Novels like Looks Like I'm Reading a Novel, but I'm Actually Studying for the CET-4
Books Chinese readers most often put in the same booklists as Looks Like I'm Reading a Novel, but I'm Actually Studying for the CET-4, best match first.
- 1 Chinese Geography in Half an Hour 半小时漫画中国地理 The Half-Hour Cartoon team, led by Chen Lei (aka Hunzi Ge), uses witty language and hand-drawn comics to explain the geography of China's 34 provincial-level administrative regions clearly and simply. It's easy to understand if you imagine all of China as one “classroom”! Tibet is the art class representative: it wears traditional robes, rides yaks, and knows how to paint. Qinghai is the classroom administrator: it can deliver water, make noodles, and produce minerals. Yunnan is the biology clas 110Reads9.5Score4014d adds
- 2 Forensic Files: The Skin Tailor 法医档案：人皮裁缝 Warning: graphic content! For mature readers only! A perfectly skinned female corpse lay before forensic pathologist Lin Wei. As she made the incision, she discovered the word “Perfect” carved into the victim’s tongue. The stitches were immaculate, and the human skin had been treated like a work of art. This was the tenth case. But the number on the latest victim’s tongue pointed straight to the childhood home she had long since forgotten. The sealed basement opened, revealing hundreds of human 1.8kReads6.3Score31414d adds
- 3 Learn English Through Novels 看小说学英语 A really fun urban romance novel that teaches while entertaining. Read the story and learn English at the same time, improving your skills without even noticing. Keep going, Lin Xiaotu! 4.6kReads—Score36614d adds
- 4 Tales of the Strange in China 中国异闻录 At night in this city, we aren’t the only ones in control... 190Reads—Score—14d adds
- 5 Looks Like I'm Reading a Novel, but I'm Actually Learning Advanced Math 看似看小说实则学高数 My new work is here! You're welcome to read it on Tomato Novel. I hope you'll enjoy it. Your support motivates me to keep writing, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! 425Reads—Score10114d adds
- 6 High School Biology Notes 高中生物整理 I'm an ordinary high school student, and biology has broken my heart. So I made these high school biology notes, hoping that with time I'll grow to love biology and get better at it. Please forgive any mistakes. If you spot one, tell me and I'll correct it. 373Reads—Score9814d adds
- 7 History According to Me: The Spring and Autumn Period 朕说历史·春秋篇 A witty writing style, adorable illustrations, research grounded in original historical records, and timely summaries of key facts. Chronological outlines of major events, making the material easy to read. 93Reads9.4Score2714d adds
- 8 A Detective Story Every Day 每天一个推理故事 This book brings together mystery stories from around the world that have achieved remarkable success, had a far-reaching influence, and enjoyed enduring popularity, including classic works by master mystery writers. The stories are shrouded in layers of mystery, with suspense at every turn; each step is carefully planned, and the logic is airtight; the twists are strange and captivating. No trick can outwit deduction, and there is only ever one truth. The tense, thrilling plots will keep you ho 643Reads9.3Score12414d adds
- 9 History According to the Emperor: The Warring States Period 朕说历史·战国篇 A witty writing style, adorable illustrations, research into original historical texts, and timely summaries of key facts. Timelines of major events, with easy-to-follow reading. 51Reads9.3Score—14d adds
- 10 Major Case Files: Criminal Psychology 重案录：罪恶心理 [I’m going to write a novel modeled on Ten Deadly Sins] [Mystery + deduction + crime-solving + mind-bending twists + unit stories, focused mainly on solving cases, with a bit of a disturbing edge] Four top detectives, brought together from across the country to form a major crimes unit, investigate the most serious cases nationwide. Have you ever seen someone born with two sets of reproductive organs? Have you ever seen a girl planted in a flowerpot? Have you ever seen a dairy farm that produces 18.3kReads8.5Score1.6k14d adds
