this was a doozy! it took me weeks to get through it. (i spent most of september very mad at china.) here’s our guest host tiffany’s take on the book:

I picked this book because I believe it is powerful.  Nien Cheng is in the unique situation of being Chinese and living through vast changes in Chinese society during the 20th century, yet she really understands western thought and western culture.  Plus, she is brilliant.  Very few people who actually experienced this period in China could have written a story that is so easy for the western mind to grasp.  But, Nien Cheng did it and she has taught me (and I hope you) a lot in the process.

I could probably write ten essays on ten different things I learned from reading this book.  Not only did I learn a lot about Chinese history and culture, but I also learned about strength, endurance, integrity, and faith.  I can’t imagine going through something like this, and I often found myself asking, “Would I be able to do that?”  I loved her descriptions of how she got through and kept up a productive attitude.  At the beginning of her imprisonment she tried to recite poetry to keep her spirits up but did whatever it took to keep her sanity:

My persistent efforts to maintain sanity had a measure of success.  But there were still moments when I was so burdened with hunger and misery that I was tempted to let go my tenuous grip on the lifeline of survival.  At those times, I had to depend on conflict with the guards to stimulate my fighting spirit… (pg. 204)

 

Reading that made me smile.  Not only was she brave, but she was also willing to fight in any way she could.  I can’t believe the example she sets for the attitude we should have in the face of adversity.  I am also struck by her ability to forgive those who imprisoned her.  She really was able to keep any anger she had from being directed at individuals.

Most of all, I think this book made me feel grateful.  Today all we hear on the news is how bad our economy is, and dire predictions for the future.  Many people complain against our current leaders and hold them completely responsible for the situation.  Maybe they are.  Maybe they aren’t.  All I know is when I get told at work how Bush ruined America, all I want to say is, “you have no idea how one man or one political faction can ruin a country, have you ever heard of Mao Tse-tung?”  Despite all the mess we find ourselves in today, this book has helped me remember why I still love my country.  That in and of itself is a message worth remembering.

What struck you most about this book?  What will you remember?

tiff is working toward a phd in biochemistry at duke university. she has curly hair.