1 . Not all brilliant reads are behind the paywall, some classics are much more accessible—click and download.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Pride and Prejudice is a really, really good book. A little bit rigid, a little bit repressed, a little bit tender, and painfully class conscious, it’s the full English romance package. Now more than 200 years old, the novel has been retold time and again, finding new audiences each time. Still, there’s no substitute for the original.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

From the Cheshire Cat to Tweedledum and Tweedledee, Alice’s adventures are as strange and wonderful today as they were 150 years ago. Complete with Arthur Rackham’s wonderful illustrations there’s still nothing quite like it. Everyone should go down the rabbit hole at least once.

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Perhaps no book does a better job of condensing Charles Dickens’ brilliance than his 1859 novel A Tale of Two Cities. Taking place in London and Paris against the background of the French Revolution, the story has inspired countless projects since—even Christopher Nolan’s Batman films. And the best thing? If you like it, all Dickens’ other books are ready and waiting to be read too.

Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley

Although Mary Shelley’s central message of people being destroyed by the monsters they create has been largely ignored in the years since publication, the tale itself continues to be very popular indeed, and with good reason. The book’s masterful combination of horror, romanticism, and science fiction makes it as attractive today as it would have been in 1818. Just the thing for nighttime reading.

1. What can you read about in Pride and Prejudice?

A．Cute animals.	B．French Revolution.
C．Scientific discoveries.	D．Class consciousness

2. Which book best suits people who like to read at midnight?

A．Frankenstein.

B．A Tale of Two Cities.

C．Pride and Prejudice.

D．Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

3. What do the four novels have in common?

A．They are romantic novels.

B．They can be read for free.

C．They were created in the early 1900s.

D．They were ignored when first published.

2 . Pick up something you can’t put down

The Unequal Twins

Sylva Kanderal

www.xlibris.com

Hardback I Paperback I E-book

$28.99 I $16.99 II $3.99

What if the twins Ava and Zoe, who could hardly be distinguished from each other visually and who could not have been more different in character, had to go through a hell of envy, jealousy, and malice?

Where does that trail lead to? To a total loss of their connection, or are they finding the lost path to each other again?

Quotes from the Quiver

Dante P. Galiber, MD, FACC

www. authorhouse. com

Hardback I Paperback I E-book

$43.99 I $22.99 I $3.99

Inspired by time, space, and human interaction, this collection offers a series of original and thought-provoking ideas and quotations designed to uplift and enlighten.

Johnny Catching Fire

Aaron Allen

www. xlibris.com

Hardback I Paperback I E-book

$22.99 I $16.99 I $3.99

God gave Johnny the strength of Samson. Now, he must decide whether to use his power for good or to get even with those who bullied him.

Ting Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

Ryan O’connor

www. xlibris. com

Hardback I Paperback I E-book

$22.99 I $16.99 I $3.99

Ting Ting, the Girl Who Saved China provides insight into China’s biggest holiday, gives a sense of its culture, and shows that girls are just as strong and brave as boys are.

How to Help Yourself to Be Who You Want to Be

A Simple Guide for Those Who Are Ready to Take Charge and Redirect Their Lives

Pam Grewall

www. iuniverse. com

Hardback I Paperback I E-book

$23.99 I $13.99 I $3.99

This self-improvement book offers a simple manual to help one recognize their strengths and weaknesses and to understand how to make their own destiny.

1. If you are a fairy tales lover, you would prefer the works of________.

A．Pam Grewall

B．Ryan O’connor

C．Dante P. Galiber, MD, FACC

D．Aaron Allen

2. Which book would you recommend to someone interested in Chinese culture?

A．Johnny Catching Fire

B．How to Help Yourself to Be Who You Want to Be

C．Ting Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

D．The Unequal Twins

3. What can we learn from the information?

A．One can buy 3 books in hardback with $60.

B．The Unequal Twins will impress the readers with the true love between the twins.

C．Quotes from the Quiver is intended to improve readers’ social interaction skills.

D．How to Help Yourself to Be Who You Want to Be will be a good choice for those who are at a loss in their lives.

3 . Gold Fame Citrus

by Claire Vaye Watkins（$ 5.99）

With the flight of its characters through a landscape destroyed by climate crisis, this novel does not indicate much hopefulness for the future. Within it is a series of situations and consequences made more severe in a future California short of water. Across the desert. we follow Watkins' characters through a place so transformed that it needs its own field guide of animals newly adapted for strange survival.