- 11 Essential Knowledge of Chinese History: A Beginner’s Guide to China’s National History, a Bestselling Classic Since the Republican Era 中国历史常识(一本品读中国国史的入门巨著，民国以来畅销不衰的国史读本) Written by Lü Simian, a modern Chinese historian, master of Chinese studies, and preeminent scholar of history, this monumental work is held in the highest regard by Huang Renyu, Qian Mu, Bai Yang, Yi Zhongtian, Gu Jiegang, and many others. It is a perennially popular guide to Chinese history. Common Knowledge of Chinese History is the acclaimed work that established Lü Simian, a modern historian, master of Chinese studies, and preeminent scholar of history, as a leading figure. It was also the 26Reads8.6Score—14d adds
- 12 A Humanities Student Must Still Do Homework at an Elite Academy 文科生穿进贵族学院也要做题 The rating just came in! A big-budget live-action dating game, powerful heroine and hero, the heroine is a bit of a heartthrob but has no grand ambitions, just an ordinary person. A is a great fit, but B suits them better. As a liberal arts student, Shi Ning spends her days going head-to-head with all kinds of multiple-choice questions. Politics teacher: “Weigh the options. If you don’t get it, take some time to work it out for yourself.” History teacher: “I immediately thought of A. You can onl 1.8kReads8.9Score36114d adds
- 13 Five Thousand Years of Chinese History: The Classic Original Edition 中华上下五千年（经典原版） This book traces the development of Chinese civilization across five thousand years of history, from Pangu creating the world and Yu the Great controlling the floods, through Qin Shi Huang’s unification of China, to the Ming and Qing dynasties and modern times. It covers key eras such as the contending philosophies of the pre-Qin period and the prosperous Han and Tang dynasties. Concise accounts highlight the connections between historical events and figures, offering a clear overview of the bas 33.4kReads9.6Score3.9k14d adds
- 14 Looks Like Reading Novels, Actually Studying for the Civil Service Essay Exam 看似看小说实则学申论 The rating is low because the book just came out. It will rise later. I’ll update the book with strategies for answering argumentative essay questions, explanations of key concepts, and review points to memorize with every chapter. For now, the final book is planned to have eight chapters of strategies. If there are any strategies you’d like to see or learn about while working through the questions, tag me in the comments with the volume number and topic. Once I’ve found suitable materials, I 6.8kReads8.6Score2.2k14d adds
- 15 I Die If I Stop Practicing 不刷题就会死 “If studying won’t kill you, then study until it does!” “The college entrance exam is a one-plank bridge crossed by countless armies. If you don’t work hard, you’ll be pushed into the abyss.” Ding-dong! Your personal Study Assistant is now online! With the help of this System, all students can achieve the grades they hope for! Students, are you ready to study until you drop? If you don’t grind through practice questions, you really will die! 106Reads6.3Score10214d adds
- 16 Chinese History So Fascinating You’ll Lose Sleep 有趣得让人睡不着的中国史 China's History: So Fascinating It’ll Keep You Awake Crafted with great care by rising history writer Lishi Jun, this book uses a light, humorous touch to reveal the truth behind many events in Chinese history, along with little-known stories about historical figures. Its style is distinctive and entertaining, while its content remains faithful to historical facts. Many of the stories are drawn from historical documents, and material from unofficial histories and legends is explained and analyz —Reads8.6Score32014d adds
- 17 A Complete Guide to the Essentials of Chinese Studies Everyone Should Know 中国人应知的国学常识大全集 Presented in a question-and-answer format, this book introduces essential knowledge of Chinese culture that every Chinese person should know, covering more than twenty fields, including the politics of famous figures, official institutions, education, and science. It is an ideal guide to learning and mastering the basics of Chinese culture. 9.4kReads9.3Score2.5k14d adds
