1. Explanatory Essay About the Book 'How to Win Friends and Influence People'
Books play a crucial role in life. One of the most renowned books is 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie.
Books are considered the intellectual assets of humans, which is why authors carefully select the most important and meaningful lessons they have learned to write books that leave a lasting legacy. As society advances, the demand for reading continues to decline, and books are gradually losing their value. With the increasing reliance on modern technology, many of life's valuable things are forgotten, and we seem to overlook the importance of preserving them. We must live purposefully, so that when we look back, we won't regret the things we've overlooked.
'How to Win Friends and Influence People' is an incredibly helpful book. It teaches people the art of persuasion, how to live a more fulfilling life, and provides vast knowledge. The author, a highly knowledgeable individual, writes with deep symbolic meaning, and we should learn to appreciate and preserve these invaluable teachings. This is a treasure that we should cherish, learn from, and pass on to others.
This book helps individuals enhance many skills and improve their thinking. A correct way of thinking can guide individuals in many aspects of life.
Passions and dreams will always accompany us, driving our willpower and strength every day. Therefore, continuous learning and self-improvement are essential. Only through learning, reading, and thinking can we understand many things about life, and we must recognize our personal responsibility and value to contribute meaningfully to the world.
Each day, we live, train, and strive to improve ourselves, and this effort greatly benefits us. A good book can teach us so much. It teaches us how to behave, grow in a society full of challenges, and face life's difficulties. By constantly working on self-improvement, we can better understand life's valuable lessons. By learning and developing our skills, we can become productive members of society and continue to enhance our personal skills and knowledge.
In conclusion, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' is truly a valuable book. It imparts many profound life lessons.


2. Explanatory Essay About the Book 'The Vietnamese Poets'
Poetry—its rhythm and rhyme, simple yet profound. I have always been fond of poetry, as it transports me into a space shared with the poet, where I can feel their joy, sorrow, and even their regrets. A poem, whether short or long, contains a great deal of thought that encapsulates an entire era. It was during my frequent visits to the school library that I came across the book 'The Vietnamese Poets' by Hoai Thanh and Hoai Chan, featuring works by authors I admired. Naturally, I borrowed it to satisfy my curiosity.
The book begins with a critique of 'An Era in Poetry.' I was initially stunned by the things I had never encountered before, and almost decided to put it back. But Sapphire wrote, 'The author sends messages, and it is the reader's task to decode them as thoroughly as possible.' With renewed determination, I continued to explore the book, uncovering so much more than I had anticipated.
'The Vietnamese Poets' is a critical study of the New Poetry movement in Vietnam, compiled by the writers Hoai Thanh and Hoai Chan. It is the first anthology of poetry from the New Poetry era—romantic poems influenced by Western culture, capturing the names and works of poets from 1932–1941. The book critiques this movement subjectively, and is highly regarded by many writers for its insightful commentary and deep appreciation of the poets. It compiles works from 44 poets I admire, as well as the transitional poet Tản Đà, bridging the old and new eras.
The authors have written 'The Vietnamese Poets' meticulously and sincerely, offering valuable insights into the development of literary theory. For instance, they argue that the length of a poem should not be used to judge its worth and emphasize that New Poetry should be measured by the quality of the work, not by trends. They also reflect on the two eras—the collective 'we' and the individual 'I'—highlighting the tragic condition of the New Poets and offering a path for them through their love for the Vietnamese language.
A particularly famous quote from the book, often cited in various sources, states: 'We lost breadth in our search for depth, but the deeper we went, the colder it became. We ascended with Thế Lữ, wandered in the world of love with Lưu Trọng Lư, went mad with Hàn Mạc Tử and Chế Lan Viên, and were enchanted by Xuân Diệu. Yet, the fairyland closed, love faded, madness gave way to clarity, and passion left us adrift. In the end, we returned to our true selves with Huy Cận.' This profound line encapsulates the vibrant yet sorrowful period of Vietnamese poetry, and it remains etched in the hearts of many generations. Hoai Thanh and Hoai Chan's work has deeply resonated with those who came after them.
'The Vietnamese Poets' has also undergone its share of ups and downs. When it was first published, it was criticized for praising 'sad poetry.' Surprisingly, even Hoai Thanh himself distanced himself from the book at times, possibly due to its misalignment with the era. A book summarizing a pivotal period in poetry, initially dismissed by the public, eventually gained recognition over time. As we revisit these works, we understand the value of the critique and the renewal they represented. Unfortunately, Hoai Thanh passed away, taking with him a lingering sense of regret.
