A tough read but I learned so much

In reviewing a list of my recent reads, I wanted to start my book reviews with this non-fiction book

 

Wild Swans, Three Daughters of China   Author Jung Chang

This book review is hard. This book is sad, there are no other words. However, I was completely captivated by her story as she chronicles the life of her grandmother, her mother and herself. 

This family is strong, dedicated, and resilient, determined to make a life of lemons into lemonade.

Personally, I had no idea that sort of life existed in China and believe me, I do not live under a rock. So much to learn about other cultures and this one is no exception.

These are the stats, “estimates say that Mao was responsible for 40 to 70 million deaths through starvation, prison, labour and executions, ranking his tenure as the top incidence of excess mortality in human history”, and all along the way destroying much of the country’s cultural heritage.

Mao Tse-tung died in September of 1976. At last, Jung Chang was able to fulfill her wish of seeing the western world.

If anyone would like to read it, I have the book and would be pleased to pass it on for your reading and learning enjoyment. If you have read this book, a discussion with you is always welcomed.

This is my favorite library

In reviewing my writings in what to share next with you, I came across this musing that I wrote back in February of 2017.

 

I so enjoyed today. I made another trip to a library. You see, this is a special library, it is the most wonderful collection of books one could ask for right in my neighbourhood.

Joan has an extensive collection of every genre imaginable. I am free to come any time and just browse shelves and shelves of books. Oh, did I mention each shelf is 2 books deep. All alphabetised by author and genre, one bookcase for fiction, one bookcase for non-fiction, memoirs, autobiographies, political.

And then the classics, my favourite. As I penciled her name in the front of each of my 10 selections, I savoured reading the covers and acknowledgments trying to decide what to begin with.

It is the best library, no deadlines to return, just whenever I am done reading them. I will have reading material for life. Thanks Joan for sharing. I will be back this Fall.