- 18 Heavenly Escape Through Feng Shui 风水天遁 Feng shui and metaphysics + archaeology + ancient scripts + classical Chinese texts: a fresh take on urban feng shui and tomb exploration. Feng shui secrets × ancient tomb expeditions × the dragon veins of Huaxia. Heaven and earth are the board, all living beings the pieces! The two feng shui schools conceal the secrets of heaven in the earth’s veins. After Xia Wujiu accidentally awakens the Heavenly Escape Talisman-Bearer Fate Pattern, he reads dragon veins, breaks deadly formations, and ventur 3Reads—Score—14d adds
- 19 A Global History 全球通史 Writing a world history that is interesting, easy to read and understand, and not hundreds of thousands of words long is no easy task. Yet in A Short History of the World, H. G. Wells brilliantly accomplished what seemed impossible. This book traces human civilization from its beginnings through the Second World War, clearly presenting the rise and fall of great powers such as ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, ancient Rome, Britain, the United States, and France. The wealth of knowledge and breadth 2.5kReads8.8Score78514d adds
- 20 Clothing, Food, Housing, and Transportation in Ancient Times 古代人的衣食住行 How did people in ancient times spend summer, use the toilet, and fall in love? This book satisfies all your curiosity about their everyday lives! With no air conditioning or refrigerators, how did people in ancient times beat the summer heat? They used hand-powered fans to cool themselves. To make them more effective, they would place the fans behind a pool of water or blocks of ice, so they could blow out a cool breeze. Some even put fresh flowers in front of the fans, making the breeze fragra 2.1kReads9.4Score58114d adds
- 21 Learn Chinese History Without Memorizing a Thing 不用背照样学好中国史 One game for every key concept: learning history is as fun as playing. Carefully selected core concepts make it easy to understand the patterns behind the development of Chinese history! If you were a leader in primitive society, how would you guide a group of people in surviving on a deserted island? If you were playing a management simulation during the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, how would you expand your power? If you went back in time to become an emperor of the Ming dyna 2.5kReads9.5Score47214d adds
- 22 A General History of the World (10 Volumes) 世界通史（全十册） This book explores the evolution of world history, the development of world civilizations, and their impact on modern society. Taking a global perspective, it focuses on influential historical events that helped shape the course of history. Its topics include primitive societies, ancient civilizations across Eurasia, early civilizations across Eurasia, the world beyond Eurasia, a world divided into regions, the rise of the West, a world ruled by Western powers, and the West's decline and success 2kReads9.5Score53914d adds
- 23 Middle School Chemistry 初中化学 A summary of middle school chemistry, covering frequently tested topics such as the colors of common substances, the acidity and alkalinity of solutions, how to identify substances, and the names of common compounds. It helps students learn middle school chemistry with ease. 512Reads—Score17914d adds
- 24 History Is So Interesting 历史这么有意思 The English word for history is “history.” Split it apart, and you get “Hi, Story.” Through stories, explore the joys and sorrows of five thousand years of Chinese civilization. How do you tell a good story? How do you bring history to life? ★ Characters: Find the people whose actions alone shook generations to come, and put them at the center of the story. We are moved by history first and foremost because we are moved by them; ★ Plot: Unearth the major historical events behind each figure, tra 951Reads9.4Score23514d adds
- 25 A Popular Romance of Tang History 唐史通俗演义 [An introductory history, a comprehensive history of the Tang Dynasty, a chaptered historical novel, accessible true stories, heroes of the Sui and Tang] Want to learn the complete history of the Tang Dynasty without poring over dry history books? This Popular Romance of the Tang Dynasty is perfect for beginners. Written in an accessible blend of classical and vernacular Chinese, its hundred chapters connect the story of the Li Tang dynasty from beginning to end. Follow the chaos at the end of t 51Reads8.5Score—14d adds
