You can learn about interesting topics at the same time you are practicing and studying Mandarin Chinese. These Simplified Summaries (SimSums) of popular non-fiction books have been written to be easily read for language learners while still retaining the key points. An audio narration is also provided for most. They can act as a bridge between the intermediate and advanced levels of Mandarin Chinese.
Each Simplified Summary listed below for Chinese Reading and Listening Practice has in-language text and an MP3 narration of the summary.
The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People
An In-language Simplified Summary based on the book by Stephen Covey
The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People (1989) is among the most popular self-help books. It’ll teach you the principles needed to become an effective person. These habits will help you to become more successful in both your personal and professional life. Read and listen.
Steve Jobs
An In-language Simplified Summary based on the book by Walter Isaacson
This biography of Steve Jobs takes an inside look into the life of Apple’s eccentric founder. You’ll learn about how his experiences with LSD and meditation helped shape his innovations and how his life ended early from cancer. Read and listen.
The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts
An In-language Simplified Summary based on the book by Gary Chapman
The Five Love Languages (2015) is a modern guide that helps couples develop and maintain loving relationships. It details the five ways that people feel and show their love and helps couples use this information to build stronger bonds. Read and listen.
Catch Me If You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake
An In-language Simplified Summary based on the book by Frank Abagnale and Stan Redding
Catch Me If You Can (1980) gives you the opportunity to hear about Frank Abagnale’s life as a conman. His cons included posing as a pilot, lawyer, and professor. The story would go on to become an award-winning film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Read and listen.
Open: An Autobiography
An In-language Simplified Summary based on the book by Andre Agassi
Open (2009) is the eye-opening autobiography of Andre Agassi, one of the best American tennis players of all time. It’s a revealing look into his tumultuous life. You’ll learn how Agassi strived for balance and a self-understanding while living in the public spotlight. Read and listen.
Fluent In 3 Months – How Anyone at Any Age Can Learn to Speak Any Language from Anywhere in the World
An In-language Simplified Summary based on the book by Benny Lewis
Fluent In 3 Months (2014) was written by Benny Lewis, a polyglot who runs the most popular language learning blog on the internet. He gives actionable strategies to learn to speak a new language quicker than most would think possible. Read and listen.
The Power of Habit
An In-language Simplified Summary based on the book by Charles Duhigg
The Power of Habit (2012) explains the importance that habits play in every aspect of our daily lives. It uses research and anecdotes to help people learn how they can change their habits and improve their lives. Read and listen.
More Posts for Your Practice Reading and Listening in Chinese
- Albert Einstein Advanced Reading Practice with Audio
- Barack Obama – Intermediate Reading Practice
- Blackbeard the Pirate – Intermediate Reader
- Cockroach Farm in China – Simplified/Traditional – Beginner Reading and Listening Practice
- Conjoined Twins in China – Beginner Reading and Listening Practice – Sim/Trad
- Dangerous Way to School – Beginner Reading/Listening Practice – Sim/Trad.
- Ice Sculptures in China – Beginner Reading/Listening Practice – Sim/Trad Characters
- Jane Goodall – Intermediate Chinese Reading Practice –
- Little Red Riding Hood – Intermediate Reader
- Man vs Horse – Short Beginner Reading Practice With Audio – Sim/Trad. Characters
- MC HotDog 熱狗 – 嘿嘿 Taxi – Chinese Hip Hop with Lyrics in Chinese, Simplified and Traditional Characters
- Prison Break – Beginner Reading and Listening Practice – Sim/Trad Characters
- Rapunzel – Intermediate reader with audio
- Robin Hood and the King – Advanced Reader
- The Golden Touch – 点金笊 – Intermediate Chinese Reading/Listening Practice – Short Story
- 宋岳庭 – Life’s a Struggle – Hip Hop (Simplified, Traditional, English Lyrics)
- 徐真真- 你是那种哦 – Guangzhou Rap – Eng/Sim/Trad Lyrics
- 蛋堡 Soft Lipa – 史詩 – Rap with Lyrics in English, Simplified and Traditional Characters
- 雲道 Sean Zh. – 越北京 – Beijing Hip Hop
- 龙胆紫- 龙胆紫 – Purple Soul – Beijing Hip Hop – Eng/Sim/Trad Lyrics
And see our guide about how to learn Chinese (Mandarin), with tons of tips, insights, and recommendations.