Love, Amy: An Accidental Memoir Told in Newsletters from China

by Amy Young

Too often we believe that our stories don’t matter. They do. This the power of a life story unfolding over time. Amy Young quit her job, packed up her belongings, and moved to China to teach English, initially for two years. She anticipated making cultural faux pas, trying new food, seeing God at work, and growing in her knowledge of language and culture. What she could not foresee, though, was nearly dying, experiencing political unrest, taking a job that involved traveling around China, training hundreds to live and minister in China, witnessing the craziness of SARS, or experiencing multiple medical situations. Join Amy, a natural storyteller, as she shares her life in China letter by letter.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Asia

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2017

Reviews

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book could not have come at a better time for me. I have always been intrigued by the missionary field, but scared of course of the difficulties it could bring. That combined with the fact that I never felt it was God's calling, but my own. Recently my daughter has felt the call, but she's only 15. She's going on her first missions trip this summer and has been praying that God will speak to her directly. As a mother, I have a lot of fears. My baby will be going away, and this could be the start of her missionary career. She won't know many people, communication will be difficult, and so many other things to worry over. I'm being quite honest when I say that my heart hasn't felt at peace about her going. Then I read this book and my state of mind has totally changed. Don't get me wrong, I have faith that God will protect her and keep her safe. I have faith that God will show her the way He wants her to go in the future. And I have faith that this trip will be amazing. But my flesh likes to overtake those thoughts and replace with doubt and worry. I'm a mom - it's what we do.

I would say that this book is a must read for those going on the mission field, as well as their families. It gives a raw look into Amy's life as a missionary. The trials, tribulations, joy, peace, and willingness to do God's work were all a part of this story. I'm not going to lie, as I was reading through some of her trials, especially when she fell ill, the mom in me start screaming NO. Don't let my daughter go through this. But as I continued to read Amy's story, I felt this comfort and peace wash over me. Amy reminds you of the necessity of doing God's work and following His call. She reminds you that it will not be easy, but God is in control and able to take care of all the details. She reminds this worried mother that even though my daughter might enter into the missions field, she's going to be ok.

Personal connection to this story aside, I know I would have enjoyed it even if the circumstances in my life right now were different. The mission's field is so interesting and it is touching to see how people are making a difference for God around the world. Sure, we give to missions and pray for them when we remember, but we never get to see a clear picture of what they really go through. Most of the time when they make presentations at church they are sugar coating it - only showing us the good that happens. Amy provides it all, the good, the bad and the ugly. Even though memoirs are not usually my cup of tea, I am so glad that I was able to read this one. Perhaps more missionaries should do what Amy has done to give us a glimpse into their lives!



I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This memoir of newsletters is exactly that - a memoir of newsletters. I found Amy's observations of life in China to be very interesting. Living in a different culture is eye opening. What I took away from this memoir was the appreciation of the connections she made with her students. Being open, listening, and learning is the best way to build relationships. I was disappointed that she didn't share any pictures from her newsletters. I know that would have added an extra dimension to understanding the Chinese culture. I enjoyed listening to it on Audible.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, Amy is a unique read – part memoir, part resource – but it very much captured and kept my attention throughout. Young’s writing style is conversational and engaging, and the stories she shares about life in China are eye-opening, inspiring and entertaining. The subtitle of the book – An Accidental Memoir Told in Newsletters from China – is a perfect description of what Young accomplishes by sharing a selection of nine years worth of newsletters that she wrote while teaching English to educators in China.

“Too often we believe that our stories don’t matter. They do.” This is one of my favorite aspects of Young’s book. The affirmation – through her own story and the stories she shares of the people she encountered – that each of us has a story and each of our stories matter, no matter how ‘mundane’ they may appear. In fact, this is the perfect memoir to inspire those of us who will probably never be another Billy Graham or see dazzling miracles left and right around us. It’s a story of a life walked out in the everyday ebb and flow of people and work and life, a life walked in love and faithfulness and humanity. A story for all of us.