'The Vietnamese Poets' is a truly exceptional book. It is perfect for those who love poetry and anyone looking for a comprehensive resource to deepen their literary theory skills. This book is not one you can finish quickly; each word requires reflection to fully grasp its meaning. Trust me, your time will not be wasted in reading and contemplating this masterpiece. After reading it, I realized that Hoai Thanh is indeed the finest literary critic in modern Vietnamese literature. 'The Vietnamese Poets' stands as the most significant work on New Poetry, and one of the greatest books in Vietnamese literary criticism.


3. Explanatory Essay About the Book 'I Am Smart, So Are You'
Books are a product of a civilized and modern society. Each book contains a vast treasure of knowledge and an array of diverse contents. It offers us a fresh perspective in exploring the world and presents numerous fascinating aspects of life.
However, what matters most is finding the right book that is useful and necessary for your needs. One such book I would like to introduce is 'I Am Smart, So Are You' by Adam Khoo, a successful entrepreneur from Singapore, translated into Vietnamese by Trần Đăng Khoa and Uông Xuân Vy. This book is a result of Adam Khoo's years of experience, and it shares the methods and skills he applied since he was 13 years old in his journey towards academic and professional success. From being labeled 'useless,' 'untalented,' and 'poor in academics,' Adam rose to become one of the wealthiest young millionaires in Singapore. True to the title, the book is a roadmap for success, where Adam reveals the key strategies in every chapter and section. He begins by discussing his early struggles, which could be summed up in terms like 'ignorance' and 'dullness' (Chapter 1). But as you read further, you will be amazed at how Adam created a pivotal turning point in his life, gradually transforming his destiny. Through basic steps, from simple to complex, Adam took action with a clear goal in mind. As I read through the book, I became more and more intrigued, eager to uncover the secrets he shared. The curiosity and excitement drove me to turn the pages quickly, seeking the knowledge that Adam had acquired. Adam truly knows how to captivate the reader not just through form but also through content. Turning the next page, I found joy in absorbing Adam’s experiences as something valuable, preparing myself for future challenges.
Here are some widely applicable methods from the book:
- The method for grasping information (Chapter 5).
- Mind mapping, the optimal memorization tool (Chapter 7).
- Superhuman memory for words and numbers (Chapters 8, 9).
These techniques can help improve difficulties in studying and work. For instance, the mind map method has been successfully applied in schools and other fields, achieving great success. It’s clear that methods alone are not enough—motivation is key. This is one of the most important parts of the book, covered in Part III, 'Your Personal Motivation.' From Chapters 12 to 16, Adam shares techniques to overcome laziness, focus on personal growth, and build strong determination, which is crucial for anyone. In the final part, the book reveals the best methods for exams through Chapter 17, 'Accelerating to the Finish Line,' and Chapter 18, 'Victory and Glory.' In my opinion, if you make it to the end, you’ve already completed your first step towards success. It is difficult for those without perseverance to finish a book like this, which may appear dry and emotionless.
Having finished reading, I now have my own set of insights. I invite you to explore these secrets with me!
To change your life, you must change yourself. You are the master of your life. You must transform the negativity of your reality into success, not focus on the shadows of failure.
There is no failure, only experience. If you haven't succeeded yet, that's fine—you're gaining the experience that will be the raw material for your success.
If others can do it, so can I. They are just like you—human beings with one brain and one body. If they can do it, why can't you?
From what I’ve shared, I can confidently say that no matter who you are, where you study, or what goals you're pursuing in life, I guarantee you will find answers in 'I Am Smart, So Are You.' This book contains the secrets Adam Khoo used to achieve his remarkable success.


4. Explanatory Essay About the Book 'Grade 8 Literature Textbook'
Books are an essential part of our lives. They provide us with endless knowledge, exciting new discoveries, and even moments of laughter. For students, textbooks become familiar and indispensable companions, and one such book is the Grade 8 Literature Textbook (Volume 1), which offers a wealth of knowledge about literature.
