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Elizabeth R. - Reviews

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Falling Leaves: The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter
Falling Leaves: The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter
Author: Adeline Yen Mah
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 298
Review Date: 12/13/2005


The best part about this book is seeing history happen through someone else's eyes. It's a personal story, but it's also a story about how the changes in society affected this family.

As other reviewers said, the family's treatment of each other is really extreme. However, it's great to see what someone who was dealt a terrible hand in life has been able to do to turn things around.


The Good Women of China : Hidden Voices
The Good Women of China : Hidden Voices
Author: Xinran Xue
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 27
Review Date: 12/13/2005
Helpful Score: 2


This book was really well written and the stories are simply stated.

Each chapter is about a different woman, and Xinran's relationship to them (if applicable).

There's a few standout stories: one about a girl who kept a fly as a pet, and is heartbroken when she can't find it. It's a story told through letters between the girl and another friend of hers. The other one that stands out in my mind is the story of a woman who is a salvager, sorting through other people's garbage and selling what she finds. Xinran develops a friendship with her and eventually discovers some secrets about her life.

I don't want to give too much away about each story, so I'll leave it at that. This book was good enough for me to read several times before I decided to pass it to someone else.


A Gospel of Shame: Children, Sexual Abuse, and the Catholic Church
Review Date: 12/13/2005


I really found this book fascinating because it's based on older Catholic Church scandals, not the most current ones just a few years ago.

The most interesting parts was the section on why pedophiles are attracted to becoming priests.


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