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Below are some fantastic works that you can spare time to enjoy.
I Stand Here Ironing
The story is set in the working class home of the narrator (叙述者), who comments that when her child Emily was born, they were poor. Her thoughts are about what she would have done differently while raising Emily if she had been more experienced. The mother is standing in the room, ironing and recalling the whole trip of her and her daughter’s life. Her feeling that she is responsible for her daughter’s suffering is the main idea of this short story.
Odyssey
As a great poem, Odyssey had been recited or sung for years and years before it was written down. It tells the story of old Greek war hero Odysseus’ dangerous journey home from the battlefield. He beats a cyclops through wisdom, chats with dead people, and faces the angry sea god before finally arriving home.
The Chronicles of Narnia
The book has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide. Set in the kingdom of Narnia, a world of magic, beasts, and talking animals, the book narrates the adventures of various children. The main characters are all children from the real world, who are magically transported to Narnia, where they’re called upon by the lion Aslan to protect Narnia from evil.
Of Mice and Men
This book follows two farm hands looking for work: the bright George and the disabled but big-hearted Lennie, who doesn’t know his own strength. The two men don’t know the fact that even the simplest American dreams are often out of reach until the tale comes to an end. “Though short, this novel can really make us feel sad and bring about our sympathy,” said editor, Dawn Raffel.
1. I Stand Here Ironing is a story about __________.
A. a mother’s struggle for life
B. a mother’s plan for the future
C. a mother’s sacrifice for her family
D. a mother’s guilty feelings for her daughter
2. What can we know about The Chronicles of Narnia?
A. It’s a book series. B. It’s full of great fantasies.
C. It’s based on real events. D. It’s a description of adults’ adventures.
3. If you’re interested in stories from ancient times, you can choose ________.
A. Odyssey B. Of Mice and Men
C. I Stand Here Ironing D. The Chronicles of Narnia