The book is rectangular in shape and relatively thick, with dimensions of 17 x 24 cm, making it comfortable to hold. The cover is made of sturdy, glossy paper, with the title 'Grade 8 Literature Textbook (Volume 1)' clearly printed in large letters. In the top-left corner, there’s an image of a blooming narcissus flower, and at the bottom, the logo of the Vietnam Education Publishing House. The cover of all four volumes of the literature textbook includes a list of textbooks for other subjects. The book spans nearly two hundred pages and is printed on quality paper with a slight dark tint to prevent strain on the eyes. The text is clear, and the design is visually appealing. The first page credits the individuals who contributed to the textbook’s compilation, while the third page presents the 'Preface,' offering an overview of the content and the book’s purpose to help students understand and learn better. The last page features a table of contents, listing the lessons for easy reference.
The book includes seventeen lessons, each divided into three parts: literature, Vietnamese language, and composition. Each lesson begins with a 'Knowledge to Grasp' section. The literature section consists of two main categories: Vietnamese literature and foreign literature. Vietnamese literature includes works from 1930 to 1945, such as 'Lao Hac' by Nam Cao, 'Vỡ Nước' from the novel 'Tắt Đèn' by Ngô Tất Tố, and 'Trong Lòng Đất' by Ngô Tất Tố, reflecting the struggles of peasants before the August Revolution, victims of impoverishment due to colonial feudal society. The foreign literature section introduces notable authors like O. Henry (The Last Leaf), Hans Christian Andersen (The Little Match Girl), and Aimatov (The First Teacher), providing insight into the hardships, poverty, and emotional resilience of impoverished children in the West and the struggles of impoverished American artists during the 20th century.
The Vietnamese language section introduces some new concepts, such as lexical fields, litotes, and hyperbole, along with new punctuation marks like quotation marks, colons, and quotation marks. These elements are crucial for completing Vietnamese composition tasks. Combining narrative, descriptive, and expressive methods in narrative writing is a key topic in the composition section. A significant part of the composition section involves learning how to write an explanatory essay, a skill emphasized in Grade 8 and beyond. Each lesson includes illustrations to make the learning process more engaging.
The Grade 8 Literature Textbook (Volume 1) is truly valuable, offering knowledge that is both beneficial and enjoyable. Therefore, it is important to take good care of this book. We should cover it, label it carefully, and ensure it stays clean and undamaged.
Textbooks are indeed our closest companions as students. Let’s preserve them because they are not only helpful in Grade 8 but also in higher grades. Use the book wisely to achieve excellent academic results!


5. Explanatory Essay About the Book 'One Liter of Tears'
How long will our lives last? None of us can know. We can't predict what will happen when we wake up tomorrow. Yet, I often wonder, have we truly lived to the fullest, or are we simply going through the motions of life, unaware of the joy in waking up healthy each day? I once lived like this, spending my youth in monotony and emptiness, until I encountered the story of Saitou Aya in her diary – 'One Liter of Tears.' This diary brought tears to my eyes and made me realize just how detached I had been from my own life!
Perhaps many young people today aren’t interested in books. They prefer to spend their time on gadgets like smartphones, iPads, and more. According to global statistics, Vietnam is one of the countries with the lowest book reading rates, with only about 0.7 books per person per year, compared to Japan’s 55 and Israel’s 88. Maybe books don’t appeal to you as much as computers, smartphones, or TVs, but the value they offer is immense. They provide boundless knowledge, emotional depth, and a powerful mindset. The reason books may not have drawn you in yet is that you haven’t found the right one. For me, the book that changed my perception of life, gave me knowledge, faith, and transformed my existence is 'One Liter of Tears.'
'One Liter of Tears' is the diary of a seventeen-year-old girl from Japan, Kitou Aya. Her life was ordinary, flowing peacefully, until one day she collapsed while walking home from school, prompting her parents to take her to the hospital. The doctors diagnosed her with a terminal illness: 'cerebellar ataxia,' a condition that slowly paralyzes the body, preventing normal activities. Aya became trapped in her own body, her strength fading daily. Once an active student, Aya now found it difficult to do basic tasks like climbing stairs or participating in her favorite sports. However, despite this, Aya fought every day. She tried to study, interact with others, and encourage those around her. Aya always wanted to be helpful, never a burden, even in the face of a severe illness. She insisted on doing everything herself, from climbing stairs to using the bathroom, feeling guilty whenever someone had to assist her. 'I feel so guilty!' she would say when a friend patiently helped her climb each step.
