I have spent the past few months reading books about China, adoption, and parenting. Many of them came highly recommended on the APC List and others I found just browsing around in the book store. Not only have I enjoyed all the books I have read, but I have learned enough to get a degree! In my opinion, these books are primarily meant for adults.
Daughter of the River
by Hong YingThis is a great book! It is an autobiography that takes us right into a young girl's home and we, as readers, get to watch her grow up. The story takes place in a city called Chongqing, located right on the Yangtze River. The girl was born in the early 1960's, so she is just a little younger than me. It was amazing to me as I read, how differently the two of us grew up! There are parts of the book that are extremely graphic, and parts that make you want to cry. I highly recommend this wonderful story.
Bound Feet & Western Dress
by Pang-Mei Natasha ChangAnother good one! This is a memoir written by the niece of a woman who lived in China in the early 1900's. This woman denied her mother's wish to have her feet bound and endured a loveless arranged marriage to a man who wanted nothing to do with her. Great history and cultural lesson!
The Joy Luck Club
by Amy TanThis is definitely a joyful book that takes you in a full circle through the lives of a Chinese mother and her American born daughter. It is about a group of older women who get together once a week for dinner, conversation, and a game of Mah Jong.When one of the four women dies unexpectedly, her daughter is asked to take her place at the table each week. Great story and was also made into a movie. If you would like to learn more about the game of Mah Jong, which is still very popular in China, visit this link: Mah Jong
Red China Blues
by Jan WongAwesome book! True story about a teenage chinese/canadian girl who goes to Beijing to study Maoism. Detailed account of Mao, his followers, and the Tiananmen Square Massacre.
The Kitchen God's Wife
by Amy TanI am reading this now. So far, it is great! Check back for more info.
Wild Swans
by Jung ChangThis book has been a very popular best-seller and is a family memoir. It is about how people cope in war situations. I haven't read this book yet, but it is next on my list!
Culture Shock: China
by Kevin Sinclair and Iris Wong Po-yeeThis is a guidebook about the customs and etiquette for tholse of us visiting China today. It is filled with interesting facts and I think everyone should read it before travelling.
Redirecting Children's Behavior
by Kathryn J. KvolsA comprehensive book that shows the importance of learning how to communicate within our families in a way that promotes growth, understanding, and peaceful resolutions of conflict. I believe that this is the most valuable tool for communicating with children and dealing with day to day conflicts. It must be practiced and learned to be most effective.
Adopting in China: A Practical Guide/An Emotional Journey
by Kathleen Wheeler & Doug WernerThis book was written in 1999 and takes you through the adoption process in China. It is written in journal style, with pictures.
Wonderful Ways to Love A Child
by Judy FordThis is a charming little coffee table book with over 60 ways to show love to your child(ren). I love it and it is frequently picked up from my coffee table by my houseguests.
Coming Home Crazy
by Bill HolmThis book is about an American man who went to China for one year to teach at a university in Xi'an. He enlightens the reader with the wonders of modern Chinese life. The book is described as thought-provoking and touching. Also mentioned was the fact that after reading this book, you won't look at China or the USA the same way. When I finish reading this book, I'll let you know what I think about it!
River Town
by Peter HesslerIn 1996, 26-year-old Peter Hessler arrived in Fuling, a town on China's Yangtze River, to begin a two-year Peace Corps job as a teacher at the local college. Along with fellow teacher Adam Meier, the two are the first foreigners to be in this part of the Sichuan province for 50 years. Expecting a calm couple of years, Hessler at first does not realize the social, cultural, and personal implications of being thrust into a such radically different society.
Women of the Silk
by Gail Tsukiyama The Language of Threads
by Gail Tsukiyama Night of Many Dreams
by Gail TsukiyamaFalling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter by Adeline Yen Mah
Concubine's Children by Denise Chong
A Thousand Pieces of Gold by Adeline Yen Mah
Watching the Tree by Adeline Yen Mah
Red Azalea by Anchee Min
The Good Women of China by Xinran Xue
Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang
Wild Ginger by Anchee Min
China's Son by Da Chen
Wanting a Daughter, Needing a Son by Kay Ann Johnson, Amy Klatzkin
Eat, Drink, Man, Woman The King of Masks Farewell My Concubine The Joy Luck Club The Lover
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