepen understanding of any mistakes. With this book, you can prepare efficiently and approach the exam with confidence....more
"テーマ別 中級から学ぶ日本語 is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to take their Japanese language skills to the next level. The thematic approach makes learn"テーマ別 中級から学ぶ日本語 is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to take their Japanese language skills to the next level. The thematic approach makes learning engaging and practical, and the exercises are well-structured. I particularly appreciate the cultural insights included in each unit. Highly recommended!"
"Nihongo Soumatome N1 Dokkai" is an essential book for Japanese language learners. It is packed with practical exercises and explanations that effectively enhance the skills needed for the N1 exam's reading comprehension section. The practice tests, especially those in the mock exam format, are incredibly useful for exam preparation and will boost your confidence for the actual test. Additionally, the clear explanations and example problems make understanding difficult texts much smoother. This book is a valuable support tool for anyone aiming for the N1 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test....more
"A Promised Land" offers an intimate look into Barack Obama's journey to the presidency and his first term in office. As usual, Obama's prose is eloqu"A Promised Land" offers an intimate look into Barack Obama's journey to the presidency and his first term in office. As usual, Obama's prose is eloquent. However, although his reflections on policy decisions, personal struggles, and the weight of leadership are both insightful and deeply human, I would also describe them as guarded and defensive. Probably for reasons of ego and politics, the former president has to be restrained in his usual humanistic reflectiveness. A warning: the book gets heavily into the details and nitty-gritty of politics. For those interested in a political career, the detailed look at day-to-day politics is sure to be useful. For those suffering from political seasickness at the moment, this book might be a more difficult slog. At least for the time being, I am in the second camp. Which might explain why it took me several months to finish the book. Obama's humor and self-awareness add levity to weighty topics, making the memoir both enlightening and entertaining. "A Promised Land" serves as a valuable historical document for future generations....more
"REMEMBER TAKASHIMA: 炭鉱遺産・高島閉山の記録" is a moving tribute to the rich history and cultural legacy of Takashima’s coal mining heritage. The author beautif"REMEMBER TAKASHIMA: 炭鉱遺産・高島閉山の記録" is a moving tribute to the rich history and cultural legacy of Takashima’s coal mining heritage. The author beautifully captures the essence of a bygone era, weaving together personal stories, historical context, and evocative imagery. It not only chronicles the closure of the Takashima mines but also celebrates the resilience and spirit of the community that thrived there. The narrative is infused with a deep sense of nostalgia and reverence for the past, bringing to life the everyday experiences of the miners and their families. The author's empathetic portrayal of their struggles and triumphs allows readers to connect with the people of Takashima on a profoundly human level. Visually, the book is a masterpiece, featuring stunning photographs that complement the written word. The images capture the stark beauty of the industrial landscape and the enduring legacy of the coal mines....more
This books should be at most a 20-page essay. Perhaps the entire book can be broken down into a few key points. 1. Keep all your materials organized. This books should be at most a 20-page essay. Perhaps the entire book can be broken down into a few key points. 1. Keep all your materials organized. 2. Work on things that are actionable. 3. Thing that are non-actionable need to be converted into projects or reference materials. 4. Regularly update your organization and system. 5. The more trust you have in your system, the more you can reduce stress and focus on the most productive immediate actions. Beyond these key points, there are lots of little tricks. The diagram from the book is also very helpful. However, if you are busy, you might want to just read a very condensed version of this book. ...more
Imagine a world where people live forever and the population has exploded like an overinflated balloon at a kid's birthday party. The Schwartz family,Imagine a world where people live forever and the population has exploded like an overinflated balloon at a kid's birthday party. The Schwartz family, crammed into their tiny apartment, squabbles over space and inheritance while Grandpa Schwartz hogs the only comfortable spot—because, well, he’s been around the longest. Vonnegut’s sharp wit slices through the absurdity of eternal life like a hot knife through a stick of dystopian butter. If you ever wondered what it would be like to live forever, "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" makes it clear: it's less about eternal wisdom and more about eternal arguments over who gets the last piece of synthetic cake....more
The story is about the relationship between a town (Jefferson) and one of its residents, Ms. Emily. Ms. Emily is a relic "passed from generation to geThe story is about the relationship between a town (Jefferson) and one of its residents, Ms. Emily. Ms. Emily is a relic "passed from generation to generation—dear, inescapable, impervious, tranquil, and perverse." The story takes the reader through the various twists and turns of her relationship with the town: her refusal to pay taxes, the mystery of her marriage, the strange odor that causes the residents to complain about the house, and the mystery of her shut-in existence.
As a writer, there is much to learn from this story: the use of bread crumbs to tease a mystery, the nonlinear design and literary use of time, and the excellent pacing and structure. However, perhaps the most important lesson someone could learn from this story is how to represent place as character. The town is not just a setting, but a living organism that serves as the leading protagonist.
In short, this is an excellent story for anyone seeking to master the art of short story writing. ...more
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