The first: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See: LOVED it. Wow, I can't even begin to tell you how fascinating it was to feel like a fly on the wall of rural 1800's in China with the foot-binding and traditions! The twists in the story were fascinating, and I loved the author's way of answering the question you have in your head as you read it. The traditions were amazing- worthless girls. It was really interesting to consider that having a mouth to feed was a burden, and that in China, a girl was worth nothing more than a dog. Wow. I laughed out loud- ironically, when Lily marries and leaves home- and as she leaves she sings "Thank you for raising a worthless daughter" and my heart wanted to break! When Beautiful Moon died- I felt like saying, "Who has an epi pen?" How tragic. It was really interesting to read about Nu-Shu- women's secret writings, and a friendship between two girls who become women. Besides just one part, I found that I couldn't put it down.
Second, The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan: This book was one of my High School English teachers' faves- so I thought I would give it a try after reading Snow Flower and The Secret Fan- so even though the Chinese culture runs through it and confirms many things in it, I found it wasn't my favorite. The first chapter had me laughing out loud! Olivia is the main character, and I didn't love her character. Kwan, however- is her half-sister from China who comes to live in California with Olivia's family- and her character is awesome. I found myself a little lost in this book- and for good reason- it's a "ghost story" as well as a story that has reincarnation in it... which was really crazy for me. The language was a huge turn-off for me, but I had to finish it even if it really tanked in the end. It has no "happy ending" but a settle-for-less depressing one.
Third and final: Goose Girl! Written by Shannon Hale of Utah of all places! This story was fantastic- and now I have to read Princess Academy! When I began this book I really thought I wouldn't like it because I am not a fantasy type of book reader- and names of places and people that are spelled funny are a huge turn-off for me- but I kept going with the lingo and found that I truly enjoyed this book! I couldn't put it down the last fifty pages- and even if it might be written for a younger audience, I really was impressed with the character of Ani. I thought that the underlying lesson was to be grateful for challenges in your life, because they stretch you and help mold you into the person you are to become. Loved it; and would like to see it as my pick for book club if it hasn't been read already.. I didn't even know about the Brother's Grimm fairytale but feel I don't need to!
Read all three- but don't be surprised- if you read Amy Tan's- when people in your dreams will start dropping the F-bomb! Did I say that out loud?
6 comments:
I'm so glad you liked Snow Flower -it is one of my favorites too! I'll have to read Goose Girl now (I've read Princess Academy and like it). And I'll pass then on Hundred Secret Senses! Good book review!!!
I loved Goose Girl too!! I had heard about it from a couple people and decided to read it before the baby was born. It was a fun read and I was the same as you with the last 50 pages! I will have to try Princess Academy next. Maybe we should do it for Book Club! I finished "Snow Flower" a few weeks ago and enjoyed it but was sad by the ending. We need to get the boys together but we need to get the germ bug out of our house first! Matthew's good but Ella's still sick.
I STILL need to read Snow Flower. *sigh* Will it ever happen? Probably not until after the holidays.
I loved Goose Girl too. I thought the underline theme was "How genuine are You?" When she tried to act like everyone thought she should--as a princess--her influence was limited. Once she chose to stay true to herself and her inclinations and talents powerful things happened. I also liked thinking of Hale's other characters in this light. The queen's influence, the Prince's, the hand maid.
Satan wants us to compete with each other in sameness--God has given us uniqueness to team together for the good of others. Our uniqueness used for others is the ultimate power.
I picked up Goose Girl from the library a few months ago, but had several other books to read at the time. I ended up returning it after only reading about 15 pages. I'll have to try it again. Thanks for the review!
Great reviews. I will look for you on good reads (im new to it, so...it may take a while!) I really enjoyed all the Shannon Hale novels, they are great, light reads.
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