- 26 One Sentence Is Worth Ten Thousand, If It's a Blurb 一句顶一万句，如果这句是文案 In our lives, there are joys and hardships. Words sometimes give us strength and sometimes encourage us to keep going. Here you'll find plenty of beautifully written lines worth collecting, in all kinds of styles. (Note: The content comes from the internet.) 3.9kReads6.6Score1k14d adds
- 27 1,000 Questions on Ancient Chinese Culture 中国古代常识1000问 Drawing from the vast ocean of Chinese culture, 1,000 Questions About Ancient Chinese Customs carefully selects a thousand fascinating gems to explain basic knowledge of ancient China in a question-and-answer format. Its wealth of information and beautiful illustrations will make learning a delight as readers enter a world of knowledge. 1.2kReads9.0Score42914d adds
- 28 I Learn English in the Infinite Flow 我在无限流里学英语 [No dungeons, reality itself is the dungeon. GB romance] (The score is low because it was just posted.) Each dungeon teaches you one word. P.S. This isn't a deranged story. The vocabulary is explored through British and American cultural contexts and by tracing the roots of words through their prefixes and suffixes. No abstract, nonsensical content. Thoughtful yet aloof immortal man × career-driven woman who plays the pig to eat the tiger During a trip to the sea, Chen Jin saw a beautiful girl w 377Reads8.1Score10414d adds
- 29 Why History? Chong Xiaolv's Comic History of China 历史为什么：虫小绿漫画中国史 Why Is History Like This? Chinese History in Comics with Chong Xiaolv is a comic-book history of China starring the cartoon character Chong Xiaolv. In our minds, history is always a grand narrative. Whether it is natural disasters, human calamities, wars, or dynastic upheavals, it tends to focus on major eras, great figures, and momentous events. But history in all its richness is made up of countless different perspectives. In this book, the author uses comics to explore in detail many often-ov 78Reads9.2Score11014d adds
- 30 The I Ching in Everyday Life: My Journey to Enlightenment 生活中的易经：我的悟道实录 Which path should I take in life? Why am I still unhappy despite all my hard work? Will that person come back? Will next year be any better? We have all paused at a crossroads in life, wondering what fate has in store for us. While I was writing this series, someone asked me, “Do people actually read what you write? These days, everyone likes feel-good stories.” I smiled and said nothing. Feel-good stories can make you happy for a while, but once you finish them, you're still left feeling lost. 36Reads6.8Score—14d adds
- 31 A Popular History of the Qing Dynasty 清史通俗演义 [A Tale of the Qing Dynasty #Popular History #The Rise and Fall of the Ming and Qing Dynasties #Political Intrigue and Warfare #Legends of Emperors #History in Plain Language] This classic historical novel recounts the full 268-year rise and fall of the Qing Dynasty, from the origins of its ancestors in the Changbai Mountains to Xuantong's abdication and the dynasty's collapse. Told across one hundred chapters, it follows the story clearly and avoids obscure historical material. It begins with N 97Reads8.8Score—14d adds
- 32 A Popular History of the Five Dynasties 五代史通俗演义 [A Classical, Accessible History of the Entire Era | A Beginner's Guide to History | A Complete Overview of the Ten Kingdoms] Can't get through dry official histories? This popularized retelling of the Five Dynasties uses a story-driven, episodic format to make this lesser-known period of turmoil easy to understand. Its sixty chapters cover the rise and fall of all five dynasties, Later Liang, Later Tang, Later Jin, Later Han, and Later Zhou, while also tracing the history of the Ten Kingdoms' r 82Reads9.2Score—14d adds
- 33 Parallel Worlds: Three Spaces 平行世界-三个空间 Parallel Worlds: Three Spaces 12Reads—Score114d adds
- 34 Forty-Eight Taoist Spells and Techniques 道家咒术四十八法 In Taoism, spellcasting is a form of ritual magic that invokes deities through incantations or curses ghosts and demons. It is believed to establish communication with the Celestial Emperor and command spirits, driving away evil, averting calamities, and turning misfortune into good fortune. 2.3kReads6.6Score61414d adds
