Group 1 - The First Financial Annual Humanities Book Selection started in 2017 and introduced a mid-year humanities book list for the first time during the Shanghai Book Fair this year [1] - The top ten books of the 2025 First Financial Mid-Year Humanities Book List include titles such as "The Nine Incense Sticks of Global History," "Life Like Morning Frost: Law, Society, and Women in 'Dream of the Red Chamber'," and "The Arab Sands" [1][26] - The editor-in-chief of First Financial, Yang Yudong, emphasized the importance of humanities reporting in financial media, stating that it reflects the spirit of humanity and is essential for understanding human history and social dynamics [2][1] Group 2 - Yang Yudong highlighted the need for long-termism and idealism in society, which cannot be found in short videos but only in books, reinforcing the necessity of humanities and social science reporting [2] - The book "The Nine Incense Sticks of Global History" by Yang Bin explores the interconnectedness of seemingly distant historical events and their impact on Chinese history, advocating for a global perspective in understanding Chinese culture [4][5] - "Life Like Morning Frost" by Ke Lan examines the intersection of literature and law in the context of "Dream of the Red Chamber," providing a new understanding of female characters through the lens of Qing Dynasty legal and social conditions [7][8] Group 3 - "The Violin Maker of Delft" by Ramón Andrés delves into the cultural, artistic, and scientific milieu of 17th-century Europe, using the life of a lesser-known artist to explore broader historical themes [10][11] - "The End of Fantasy: A Biography of Mu Dan" by Yi Bin presents the life and struggles of the poet Mu Dan, highlighting his contributions to modern Chinese poetry and translation [13][14] - "Source Code: Bill Gates' First Autobiography" reflects on Gates' early life and influences, emphasizing the importance of family and education in shaping his career [16][17] Group 4 - "Abao" tells the true story of a Miao woman who was trafficked and later wrote about her experiences to inspire her daughters, showcasing resilience and the power of storytelling [19][20] - "The Shadow of the Sun: A Journey into Africa" by Ryszard Kapuściński offers a unique perspective on African life and culture through the author's extensive travels and observations over 30 years [22][23][24] - "Finding the Right Words: A Story of Literature, Grief, and the Brain" explores the author's journey with her father's Alzheimer's disease, blending personal narrative with medical insights [30][31] Group 5 - "The Men Left Behind" by Richard V. Reeves discusses the challenges faced by men in modern society, including educational and occupational disparities, and suggests structural changes to address these issues [33][34]