The Ministry for the Future

by Kim Stanley Robinson（$ 18.1）

The Ministry for the Future is a masterpiece of the imagination, using fictional eyewitness accounts to tell the story of how climate will affect us all. Its setting is not a deserted world, but a future that is almost upon us. This extraordinary novel from the visionary science fiction writer will change the way you think about the climate crisis.

Breathing Fire

by Jaim Lowe（$ 27）

The front lines of the fight against climate change are peopled with those society has forgotten. Up to 30 percent of the firefighters battling wildfires in California each year are prisoners performing backbreaking labor while earning a 40th of what a civilian makes. This book follows six female prisoner firefighters and their worried families, looking into the human cost of environmental crisis.

Something Under the Sun

by Alexandra Kleeman（$ 28）

In Alexandra Kleeman's new novel, a novelist new to Los Angeles teams up with a former child actor to investigate a conspiracy（阴谋）. But this is L. A. , where wildfires burn all year long and the rich store water while the poor suffer from the consequence of climate crisis. Human weakness is pushing the city toward a disaster.

1. Which category does Breathing Fire fall into?

A．Science fiction.

B．Play.

C．Non-fiction.

D．Biography.

2. What is Alexandra Kleeman?

A．A novelist.

B．An actor.

C．A firefighter.

D．A minister.

3. What do the listed books have in common?

A．They are on sale.	B．They show concern over climate.
C．They are intended for teenagers.	D．They are set in California.

4 . From civil rights to environmental protection, the following books of fiction and nonfiction cover a wide range of topics. And every young liberal（开明人士）should read them.

An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore

Al Gore caught the attention of the world with his 2006 book An Inconvenient Truth, which was later turned into a movie. Based on his lecture tour on global warming, the work explains climate change in a user-friendly way and opens the public’s eyes to the plight（困境）of our planet.

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

When John Steinbeck won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962, he was praised for his realistic and imaginative writings, including The Grapes of Wrath. This book centers on a family of Oklahoma farmers who are forced off their land during the Great Depression. While it touches on timely issues such as labor unions and agricultural industry changes, it also explores universal themes of power, family, self-interest and dignity.

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

Focusing on the meat-packing industry in Chicago, Upton Sinclair’s 1906 novel The Jungle explores the life of immigrant workers in the early 20th century. The best-selling account actually made President Theodore Roosevelt pass the law about food safety that year.

The Conscience of a Liberal by Paul Krugman

Economist and Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman presents 80 years of US history in The Conscience of a Liberal, which examines the fall and rise of economic and political inequality. Many believe the 2007 book was a clear call for progressives（进步人士）to take control of the country’s economic future.

1. Which book should you read if you want to know something about environmental issues?

A．The Jungle.	B．The Grapes of Wrath.
C．An Inconvenient Truth.	D．The Conscience of a Liberal.

2. What role did The Jungle play in US history?

A．It helped bring a new law into effect.

B．It helped increase the meat sales of Chicago.

C．It helped develop the meat-packing industry.

D．It helped change the life of immigrant workers.

3. What do The Grapes of Wrath and The Conscience of a Liberal have in common?

A．They explore the value of a happy family.

B．They have the same historical background.

C．They are about the economic development.

D．They are written by the Nobel Prize winners.

5 . Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.

Charles Dickens

It has been 150 years since Charles Dickens died, 184 years since his first work was released to the public and 156 years since his last completed book came out. In all of this time, these novels have never been out of print. Dickens may have left us, but his work remains timeless,     1     (fascinate) the majority of those who open their pages.

Most people have read, watched or at least heard of Dickens’ stories, but what makes him and his work so popular? Since he began novel writing in his 20s, Dickens constantly produced quality classics. Year after year his awaiting fans were not left     2     (disappoint) as their minds were fed with complex tales of romance, crime, hope and despair.

In the Victorian era he lived in, much of the work Dickens produced     3     (model) on the literature before him. He was one of the first writers of the time     4     (portray) honest examples of working-class people, giving many something to relate to. He focused on unfolding the good and bad qualities of characters which allowed his readers to follow their journeys and understand     5     they may have acted in the unusual or shocking ways that they did.

Any Dickens fans will know the diverse and outrageous (耸人听闻的) characters coming to life between the pages.     6     was special about this novelist’s ability in imagining these characters’ stories is that it comes from his own life’s path.     7     a young boy left to take care of himself in a workhouse to the wealthy figure he became through his writing successes, he knew what it was like to see in different lights. This deep understanding of his characters gave his fictional stories the strong element of believability     8     is needed in a good novel.