- 35 The Rise and Fall of the Tang Dynasty: Three Hundred Years (7-Book Set) 大唐兴亡三百年（全七册） More entertaining than The Book of Tang, more accessible than Zizhi Tongjian, and more reliable than Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties: an addictive, complete history of the Tang dynasty's 300 years. If you want to learn about Tang history, this is all you need! Recommended by the popular book program Luo Ji Thinking! The Tang dynasty was a great era that people have long admired, but its nearly 300 years of tangled history can be daunting. The official histories, The Book of Tang and Zizhi 5.1kReads9.6Score96814d adds
- 36 The Story Behind a Stone Stele: A Writer's Notes 一块石碑引发的故事-创作手记 The Story Behind a Stone Stele: Notes from the Author 45Reads—Score—14d adds
- 37 The Feng Clan's Record of Things Seen and Heard 封氏闻见记 Records of What Feng Yan Heard and Saw is a ten-volume collection of informal writings by the Tang dynasty scholar Feng Yan. Its broad-ranging contents cover many aspects of the Tang dynasty, including politics, institutions, culture, customs, geography, and anecdotes about notable figures. Written as a record of personal observations and accounts, it carefully documents little-known details of Tang social life, providing valuable firsthand material for the study of Tang history and culture. Unl 14Reads7.9Score1214d adds
- 38 A Thousand-Year Glance Back Before Pei Cen's Stele 裴岑碑前的千年回眸 My new work is out! Come read it on Tomato Novel. I hope you’ll enjoy it. Your support inspires me to write, and I’ll do my best to tell every story well! 20Reads—Score114d adds
- 39 The Formula for Sickly Sweet Love 病态宠爱方程式 Lu Ming's hands can play the most beautiful notes, and they can also throw the fiercest punches. His eyes can be filled with indifference, or stained with brutality. His mouth can hold a cigarette, or speak cruel words. Lu Ming was abandoned by the world as a child, and grew up to abandon the world in turn. Later, his hands could weave the most beautiful flower baskets, and stroke Youyou's long hair. His bright eyes could take in the most beautiful fireworks, and brim with tears for Youyou. His 494Reads9.1Score—14d adds
- 40 The Real Top Student System 真实学霸系统 How did a student who scored just 197 points on his high school sophomore final exams turn his life around in a year? A brain-potential researcher has the answer. Other people’s Systems fall from the sky. He built his himself, using the power of psychological suggestion to give himself extraordinary drive. By breaking goals into smaller steps, he created a reward system in his brain, releasing dopamine every time he achieved a mini-goal. Soon, studying became as addictive as snacking on sunflowe 787Reads8.4Score10414d adds
- 41 Happy Exam Week 快乐考试周 [Signed for print publication, published under the title Happy Exam Week] - An exam? The kind where you fail and your head explodes~ Boom! - A group of people are forced to take one strange week-long exam after another. They enter the settings described in the questions and answer them with their bodies, putting both their physical and mental abilities to the test. Anyone who fails, comes in last place, doesn't turn in their exam on time, or runs into danger while answering will die. They have t 8.6kReads9.3Score1.6k14d adds
- 42 Five Thousand Years of Chinese History 中国上下五千年 A History of China Through Five Thousand Years recounts nearly five millennia of Chinese history, from the legendary Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Throughout its long history, the great Chinese nation has given rise to countless remarkable figures: politicians, military strategists, thinkers, scientists, writers, artists, and outstanding women. A History of China Through Five Thousand Years selects events that had a major impact on the course of Chinese histo 10kReads9.5Score1.4k14d adds
- 43 A Brief History of Christmas 圣诞简史 In December, the thing people look forward to most, besides snow, is of course the holidays. At this time of year, you can see the whole city come alive with festive cheer. Christmas trees and lights are everywhere, white-bearded old men appear on the streets, Christmas songs play in shopping malls, and all kinds of gift boxes announce that Christmas is on its way! Christmas comes around every year, but how much do you know about the holiday? Christmas, also known as the Feast of the Nativity, i 11Reads9.1Score914d adds