Bottom Line: If you’ve ever wondered how cross-cultural living works, this is a wonderful and insightful read. Young’s ‘accidental memoir’ reminds each of us that the lives we are living are not accidents – we are where we are and when we are for a purpose. Love, Amy also provides short sections of helpful advice on writing newsletters, particularly for missionaries, etc. Take a trip a few years back in time (when VCRS were exciting!) and across the globe to keep a running tally of mice caught and unexpected changes of plans with Amy Young and her teammates. You’ll get a taste for life in China at the time – and how it evolved even while she was there – and be inspired by the importance of prayer and even just the simplicity of mail. An intriguing read on many levels, I definitely recommend it!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Jeanette Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed taking this journey to China with Amy as she grows in her faith and dedication to GOD.  I loved her newsetters and I know I would have had serious culture shock.  Amy was perfect for this job.  She had the right attitude and didn' let much bring her down.


My favorite story was about the fish at the restaurant.  I can not imagine the surprise on her face when this occured.  


It was an adventure for sure.  I love how clearly she writes and can picture her as she experiences the highs and lows of teaching and living in China.  


As I finish this book I have come to love Amy.  I guarantee you will, too!!!

I received this free to review.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Amy is giving away a grand prize of a letter writing basket that includes a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cb73


About the Author

Amy Young is a writer, speaker, and advocate for embracing the messy middle of your one glorious life. Author of Looming Transitions, Twenty Two Activities for Families in Transition, and The Looming Transitions Workbook,she also created the blog The Messy Middle (www.messmiddle.com), has been a part of Velvet Ashes, (an online community for missionaries) from the beginning, and contributes regularly to A Life Overseas. Amy enjoys nothing more than being with her people, wherever they are in the world. She also enjoys cheering on the Denver Broncos and Kansas Jayhawks. After nearly twenty years in China, she returned to Denver and much to her shock, discovered she enjoys gardening.


Guest Post from Amy Young

The tug for a life that is “Anything but Boring”

When I was in college the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie Sarah Plain and Tall changed my life. You’ve probably seen it and been moved too. Sarah, a spinster by the standard of her day, moves from Boston to the fields of Kansas to consider marrying a widower and help him raise his children and work his farm. Her brother could not understand why Sarah would move from so-called civilization to the middle of nowhere. But the longing she felt for her life to matter resonated deeply with me.

I was in the liminal space between adolescence and adulthood. Like Sarah, I knew I could stay where I was and live a good life, but I wanted more. And so I moved to China.

Our world is one that loves big, change-the-world stories. I love them too. I remember reading The End of the Spear, the story of Jim Elliott and his friends who were martyred for their faith. I also lost myself in the stories of Gladys Aylward, William Carey, Lottie Moon, and Amy Carmichael. I remember reading about a missionary that had some worm pulled out of his stomach that was the size of a large snake. Disgusting! Fascinating! All for the gospel! The life of faith was exciting and God was on the move all the time! While it is true, the life of faith is exciting and God is on the move, it is also ordinary, boring, disappointing, and confusing. When I started compiling the letters I wrote from my days in China, I was embarrassed by what “first year Amy” said. She was so clueless, so uninformed, so willing to display her lack of cultural knowledge. I wanted to put my hand over her mouth and ask her to please pipe down because she did not really believe what she was saying. But she did, “first year Amy” could not know what “fifteen year in China Amy” knew.

These change the world stories I love? Turns out they have been more sanitized than I realized without showing the cultural and ministry progression that must have taken place.

