A special reading list for these ‘special times’

Dr Lijuan Du

Senior Director of Academics, 

The Bridge | China

Life Code 1 & 2

Author: Yin Ye

In this book, author Ye Yin guides on how to think about evolution from a biological perspective and to experience the beauty of scientific interpretation. It explores the consequences of genetics and the implications technology may have on our future as a species. These are science books, but they are accessibly written, deeply interesting, highly informative and quite useful. They will help you confront your fears of the unknown and enable you to walk into the future with greater confidence.

Close to The Buddha

Author: Xi A Rong Bo Kan Bu

Life is impermanent and full of troubles. If we take troubles as an opportunity to investigate the nature of all things in the world and start from them to achieve the ultimate goal of stopping them, we can achieve peace of mind. This book reveals the Tibetan secret to keeping the spirit happy. The author's language is simple and plain, and his heart is transparent and open. Reading this book under the challenge of the epidemic of reality will help us grow spiritually.

Kirsty Anderson

Director of Academics

(Primary English and Training), 

The Bridge | China

The Thursday Murder Club

Author: Richard Osman

A book about murder might not seem like an obvious choice when we think about wellbeing, but the reason I recommend this is because often murder mystery stories have familiar patterns, and it is this familiarity which is very comforting! This book follows the more gentle tradition of murder mystery stories as seen in Agatha Christie’s work, so even when there are puzzles and crimes the reader knows the mystery will be solved. This book is entertaining, with pleasing characters who remind us of people we know. It is quite an easy read, but I recommend easier reads with happy endings during lockdown!

Toby Roundell

Pastoral and Safeguarding Lead,

Wellington College Tianjin

Aristotle’s Way - Ten Ways Ancient Wisdom Can Change Your Life

Author: Edith Hall

I bought Aristotle’s Way as an Audiobook, so I haven’t read it per se, but I have listened to it. I found it a contemporary, user-friendly introduction to Aristotle’s thinking. It underlines that in the ‘old days’ Philosophy was about exploring how to live and create a meaningful, happy life. The book was enjoyable to listen to and has much content that can be applied today.

Brendon Fulton

Master, 

Wellington College Shanghai

Start with Why

Author: Simon Sinek

Ostensibly, this book was written to help leaders find inspiration in the work they do and explains how good communication can inspire others to do the same. However, this book actually encourages the reader to explore the higher moral purpose in all the things that we do.

Robbie Davies

Head of Safeguarding and Mental Health,

Wellington College Shanghai

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? 

Author: Dr Julie Smith

This is a remarkable book that condenses years of research in various fields of psychology, into digestible chapters with a focus on practical implementation. Dr Smith is a practising clinical psychologist, and it shows here. Rather than focusing on theory, she shares how lessons from how our minds work can positively impact us daily. The chapters on managing anxiety, low mood and stress feel particularly timely. 

Ying He

Secondary Library Teacher, 

Hiba Academy Shanghai

The Taste of Luxury

Author: Yoko Hiramatsu

How did we ever think that a fresh apple or a bowl of green vegetables would become a luxury? In this book, the real luxury exists in every little ordinary moment of life. Why do we not cherish the luxurious taste and small joys brought to us by a bottle of Coke or a piece of chocolate enjoyed in the moment?

Katherine Brewer

Primary Library Teacher, 

Hiba Academy Shanghai

Where the Crawdads Sing

Author: Delia Owens

This best-selling novel tells the story of Kya, who was abandoned as a young girl to live in the swamps of rural North Carolina, USA. She is largely forgotten by the community until a handsome, successful young man turns up dead.  Could it be that the long lost Marsh Girl, as she is known in the community, murdered him?  When Kya is reintroduced to the community, she is found to be a kind-hearted and thoughtful young woman. How did all those years of isolation affect Kya? Can Kya learn to trust this community that turned its back on her as a young girl?

Ivey Wang

Principal, 

Hiba Academy Hangzhou

Home Letters by Fu Lei

Author: Fu Lei

Compiled from letters written by the famous Chinese translator Fu Lei to his son, Fu Cong, between 1954 and 1966, The Letters of Fu Lei is an excellent book for the cultivation of young minds. However, parents can also read it to help promote a harmonious relationship with their children. Fu Lei communicated with his son, who was studying overseas, through letters, both nagging him about the minutiae of life and discussing culture and art, as well as encouraging him to think independently and to feel for his country. He encouraged his son to become an artist of "virtue and talent, with an outstanding personality”. The topics discussed in his letters are profound and relevant to daily life today. The love between father and son is sincere and touching.

Suisui Yu

Principal, 

Hiba Academy Nantong

Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World and Why Things Are Better Than You Think

Author: Hans Rosling/Ola Rosling/Anna Rosling Rönnlund

The reason I choose to read this book is that with the rapid development of the world, many things have changed far beyond our original perceptions. We can no longer simply categorise them in binary terms — good or bad, black or white. It is particularly important to look at today’s social issues scientifically and rationally. This is exactly what this book is about. Also, it gets glowing endorsement from Bill Gates.