Aya's diary is a testament to her determination to fight the disease, her unwavering optimism, and her strength to never give up. While her family was devastated, Aya was the one who lifted their spirits. Anyone who reads her story will be haunted by the image of Aya, crawling on the floor with both her arms and legs to move, while her mother crawled beside her. When Aya cried out from pain, her mother wept alongside her. Yet, Aya reassured her: 'Mom, don’t cry. I won’t feel pain anymore!' Although she couldn’t fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher, Aya's tear-stained diary has inspired millions around the world. The story of Aya's strength, her love for life, and her resilience will live on in the hearts of readers.
Reading Aya's diary made me realize how careless I had been with my own life. I had never truly appreciated the gift of health and learning, nor had I been patient with even the small tasks. 'One Liter of Tears' changed my outlook on life. Life doesn’t owe me anything, and so I must live each day fully, embracing every moment. Aya, that brave seventeen-year-old girl, taught me how to rise above any circumstance. No matter how harsh life may be, with the right spirit, we can overcome anything. Her lessons on courage, optimism, and strength have given me faith in life and helped me cherish each moment. I now realize that no matter what happens, my family will always be there, supporting and loving me, no matter how I change.
If anyone is losing hope in life, feeling that their existence is incomplete, I encourage you to read 'One Liter of Tears' by Aya Kitou. I can’t say what you’ll take from it or if it will touch your heart, but Aya’s powerful spirit, her will to live, and her dreams will certainly leave you in awe. Perhaps, after reading this book, you’ll wake up one morning and realize just how beautiful life really is!


6. Explaining a Book - Give Me a Ticket to My Childhood
Có những câu chuyện đọc rồi sẽ quên. Nhưng cũng không ít quyển sách đã để lại ấn tượng khó phai, là tiền đề, mục đích, lí tưởng và là bệ phóng hướng con người tới những chân trời tương lai tươi mới. “Cho tôi xin một vé đi tuổi thơ” của nhà văn Nguyễn Nhật Ánh là một quyển sách như vậy.
Tôi tin với bất cứ ai từng đọc tác phẩm này đều không thể quên được thế giới mông lung và đầy mơ mộng trong con mắt của cậu bé tám tuổi tinh nghịch. Nhưng thế giới ấy chẳng hề xa hoa, bí ẩn hay mĩ miều như trong những câu chuyện cổ tích gắn liền với tuổi thơ của mỗi đứa trẻ mà nó chính là góc khuất thầm kín trong tâm hồn, là những kí ức chân thật nhất, là tấm gương rọi vào quá khứ phản chiếu lại biết bao kỉ niệm của một thời thơ ấu đã qua.
Nguyễn Nhật Ánh đã tặng bạn đọc một tấm vé trên chuyến tàu đặc biệt để mỗi người chúng ta có thể lật lại trang sách thời gian nhuốm màu dĩ vãng này trở về dòng sông trong trẻo của tuổi thơ và gột rửa hết những bụi bặm, những bế tắc, những phù phiếm ở thế giới người lớn. Xin đừng vội nghĩ rằng đây chỉ là tác phẩm sáo rỗng, vô vị dành cho bọn trẻ con mà đánh mất đi cơ hội tìm về chính bản thân mình, tìm về chính bản chất đơn thuần nhất của cuộc sống, cũng như tác giả đã từng khẳng định “Tôi viết cuốn sách này không dành cho trẻ em. Tôi viết cho những ai từng là trẻ em”. Xuyên suốt quyển sách là câu chuyện xoay quanh nhóm bạn bốn người với những “ông cụ, bà cụ non” khoác trên mình hình hài trẻ thơ gồm: nhân vật tôi (cu Mùi), con Tí sún, thằng Hải cò và Tủn - hoa khôi của xóm. Qua hành trình khôn lớn của những “bé con” đó, tôi như được chứng kiến một thước phim quay chậm lúc thì mờ ảo, nhiễu loạn nhưng có lúc hình ảnh về ngày tháng tuổi thơ lại hiện lên rõ nét, sinh động ngỡ như mới chỉ ngày hôm qua. Những hồi ức ấy nào có phải toàn mang ánh hào quang rực rỡ, nào có phải là bản hùng ca với đầy chiến