Since moving to Jiangyin I find myself reading books about other families that have been transplanted to China. I don't know how long this phase will last, but I'm really enjoying relating to (commiserating with?) the authors thus far. I thought if any of you readers (I think you're out there?) wanted a more eloquently written taste of life in China than my blog, that I'd let you know what's sitting on my nightstand. And thank you for the recommendations! Keep 'em coming!
On my nightstand:
Dreaming in Chinese by Deborah Fallows
I'm only 3 chapters into this book, but I can tell I'm really going to like it. This book is the story of family from Washington D.C. that moves to China, and how learning Chinese gives one a better glimpse into Chinese life. So far, each chapter starts with just one new word or phrase the author has learned, and unfolds into a story or two or about each new word truly opens up a whole new world of interactions and conversations.
Shelved:
The Foremost Good Fortune by Susan Conley
Family from Maine moves to Beijing. The book is a combination of the family adjusting to life in China and the author coping with her cancer diagnosis so far from home. I loved it when the author focused on her time in China. I have to admit, the way she coped with and wrote about her cancer were less enjoyable to read. I know everyone responds differently to something as horrible as cancer, but having witnessed several strong women beat the disease, I found it very difficult to relate to her at times.