Over a century and a half later, Dickens’ themes can be relevant to today’s world problems. His words and imagery have been transformed further into the media of modern film, television and even musical adaptations.     9     set in a time unfamiliar to readers today, his work still enables everyone to relate to the love, hardship and sense of family that pours from the narratives. It is this aspect     10     has carried Charles Dickens into the 21st century.

6 . The best science fiction books of 2021

We take a look at the most exciting new science-fiction books of 2021. No matter what kind of science fiction fan you are, we're sure you'll find something to add to your reading list.

The Saints of Salvation

By Peter F. Hamilton

The Olyix have laid siege（围攻）to Earth, harvesting people for their god. Cities are ru¬ined by their weapons and millions have either fled to seek refuge in space or are fighting a war that seems unwinnable. As Earth's defeat draws ever closer, a team are sent to enter the Olyix's air-ship secretly. Their plan? This is the final science fiction in Peter F. Hamilton's extremely surprising series The Salvation Sequence.

A Desolation Called Peace

By Arkady Martine

This impressive sequel（续集）to Arkady Martinets Hugo Award-winning science fiction book sees the Teixcalaanli Empire facing an alien threat which could bring about its complete destruction. Fleet captain Nine Hibiscus sends a person to negotiate with the mysterious invaders...

Jack Four

By Neal Asher

Jack Four-one of twenty human clones-has been created to be sold. His purchasers are the aliens and they only want him for their experimentation program. But there is something different about Jack. No clone should possess the knowledge that's been loaded into his mind.

Rabbits

By Terry Miles

Rabbits is a secret, dangerous and sometimes deadly underground game. The rewards for winning are unclear, but there are rumors of money or it might unlock the universe's greatest secrets. Everyone knows that the deeper you get, the more deadly the game becomes-and the body count is rising. Since the game first started, ten rounds have taken place. The eleventh round is about to begin, and what happens in the game, stays in the game...

1. What can we know aboutThe Saints of Salvation?

A．It's about the war among people on earth.

B．The Olyix are defeated in the end.

C．It belongs toThe Salvation Sequence.

D．It's the last novel of Peter F. Hamilton.

2. What does Nine Hibiscus do to save Teixcalaanli Empire?

A．He gives the alien a complete destruction.

B．He lets someone negotiate with the alien.

C．He fights against the alien bravely.

D．He makes the alien face a threat.

3. Where can the text be found?

A．In a book recommendation.	B．In an art magazine.
C．In a biography.	D．In a novel

7 . Are you a book lover? Here are some of the hottest books of the season.

The One Thing You’d Save

The One Thing You’d Save is about a homework assignment. Ms. Chang has students choose what they’d save if their home was on fire. Some choose baseball cards or animal toys. One picks a sweater that was passed down for generations. Another chooses a box of memories about a sister who died. This book helps readers learn to figure out what matters most in life.

War and Millie McGonigle

It’s 1941. Millie McGonigle, a 12-year-old girl, was supposed to be living a carefree life. However, she lives in the shadow of World War Ⅱ. War and Millie McGonigle is an inspiring story that tackles the topic of life and death. The story line is driven by vivid characters and their relationships. The interaction between Millie and her little sister, Lily, mirrors the real-life sibling (兄妹) relationships in many families.

Simon B. Rhymin’

Simon is starting fifth grade and hopes to become a famous singer. But he’s shy about using his voice to express his ideas and thoughts. When a teacher asks the class to give an oral presentation, Simon must find the strength to change and overcome his fears. Simon B. Rhymin’ is a book that gives confidence to readers who are going through similar struggles.

Rez Dogs

Rez Dog is a book about an eighth grader named Malian. She’s visiting her grandparents on a Wabanaki reservation when COVID-19 hits. To stay safe, Malian has to stay away from school” and her friends. Many kids will understand this tough situation. During the lockdown, Malian learns to think about what other people have gone through and how they are feeling during the pandemic (疫情).

1. How can The One Thing You’d Save influence us?

A．It gets us to preserve sweet family memories.

B．We may find it essential to ensure home safety.

C．We will try our best to improve our academic performance.

D．It reminds us to discover what we should treasure most in life.

2. What do War and Millie McGonigle and Simon . R.hymin’ have in common?

A．They are both inspirational stories.

B．They are both set in cruel war times.

C．They both reflect character weaknesses.

D．They both involve principles of survival.

3. Which book helps us learn to relate to others?

A．The One Thing You’d Save.	B．War and Millie McGonigle.
C．Simon B. Rhymin’.	D．Rez Dogs.