tích đáng tự hào mà với cu Mùi, nó đơn thuần chỉ là nỗi buồn không rõ nguồn gốc về cuộc sống cũ kĩ theo vòng tuần hoàn tẻ nhạt “Vẫn ánh mặt trời ấy chiếu rọi mỗi ngày. Vẫn bức màn đen đó buông xuống mỗi đêm. Trên mái nhà và trên các cành lá sau vườn, gió vẫn than thở giọng của gió. Chim vẫn hót giọng của chim. Dế ri ri giọng dế, gà quang quác giọng gà”. Và hơn hết sự nghịch ngợm, ngổ ngáo của cậu nhóc lên tám còn thể hiện rất chân thật qua những năm mài đũng quần trên ghế nhà trường với niềm vui thú đến lớp để tán gẫu, cãi cọ, cấu véo, ngủ gật hay chọn vị trí tối tăm cho ít bị kêu lên bảng trả bài. Ngay ở chương đầu tiên của quyển sách, chắc hẳn người đọc đã thoáng có chút giật mình, lắng đọng xen lẫn ngượng ngùng khi bắt gặp chính hình bóng của mình trong thời áo trắng qua nhân vật trữ tình. Dù bạn có dám thừa nhận hay không thì ở cái tuổi ham chơi, hiếu động ấy thì việc học như một nghĩa vụ giam cầm ta trước bao nhiêu trò chơi hấp dẫn, trước bao nhiêu khung trời mới mẻ và giờ ra chơi chính là thời gian thần tiên để chú chim non sổ lồng tìm chút niềm vui ngắn ngủi. Mạch liên tưởng độc đáo đó như thể là một chiếc chìa khóa vạn năng chạm tới mọi góc khuất riêng tư nhất trong miền kí ức của tôi, kí ức về cô học sinh lớp ba luôn thơ thẩn, mơ mộng về những bài toán chia dài ngoằng thành biết bao tòa cao ốc đồ sộ mà chính tôi là vị kiến trúc sư đại tài thiết kế nên hay những dòng chữ gà bới đang múa lượn trong quyển vở tập viết với tôi lại là món mì xoắn ốc mới mẻ, ngon lành dưới bàn tay khéo léo của đầu bếp cừ khôi… Có lẽ tôi và rất nhiều “bạn nhỏ” khác cũng đã hoặc đang đánh mất rất nhiều năm học tập quý giá, đánh mất rất nhiều kiến thức bổ ích nhưng tôi sẽ chẳng chối bỏ tuổi thơ đó, chẳng chối bỏ lỗi lầm đó vì con người không ai có thể luôn hoàn hảo, nếu ta không đủ can đảm nhìn nhận quá khứ, nhìn nhận những thiếu sót của bản thân thì ta chỉ đang tự lừa dối chính mình bởi vỏ bọc hoàn thiện giả tạo.
Nhà văn Nguyễn Nhật Ánh cũng đã nêu triết lý “Để sống tốt hơn đôi khi chúng ta phải học làm trẻ con trước khi học làm người lớn”, thật vậy qua những lời kể chân thật về tuổi thơ đã qua, tác giả đã nhẹ nhàng gởi gắm những tư tưởng mang tính giáo dục sâu lắng, nhẹ nhàng gõ tiếng chuông vang vọng vào tiềm thức con người giúp ta khai phá nên những chân lý mới lạ. Văn phong của tác giả nửa như giễu cợt, bông đùa, nửa lại mang hơi hướng triết lý sâu sắc truyền đạt tới đông đảo bạn đọc và đôi khi là các bậc cha mẹ nói riêng. Chắc ta không thể quên lời than phiền của cu Mùi “Người lớn thường cho phép mình làm tất cả những gì mình thích, kể cả những ý thích rất vớ vẩn và cấm trẻ con làm tất cả những gì họ không thích, và sự cấm cản của họ nhiều khi cũng vớ vẩn nốt”, đôi khi vì quá yêu thương con mà cha mẹ vô tình thái quá sự phán xét và áp đặt trẻ bởi họ luôn muốn con mình nhận lấy mọi điều tốt đẹp và tránh xa những cạm bẫy. Nhưng liệu có quá bất công khi chúng ta tước đi quyền được vấp ngã của con trẻ và ép chúng vào khuôn mẫu hoàn hảo chỉ chứa niềm vui và sự sung túc? Nghe có vẻ nghịch lý nhưng nó cũng giống như một món ăn tuy ngon đến mấy nhưng ăn hoài sẽ thành chán ngán, tầm thường ví như bước đường ta đi nếu quá bằng phẳng và trải đầy hoa hồng thì hạnh phúc cũng trở nên nhàm chán, vô vị vì đời người chỉ được một lần sống, ta chỉ một lần được trải nghiệm hết những hỉ, nộ, ái, ố, đau thương. Có đứa bé nào tập đi mà chưa từng vấp ngã, đứa bé chưa từng nói ngọng sẽ không thể phát âm tròn vành, rõ chữ vậy nên qua tác phẩm Nguyễn Nhật Ánh còn muốn gửi thông điệp đến “những người lớn” hãy để con cái được phát triển tự nhiên nhất, ta chỉ nên khuyên răn chứ đừng ngăn cấm chúng khám phá thế giới dù biết trước đó là ngõ cụt bởi ta cũng đã từng được trải nghiệm nên hãy để trẻ con vươn tới tương lai bằng chính đôi chân nhỏ bé của bản thân.