- 44 Five Thousand Years of Chinese History 中华上下五千年 Arranged chronologically, this book selects major events, influential figures, remarkable achievements, and brilliant cultural accomplishments from five thousand years of history. It strives to reach new heights in accuracy, appeal, and insight. Through a rigorous structure and innovative design, it explains Chinese history from every angle, offering fresh perspectives and multiple layers of analysis while vividly and concisely recounting the basic course of China's historical evolution and the 36.3kReads9.6Score4.4k14d adds
- 45 The Scandalous Tales of the Four Great Beauties 四大美人艳史演义 Uncovering the untold stories of the Four Beauties [History + biographies + the Four Beauties + unofficial anecdotes] Xi Shi, whose beauty could topple a kingdom as she washed silk, was caught in the turmoil of a chaotic age. Yang Yuhuan’s glance could captivate an entire city, but her passionate love became a shackle of fate. Wang Zhaojun left the frontier with a mournful song, bringing a brief peace between the Han and the Xiongnu. Diao Chan ingeniously set a chain of schemes in motion, turnin 92Reads8.7Score—14d adds
- 46 From Underachiever to Top Student: The Tyrannical Math Prodigy Falls for Me 学渣逆袭：霸道数学爱上我 I wrote this while I was in an unstable state of mind, so please go easy on me. [Underachiever’s comeback + School life + Coming of age + Young, innocent crushes + Inspiring ensemble cast + Occasional comfort] One day, Huang Jiajia, who fails every math test, suddenly discovers that her math textbook has come to life! And if that weren’t enough, it’s now pushing her to study! But the upside is that every time she levels up her math skills, she gets generous rewards! For example, she can order he 710Reads8.6Score14014d adds
- 47 A Half-Hour Cartoon History of China (Complete in Seven Volumes) 半小时漫画中国史（全七册） Read comics for half an hour and learn the history of China and the world! This is actually a rigorous, minimalist history of China plus a minimalist world history. From the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods to the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and from the Four Great Ancient Civilizations to Europe, Japan, and the United States... Open this book and learn history while laughing until your abs hurt. Half-Hour Comics: Chinese History 1–5: The Spring and Autumn and Warring State 2.5kReads9.6Score72214d adds
- 48 An Introduction to Ancient Chinese Culture 中国古代文化常识 This book is a systematic and comprehensive encyclopedia of essential knowledge about Chinese literature, intended to provide readers with thorough, well-organized cultural knowledge. Covering literature, art, religious beliefs, politics, economics, culture, entertainment, philosophy, science, and many other fields, it uses detailed discussions and a rigorous scholarly approach to help readers gain a deeper understanding of the breadth and depth of Chinese culture. The section on literature prov 154Reads8.6Score7214d adds
- 49 King of the Battlefield: The Decisive Edge in the Age of Cold Weapons 战场之王 冷兵器时代的决胜关键 Although guns and cannons rule the modern battlefield, cold weapons are once again catching people's attention thanks to their irreplaceable advantages. They are the true veterans, embodying humanity's deep-seated yearning for iron and blood! The appeal of weapons goes beyond killing. It lies in the stories of blood and tears hidden behind the killing, and in every warrior who stands on the battlefield with a sword or knife in hand! History is no fairy tale. Where will the stories of cold weapon 17Reads8.1Score—14d adds
- 50 The Survival Code of Ancient China: Decoding the Nine Classes of Society 古代生存密码：解密三教九流 Confucianism: The state religion through the ages, assisting the Son of Heaven in educating the people... Confucianism takes Confucian thought as its supreme belief and honors Confucius as its founding teacher. To distinguish it from Taoism, which venerates the thought of Laozi, Zhuangzi, and other Daoists, later generations began calling it Confucianism during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Thus, Confucius is also revered as the holy founder of Confucianism. The Dao: The way of heaven and 88Reads9.3Score—14d adds
