Amanda -
Quietly compelling
This book is outside of my usual genre, and I expected to feel like I *had* to make it through the book. This was not the case at all.
Ling quietly tells the story of her life. She doesn't do it to victimize herself. She doesn't do it to proclaim her greatness. Instead she quietly brings you through her story, which is filled with strong emotions, step-by-step. You don't even realize the journey most of the time.
Sometimes, the story was too much to handle at once and I had to walk away for a time. But I needed to know more, just like she needed to share.
I have never been familiar with Tienanmen Square. Sure, I knew about it, and that it was awful, but I didn't understand it. This book was really an insightful look into Chinese politics and culture. Something most Americans know precious little about.
Ling never yells at the reader, though she recounts many conflicts, yet her story is compelling. Many times along the path you ask "why" or "how", and she is upfront in telling you when she doesn't have the answer. But if she can provide an answer she does.
Her transformation from a bitter, scared, scarred student to a gracious, forgiving, freed woman is a journey of hope and inspiration for everyone. And through her story, we also carry a hope for China.
This book is outside of my usual genre, and I expected to feel like I *had* to make it through the book. This was not the case at all.
Ling quietly tells the story of her life. She doesn't do it to victimize herself. She doesn't do it to proclaim her greatness. Instead she quietly brings you through her story, which is filled with strong emotions, step-by-step. You don't even realize the journey most of the time.
Sometimes, the story was too much to handle at once and I had to walk away for a time. But I needed to know more, just like she needed to share.
I have never been familiar with Tienanmen Square. Sure, I knew about it, and that it was awful, but I didn't understand it. This book was really an insightful look into Chinese politics and culture. Something most Americans know precious little about.
Ling never yells at the reader, though she recounts many conflicts, yet her story is compelling. Many times along the path you ask "why" or "how", and she is upfront in telling you when she doesn't have the answer. But if she can provide an answer she does.
Her transformation from a bitter, scared, scarred student to a gracious, forgiving, freed woman is a journey of hope and inspiration for everyone. And through her story, we also carry a hope for China.