Không chỉ vậy, trong “cho tôi một vé đi tuổi thơ” làm mỗi người lớn phải thốt lên khâm phục trước sự sáng tạo, mộng mơ của bọn trẻ mà cũng chính là của ta ngày xưa. Đó là mong ước muốn “đặt tên cho thế giới”, dùng trí tưởng tượng biến cái gối thành búp bê, biến cái nón thành cuốn tập, con chó thành bàn ủi, chiếc quạt máy thành cái tivi và thằng Mùi là Thầy hiệu trưởng…Chúng không hề lố bịch, quậy phá mà bản chất của trò chơi “kì lạ” đó là ước muốn thầm kín được thay đổi thế giới xung quanh trở nên mới mẻ, tinh khôi như thể được sinh ra một lần nữa, để chúng khỏi chán ngán với việc ăn, ngủ, đến lớp và học bài. Nhưng có lẽ trong tác phẩm người đọc thích thú nhất vẫn là cái tình cảm ngô nghê, hồn nhiên của cu Mùi với cô bạn Tủn mà thấp thoáng hiện lên lời bộc bạch rất ngây thơ. “Sau này tôi biết đó là cảm giác ghen tuông, tất nhiên là ghen tuông theo kiểu trẻ con, còn lúc đó tôi chỉ cảm thấy khó chịu”. Đó là tình yêu con nít mà có lẽ là trong sáng, thiêng liêng hơn cả vì nó không hề bị vẩn đục bởi vòng xoáy của tiền tài, danh lợi và không bị chi phối, bão hòa cảm xúc khi người lớn có lập trình, lên kế hoạch để ép thứ cảm xúc vô hình vào khuôn khổ chặt chẽ.
Cho tôi xin một vé đi tuổi thơ - một tác phẩm mở ra thiên đường trong trẻo, tràn ngập hoa nắng và tiếng cười giòn giã của trẻ thơ. Nguyễn Nhật Ánh đã kết nối những trang hồi ức vô tình bị lãng quên hay thậm chí là đánh mất giữa dòng đời xô bồ, tấp nập này. Ông đã mang bạn đọc từ khắp mọi nơi, mọi lứa tuổi, mọi tầng lớp lên chung một chuyến tàu về lại sân ga tuổi thơ để từ đó bắt đầu hành trình tìm lại chính mình, chính bản chất “nhân chi sơ tính bản thiện”. Đọc tác phẩm mà mỗi hình ảnh, mỗi hành động, lời nói của bốn nhân vật đều để lại trong tôi một sự khắc khoải, ám ảnh sâu sắc, ám ảnh về dòng chảy hờ hững của thời gian đã mang đi mất của tôi rất nhiều thứ, mang đi mất những tháng ngày rong ruổi dạo chơi khắp xóm, mang đi mất những người bạn thân thiết đã từng là tất cả với tôi và hơn hết là mang đi mất chính hình bóng tuổi thơ thậm chí là biết bao hoài bão cháy bỏng mà tôi đã từng khát khao thực hiện cũng bị lớp bụi thời gian xóa mờ, vùi lấp.


7. Explaining a Book - Seeds of the Soul
Has anyone ever avoided the bitterness of life, finding themselves trapped in situations that seem hopeless, where no clear path forward exists? And it often feels as though all plans, all dreams, crumble away, leaving nothing to rely on. A sense of emptiness follows, and the thought of giving up or letting go of the sorrow becomes overwhelming. During such times, everyone needs a source of inspiration to rise again—and I was no different. I found solace in books about life, helping me overcome my limitations and guiding me with valuable lessons until I discovered "Seeds of the Soul." This book has awakened many people to life’s lessons and brought comfort to countless hearts.
