Editor's Note:

"Read ten thousand books, and your pen will be guided as if by the gods" is an ancient Chinese idiom that can be seen in students' textbooks. China's Ministry of Education has published an action plan to further promote reading among students across the nation. With new and diverse book recommendations, the reading scene is expected to be revived not only at schools, but also across society. To contribute to this endeavor, the Global Times launched "My Reading Life" essay contest for middle school students.

Please pick up a pen and share your stories with us at reading@globaltimes.com.cn

Participants will be rewarded once the article has been selected.

Photo: IC

On a casual afternoon, I opened an enlightening book called How the Steel Was Tempered written by a writer called Nikolai Ostrovsky. Immediately I was lost in the immortal work. Reading the book was an eye-opening experience for me. As a middle school student, I initially thought this book would be just another historical novel, but it turned out to be so much more. 

Power of resilience 

The book tells the story about the journey of a young man who is called Pavel Korchagin. 

Unfolding slowly was a story in which Pavel constantly challenges adversity. His childhood planted the seed of struggling against challenges in life that would help him overcome his physical limitations later in life. Afterwards Pavel engages in a flood of social changes.

Despite the cruelty of the war, Pavel forges his belief that establishing a socialist country leads to a bright prospect and overcomes all the tough occurrences with the spirit of steel. In his later life, had Pavel not been iron-willed, he wouldn't have successfully snatched back his life from the hands of disease, let alone fight a literary battle with a pen. 

The book is like a powerful lesson in resilience, determination, and the human spirit. Through the life of the protagonist, I learned that life's challenges are like the fire and hammer that forge steel - shaping us into stronger, more resilient individuals.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is Pavel's unwavering perseverance. Despite facing countless hardships - poverty, war, illness, and betrayal - he never gives up. As a student, I often feel overwhelmed by schoolwork, exams, and extracurricular activities. But Pavel's story reminded me that challenges are not meant to break us; they are meant to build us. His determination to fight for his ideals, even when his body was failing him, inspired me to push through my own difficulties. 

Whenever I feel like giving up, I think of Pavel and remind myself that perseverance is the key to success. This is the reason why I say the book is not just a historical novel, but a guidebook to one's life. 

Importance of purpose 

After reading the book, I realized that Pavel's life was driven by a strong sense of purpose. His story made me reflect on the importance of having a purpose in life. As a student, my purpose is to learn, grow, and prepare for the future. Pavel's dedication to his beliefs taught me that having a clear goal can give us the strength to overcome any obstacle. It's not just about surviving; it's about thriving and making a difference in the world.

Another theme that deeply resonated with me was sacrifice. Pavel often put the needs of others and the greater good above his own. Whether it was working tirelessly to rebuild a railway or lending hands to friends, he showed that true strength lies in selflessness. 

This made me think about how I can contribute to my school community and help those around me. Even small acts of kindness, like helping a classmate with homework or volunteering in my neighborhood, can make a difference. Pavel's example taught me that life is not just about personal success but also about how we can positively impact others.

I also discovered that throughout the book, Pavel's friendships played a crucial role in his journey. His peers stood by him during the toughest times, offering support and encouragement. This made me realize the importance of surrounding myself with positive and supportive people. In school, my friends and teachers are my "comrades," helping me navigate challenges and celebrate successes. Pavel's story reminded me to cherish these relationships and to be a supportive friend in return.

This book is not a recent one, but it does carry unchanging humanistic values, which touched me deeply. 

Despite his hardships, Pavel never lost sight of the good in his life. He was grateful for the opportunities he had and the people who supported him. This made me reflect on how often I take things for granted - my education, my family, and even the simple joys of life. Pavel's story inspired me to be more grateful and to appreciate the blessings in my life. 

What an impressive story! This work has profoundly influenced me. It highlights how strong determination can transform life. It also brought me to the realization that only through tireless efforts can those seemingly insurmountable obstacles be overcome.

In conclusion, the book is a guide to living a meaningful and resilient life. Pavel Korchagin's journey taught me the importance of many things. 

As I continue my journey as a student, I will using them to navigate challenges and strive for success. 

Just as steel is tempered by fire, I believe that the struggles I face today will shape me into a stronger, more resilient person tomorrow. This book has truly left a lasting impression on me. So far it has been a lighthouse that not only inspires me to face difficulties in my studies but also stimulates me to stick to my dream despite any storm. 

The author is a student at Yunyang Middle School in Chongqing