Diana K

Such a strong ending!

Revisado: 10-30-22

Having been a 17 year old girl myself, a girl who were easily swayed by exciting new opportunities, sometimes handsome faces and dreams of wanting to explore the world, I felt I could sympathize with Li Lan. As she's still young and have been sheltered, it's easy to see why some are put off by her naivety, impatience and inexperience (especially in the face of older men who were to be her marriage prospects.)
The way the story unfolded and unveiled secrets of the family, especially one of Asian descent (which I also am), made me chuckle as to how similar it was to my own complex family structure and the many stories my aunties and uncles would hide. Because the family structure is very different to the American standard of one home, one family, I can see how other readers felt it too complex.
Trying not to give away anything, I was absolutely in LOVE with the ending. The scenes written of young love, of confusion and of seeing the true reality of human relationships vs the ideal teenagers usually see, were so true to how I used to see love and relationships as a young teenager. In a way, I was glad for the way the author left the ending open-ended, allowing us, the readers to wonder for ourselves, what would we choose? That is all I dare say.
In any case, listening to the author narrate the book was a delight. Her Chinese pronunciation, her clear dialogue and emotions she expressed were a joy to listen to. Thank you for bringing such a fun book to this world! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

(edit: Ahh! Yangsze has left an Easter egg in "The Night Tiger" in regards to Li Lan's fate. Excuse my excitement, but I literally screamed. I had an inkling how that story would go on beyond the ending of this book. And SO happy to learn my intuition was right. If I were her, I'd walk that path too. ;) I am now a major fan of Yangtze's novels. So excited to read more of her novels.)

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

a life changing book!

Revisado: 11-04-19

In my search for ways to live a kinder life, one of meaning and fulfillment, one of less, and of a smaller carbon footprint, I tried to incorporate minimalism into my life. Although, the principles of the practice was effective and efficient, something was missing. Like a richness one feels when glancing upon a lush mound of wild grasses and flowers. Abundant, not bare. A lifestyle that’s like a blend of living in nature, surrounded by beauty, living in synchronicity with life, where one utilizes only what is needed and not wasting nor taking anything for granted.
But I was stuck cycling through habits of using disposable plastics, food packaging, takeout boxes, and coffee cups, and on. I was a shining example product of hustle culture working a fast-paced demanding job that would itch my attention deficit brain—so used to floods of information via the internet—to consume endless digital content. I was living in a dead-end junk pile. And I kept making excuses after excuses as to why minimalism was impossible, that there wasn’t a spark to light up the fire, and to be surrounded by nothing, but echoey walls just wasn’t a good enough "why".

Then... I found this book. Filled with succinctly written observations and stories of artisans, farmers and friends that the author have spent over 15 years getting to know. It covers the lives of those who adapted to living their in own way, working hard to pursue their purpose while living in tandem with nature. Including stories of some who left the city and escaped lives as office workers to live a life of simplicity and meaning. The author describes it in a way where one can easily through his eyes and experience, too, how it’s like to be there with him observing their daily life rituals. To live in peaceful existence. Rich in life and abundant in food for thought. I know I will be reading/listening to it many times over. A hardcopy of this book is now a permanent fixture on my desk.

So yea, definitely life changing! At least for me.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 7 personas