"Seeds of the Soul" is a well-known collection of stories about living artfully and embracing moral values, curated and compiled by First News Trí Việt. This book is a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals to persevere through adversity, conquer their inner struggles, and live a life worthy of their true selves.
One notable quote in "Seeds of the Soul" comes from Oprah Winfrey: "Life always contains unexpected pain. But believe that all sorrow will pass quickly, like a short film." The book evokes a range of emotions in its readers, each of us forming our own unique impressions. For me, the resilience and determination of each character in the stories left a profound mark on my heart.
"Seeds of the Soul" is a book filled with priceless lessons for those facing life’s challenges. It serves as a companion when sadness strikes, offering comfort and support, even shedding tears in solidarity with the reader. There are others who suffer more than we do, yet they continue to believe in miracles and push forward.
This book is like an opening page, helping us rise from nothing, standing tall each time we fall. It not only offers insights into life but also provides valuable lessons. Before reading it, I had hundreds of questions about how to succeed and how to choose the right path for the future. Most of those questions had no answers, no solutions. But now, I’ve found the answer in "Seeds of the Soul": just two words—"effort."
"Seeds of the Soul" is like a magical guide, showing us that with willpower and belief, even the toughest challenges can be overcome. In any situation, if we summon our inner strength, shed the tears of sorrow, and stand ready to face difficulties, we will realize that behind those tears lies joy and happiness. On the contrary, if we give up too easily, we will only face failure and the sorrow that lingers endlessly.
There were moments when I wanted to give up, but I persevered because "Seeds of the Soul" gave me that extraordinary strength. This book has restored faith in many people and brought success, helping us see the true value of life.


8. Explaining a Book - Without Family
I am an orphan...
Born into a family deprived of the firm grip of a father’s hand and the warm embrace of a mother, I’ve always wished to have the luck that other children seem to possess. Yet, life does not offer everything to everyone, and I truly fell apart when facing such suffering. But unexpectedly, I found solace in a book by the famous author Hector Malot. The book encapsulated moments that at times pained me, yet other times made me feel truly happy.
Storms can come and take happiness from anyone, but what matters is how we accept and face these challenges to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. Just like the way Remi, the boy from the book “WITHOUT A FAMILY,” handles his struggles—this story, which I am about to share, is meant for those who need “motivation” to live.
“Without a Family” tells the story of Remi, a boy with no parents, no family, living with a foster mother in a remote village. He later joins a traveling circus troupe led by Vitali, an experienced and wise old man, performing across France. Remi grows up amidst the hardships of their journey. At times, the troupe is well-fed and warm, other times, they march through the cold winter, enduring snowstorms, hungry and on the verge of death. Then, Vitali passes away, leaving Remi and his loyal dog, Capi. From that point on, Remi becomes independent, not only caring for himself but also taking in a boy named Matchia, who joins their traveling band. Together, they face many struggles and share moments of joy. But Remi’s life is far from easy! At one point, he is trapped in a mine for fourteen days. At another, he mistakenly enters the house of a villain, thinking it is his biological father’s home. And yet again, he is imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit… But no matter where he is or what he faces, Remi follows the principles of his mentor Vitali: maintaining dignity, honesty, courage, respect, compassion, hard work, not begging for help, and never lying. Ultimately, just like the endings of fairy tales, Remi reunites with his real family and lives happily with his loved ones.
Through Remi’s adventures, we learn much about human suffering… Remi, a victim of a battle for inheritance, lives a wandering life, enduring so much hardship to finally find his family. Vitali’s life too is tragic. Once at the top of society, he ends up performing in a circus to survive. His strength is worn down by society’s harshness, and in the end, he dies, not trusting in human kindness. Then, there is Matchia, who is beaten and abused by his master. Is there a more sorrowful fate than this? Yet, this book isn’t all sorrow, it contains moments of joy and admiration for human values. First, there is the love and care of Vitali for Remi. Vitali teaches him the essentials of survival in a harsh world. Mrs. Milligan and Arthur also love and care for Remi. They helped him in his most desperate moments. Also, the deep friendship between Remi and Matchia stands out. The two share everything—joy, pain, and face hardships together. This story celebrates work, self-reliance, and the self-confidence of youth.
“Forward! The world lies open before me, I can go south or north, east or west, at will.”
I am but a child, yet I have taken control of my own life.
