Then and Now

"This book comprises five sections with forty-five essays, vividly recounting the author's life experiences in China and the US over seventy years, along with her reflections.

Section I, like a gentle ""Prelude,"" reminisces about her childhood and adolescence, expressing nostalgia for Beijing's Nan Cheng district, her old home, and family. It tenderly depicts the local culture's charm and its influence on her youth.

Section II, akin to a solemn ""Adagio,"" voices distant memories of university life, the absurdities witnessed during a tumultuous era, and the struggles of ordinary people across society.

Section III, resembling a lyrical ""Andante,"" describes her return visits to China over thirty years and encounters with diverse ordinary people, capturing their spirit along the journey.

Section IV, like a colorful and rhythmic ""Variation,"" portrays her legendary experiences in the US and stories of ordinary Americans and Chinese immigrants.

Section V, serving as a grand and resonant ""Finale,"" concludes her lifelong practice and reflection from the perspective of ""food as the people's paramount need"": the people are history's creators and society's masters. Only by loving and serving them can one win support and meet their needs. Those who win support thrive; those who meet needs prosper.

本书包括五辑、四十五篇长短散文，以生动传神的笔墨记录了作者七十余年来在中美两国的人生经历以及作者的思索和感悟。

第一辑似温柔的"序曲"，回忆了作者儿时和少年时代的生活，表达了对北京南城热土、老屋、父母家人的怀念，娓娓道出南城市民文化的神采及对少年作者的影响。

第二辑似沉重的"慢板"，倾诉了作者对大学生活遥远的回忆，特殊年代里目睹的荒诞以及各界底层群众的生活状况。

第三辑似抒情的"行板"，描写了作者三十余年来多次重访故国的经历以及在旅途中邂逅的形形色色的普通人的故事及其精神风貌。

第四辑似色彩绚丽、节奏丰富的"变奏"乐章，描绘出作者在美国富有传奇色彩的经历，以及众多普通美国人和华人的故事和感情。

第五辑似庄严宏大、余韵不尽的"尾声"，从"民以食为天"的特殊视角和高度，道出了作者一生实践和思索的结论：人民群众才是历史的创造者和人类社会的主宰。热爱和服务于人民，才能得人心顺民意。得人心者昌，顺民意者兴。