8 . From the ancient Chinese stories, to the stories in the medieval cathedrals（中世纪的教堂）in the west, it is perfectly clear that there is strong pleasure and meaning to gain from stories told through images or pictures. People are lucky enough to have had books with both pictures and words when they were children.    1    .

After the world wars, the cheap books without pictures were everywhere and it made reading books illustrated with pictures for adults a very luxurious thing. Somehow, pictures had also come to seem childish or strange.    2    Just as the ever-increasing popularity of the graphic novel（连环画小说）suggests, works both words and pictures are regarded as classics.

    3    In fact the former develops from the latter. Early writing systems such as those in Egypt and China: things in the world were expressed in written form by drawing special pictures.       4    In some languages, the sound associated with an image are separated from its original meaning.

What is the use of a book without pictures? Very little, it turns out, particularly if we consider that pictures are buried within the very symbols used to write words. As for a picture book for adults, author Tokarczuk sweeps away all doubts. She adores the picture book.    5    This kind of story is able to get through to anyone – regardless of age, cultural differences or level of education. It’s hard to disagree.

A．Because it is hard to read books with pictures.

B．And yet readers love stories told through pictures.

C．However, words and pictures are not always connected.

D．Text and picture, after all, are not so far apart.

E．For her it is a powerful, old way of telling a story.

F．Adults are thought foolish to read such books.

G．They often remember the pictures as clearly as the words.

9 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

While English speakers look back to the time of Shakespeare and Milton 400 years ago as a Golden age, Chinese look back far     1     (far), to the Tang dynasty 1, 200 years ago as their Golden age of literature.

A key feature of Chinese poetry is     2     it is concise (简洁的). Each character places a thought, an impression, an image. Emphasis is put on use of rhythm and sometimes in a     3     (balance) look of the characters so that it is     4     (visual) pleasing on paper.

Amazing 48, 000 poems have survived from the many Tang dynasty poets. After the Tang, poets struggled     5     (establish) a modern style that was not rooted in the glories of the past. Later the style of the Song dynasty did become a popular form. So many people enjoy such     6     (popular) because it was more fluent and less rigid than that of the Tang.

Many poems contain specific events from Chinese history, and that makes understanding these poems     7     challenge to non-Chinese. Translating Chinese poems into English     8     (cause) all sorts of problems. For many years, writers have tried to convey the spirit of poems     9     different ways. Although much is lost in translation, the core (核心) meaning can     10     (catch) and appreciated.

10 . When my mother told me stories about Emily, her grandmother, who she admired, I was all ears. My mother drew a _______ between Emily and Jacqueline Kennedy, former US president’s wife. Mom described her _______ features: a long graceful neck and a tiny waist. “Emily was just like Jacqueline,” Mom said. “But their origins wouldn’t _______: Emily was graceful, soft-spoken, but possibly born a slave.”

Emily attracted me. Not until 2005 did my research on ancestry really start to _______ , for the reason that I was no longer _______. “When does your new job start?” asked my mother. “I refuse to take a job for at least a year,” I replied. My mother had no _______ with such words. “Anyway, you should have a job.” I remained _______ and didn’t explain it. But I felt I must _______ my job to collect more stories about my _______.

I ________ my mother’s line to a place called Cane River. I found the bill of shameful slave sale for my great-great-great grandmother, who was ________ in 1850 for $ 800. I had to write the stories. This time the novel Cane River was sold in a（n） ________ way.

One day, the phone rang, “Hello, this is Oprah Winfrey, the talk show hostess.” I couldn’t believe my ears. I responded in ________, “Hello, Ms Winfrey. What can I do for you today?” She told me she selected my novel for her book club, which ________ led to Cane River on The New York Times bestseller list and a ________ readership than I expected.

1.

A．parallel

B．diagram

C．picture

D．symbol

2.

A．moral

B．physical

C．mental

D．psychological

3.

A．change

B．repeat

C．fit

D．work

4.

A．fall through

B．heat up

C．get across

D．fade away

5.

A．supported

B．believed

C．employed

D．limited

6.

A．luck

B．problem

C．alternative

D．patience

7.

A．angry

B．sad

C．silent

D．active

8.

A．leave

B．accept

C．choose

D．introduce

9.

A．colleagues

B．ancestors

C．partners

D．kids

10.

A．followed

B．imagined

C．recited

D．directed

11.

A．hired

B．fined

C．profited

D．sold

12.

A．embarrassing

B．glorious

C．improper

D．identical

13.

A．horror

B．difficulty

C．advance

D．surprise

14.

A．finally

B．approximately

C．rarely

D．potentially

15.

A．smaller

B．stricter

C．broader

D．worse