'Literature Diary' - a ticket back to school days

The book takes readers back to the mischievous and rebellious days of school life, depicting the school environment of the 1990s.

In many people's imaginations, students in the specialized Literature class are bookworms, wearing thick glasses, clueless about the pressures of exams and studies. But reading "Literature Class Diary: The Teacher, 3 Precious Birds and 23 Bitterns," we will see that the three years of the specialized Literature class of 92-95 at Hanoi - Amsterdam High School were filled with joy. So much so that the members didn't hesitate to express how much they missed the class and how much they longed for the summer break to return to class.

The book is based on the class's diaries from their three years of high school, inspired by a notebook given to the class by their Literature teacher, who was also their homeroom teacher, on their first day of school. 26 members (later reduced to 22) took turns recording the class diary entries throughout their three years of high school.

The book "Literature Diary". Photo: Ngoc Nick M.

Each page of the Literature Class Diary takes the reader back to their school days, revolving around the "crazy" antics of a class, evoking school memories for many. There, we see early morning tests, lesson notebooks, classes, extracurricular activities... Field trips, group truancy, mischievous pranks like "sticking your tail" to a classmate's shirt...

The book reflects both the characteristics of school life and the unique spirit of the Literature class. Members describe the "female dominance" in the class—three boys and 23 girls—in various ways, both literary and humorous, such as: "ethnic minorities and the pink-clad faction," "one teacher, three precious birds, and 23 bitterns." Despite being all girls, the class has a very high sporting spirit. A basketball game is recounted: "Well, basketball is enough. Forget about studying. I'm so fed up with life." Basketball also finds its way into poetry with "Class 10 Literature Poem" (written based on Truong Han Sieu's "Bach Dang Giang Phu"). The introduction to the class begins with: "Poem about the 10th grade Literature class / Excellent at studying and also great at eating. Who are the 10th grade Literature students? / Twenty-six students, only three boys / 23 mischievous princesses / Truly the most mischievous... and thirdly, the students."

The Literature Class Diaries also portray the teacher's image. The "teacher" character appears dignified, respectable, yet tolerant and enthusiastic. The notebook he gave to his students to keep as a diary is proof of granting them freedom and encouraging them to express their feelings and individual selves. It was also because of the open and friendly atmosphere the teacher created that the members of the 92-95 Literature Class could write about their teachers with affectionate names such as: "the kind old man," "the beautifully dressed teacher," "the cunning godfather"...

Not merely a class diary, the Literature Specialized Diary became a book documenting school life of a bygone era. During the years 1992-1995, students, even those in specialized schools, didn't have to study excessively, attending school only for half a day. The book specifically reflects the learning methods, eating habits, entertainment, and transportation of students in the 1990s. That generation began to enjoy the fruits of reform and opening up. They listened to Western music, watched classic foreign films, and admired idol bands.

The diary entries include poems and illustrations about playing basketball by the Literature class of 1992-1995.

Written by non-professional authors, the authenticity of the Literature Diary is verified down to the day, month, and name of the writer. Being students with excellent writing skills, the book's writing style is clear and concise. Each author has a unique personality and writing style, creating diversity. Readers can find tranquility and contemplation in the writings of Hong Hanh and Dinh Thuy, imaginative reflection in Quy's work, romanticism in Cam Ha's writing, and the vivid narrative voice of Mai Lien... The book also features whimsical illustrations by the "amateur artists" in the class. The fragmented diary entries of each individual are cleverly compiled into three chapters, each with its own distinct characteristics: "dreamy 16, skeptical 17, rebellious 18."

The Literature Diary has no main character, no climax, no plot twists or resolutions, and no attempt to offer lofty philosophical insights. It's not for those seeking a literary masterpiece. But it's a ticket for anyone busy with life to return to their youth, to rediscover the beauty that only the privilege of school days can offer.

According to VNE