Let us immerse ourselves in the emotions of these pages, finding confidence to face the challenges that life presents. Let our hearts understand that the world needs more love like this. Youth, do not fear difficulty, for it is through struggle that we discover our true strength. Without hardships, we would not realize how fragile and dependent we are. “WITHOUT A FAMILY” is a deeply humanistic work that has brought lasting spiritual value to readers over the years. It shines a light for many souls lost in the dark shadows of life, and reminds those with families to reflect on how they can live up to the fortune fate has given them.
In life, the joy of giving comes from relieving the pain of others. We will all, at some point, find ourselves in the depths of sorrow or despair. Nothing is more precious than having a strong hand to lean on during those times, offering strength to help us gather the courage to move forward. This hand may not be able to pull us out of the mire of misfortune, but it will make our pain a little easier to bear. This is why we must always be there for each other in life.
Thank you, Hector Malot!


Presentation of a Book - Thank You, Adults


10. Introduction to a Book - Steel Has Been Tempered
Books play an incredibly important role in our lives. There's a saying that goes, "Our lives change in two ways: through the people we meet and the books we read." "Steel Has Been Tempered" is one such book. It was once considered the "pillow book" for countless generations of young people in Russia and around the world.
"Steel Has Been Tempered" is a famous novel by Nikolai A. Ostrovsky, a renowned Soviet author. The main character of the story is Pavel Korchagin (often called Pavlusha or Pavka), a young man raised during a time when the country faced great difficulties. He is close friends with a girl named Tonya, who later becomes his love interest. Tonya is a lovely girl who loves Pavel with all the innocent affection of a young woman. Their love story could have been beautiful and complete if it weren't for Pavel's devotion to the ideals of his time. He wanted to dedicate his youthful energy to serving his country and the revolution. Tonya loves Pavel but cannot wait for him, especially as her family belongs to the bourgeois class. Pavel once told her, "First and foremost, I am a man of the Party; only second am I yours and to those who are dear to me. Do you have the courage to love a worker but not a cause?" In the end, Pavel parted ways with Tonya to follow his ideals.
Before finding his way to the light of revolution, Pavel worked on constructing a small railway connecting the forest to the city. The work was extremely grueling and dangerous, especially in such harsh conditions. If they failed, the entire city would freeze to death for lack of wood to keep warm. During this time, Pavel crossed paths with Tonya again, but she barely recognized him, as he was ragged, frostbitten, and thin, looking like a beggar. He was shoveling snow, yet his eyes still held the familiar spark of Pavlusha. She hesitated to shake his hand when he offered it, and he understood that their old love was gone. She had married and was now a completely different person.
Later, while working in the Party organization, Pavel met Rita, who held him in high regard. But their relationship remained one of comradeship. Eventually, Pavel fell ill with typhoid fever, leaving him paralyzed and reliant on a wheelchair. However, he refused to back down, maintaining his trust in love and continuing to write books, fueled by the same unyielding spirit and tempered strength he had always known.
The book "Steel Has Been Tempered" is considered a bedtime book for young people in socialist countries. Pavel is a young man rich in ideals, hardened in the "furnace" of revolution. In Vietnam, the book had a profound impact on the younger generation during the war years. Nguyen Van Thac wrote in his book "Forever Twenty" that "Pavel is an honest man, a true Party member. Of course, he is a man of his class, loyal to the Party all his life, dedicating himself to the revolution. But I still feel so small, so childish, not yet grown up. I am selfish, petty, and miserly. My life is not even 1% of Pavel's... I need to stop being lazy. I must live passionately and make every moment count, so I won't let the days pass by in vain... Pavel's life is like an endless spring in the midst of life. That is the life of a young Party member, the life of a Red Army soldier. I envy the life he leads, living fully for the Party and for the people, standing firm against the storms of revolution and personal life..." In the diaries of Dang Thuy Tram, she mentioned that despite the constant gunfire in the South, where every family suffered loss and sorrow, soldiers like her would still find moments to talk about Pavel Korchagin from "Steel Has Been Tempered".
One of the most famous quotes from "Steel Has Been Tempered" became a guiding principle for many young people: "The most precious thing a person has is life. Life is only lived once. We must live it in a way that we don't regret the wasted years, that we don't feel ashamed of our cowardly past, so that when we close our eyes, we can say: I have dedicated my whole life, all my strength, to the noblest cause in the world – the struggle for the liberation of mankind..."
Thus, "Steel Has Been Tempered" is truly a book rich in high humanistic values. It imparts many meaningful lessons to every reader.