Even now, knowing what I know, part of me wishes my newsletters contained miracles and throngs coming to Christ because of my work. I thought throngs and miracles were what a “real” cross-cultural worker would do. I thought that would show that my life mattered, like Sarah’s when she moved to Kansas. Don’t we all want our lives to matter? I believed that mattering was measurable. By compiling and writing this book the lesson Love, Amy has taught me is that too often we confuse size with significance. I still hear the whisper that says, “Amy, really? You wrote about the cultural beliefs that influence standing in line and you think that is worth people giving of their prayer, money, and time?” Part of me is reluctant even now to publish these letters because they are common. In truth, I am happy with my life and the contributions I have made. Of course I have regrets and wish I’d handled certain situations differently. But if all we hear are the spectacular stories, we can miss the gift our beautifully ordinary lives can be.

Who made it into the Gospels? A widow and her two mites. A boy and his few fish. She is described as offering out of her poverty. His common lunch was used to feed more than he could have imagined. Jesus did not tend to elevate those in power or those who seemed impressive.

My first year, a fellow teacher in China told me, “You’re lucky you’re still in your first year. Wait until your second year and you have told all your stories. You’ll have nothing to say in your newsletters.” Isn’t that the heart of what we fear—that we will have nothing to say with our lives? The secret to combating this fear is not that secretive. Show up and be present. Taken individually, these letters don’t add up to much, but put them together and much to my surprise, month after month I wrote an accidental memoir.

As ordinary as it is, I do have to say, life in China was anything but boring! If you love memoirs and want to hear stories that will make you laugh or cringe (and sometimes both), join me on a college campus in China.

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, April 19

Inklings and notions , April 20

Eat, Read, Teach, Blog, April 20

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 21

Mary Hake, April 21

Texas Book-aholic, April 22

Carpe Diem, April 23

A Baker’s Perspective, April 24

Simple Harvest Reads, April 25 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 26

Artistic Nobody, April 27 (Spotlight)

Lots of Helpers, April 27

Bibliophile Reviews, April 28

proud to be an autism mom, April 29

A Greater Yes, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30

Janices book reviews, April 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 1

Bigreadersite, May 2

margaret kazmierczak, May 2 (Interview)

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age Appropriate For: 13 and up for some medical and social situations
Best for Ages: 15 and up

I love reading personal memoirs but I haven’t searched for a lot of them. I stumbled across this book while searching Amazon for books about writing Christian Newsletters. I enjoyed her book Enjoying Newsletters as an author that sends out newsletters. When I finished that book, I was excited to learn more about Amy.

This book chronicles Amy’s life in China from the late 90s to the 2000s as an English teacher. She went to China to teach English, but also to share her faith. Using the newsletters she sent her supporters, we get a glimpse of life as an English teacher as well as the changing face of China.

Many events like 9/11 and SARS are events that I remember watching unfold. It was interesting to get a look at what it was like in China at the time, not just what the news was reporting. Also, Amy did a wonderful job of showing the good and the heartbreaking parts of the culture. Her love and compassion for the people and her fellow workers was evident in how she writes.

I also apricated reading about a woman who was passionately living her life for God as a single woman. It’s obvious she also loves her family and her family seems to support her. It’s nice to see that too.

I highly recommend this to those who want to learn more about China, those who enjoy memoirs, and anyone who likes to read about real people serving God.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a gift it was to read this book. I have always admired people who go to other countries to help those who are ill or want to read or just be able to survive. Amy writes a book that not only journals her gift of teaching English but opened her eyes to a country that had the same goals as we do. I can't imagine leaving the safety of America to travel overseas without having thoughts of danger in my head. I loved when she wrote, " I can't guarantee the road will be smooth from here on out, but I know that we have a purpose and are making a difference one student at a time." As I read that, I smiled knowing her journey would be a blessing to her as well as to others.

Amy writes about her life in China that takes readers to a place we only hear about. I'm sure the culture shock had to be enormous but her ability to adapt was God's way of saying "This is your calling." Isn't that a comfort for us when we know we are where God wants us to be. There were times I'm sure Amy became discouraged but her writing only encourages me to get out of my comfort zone. I loved getting to know the friends she made and the connection she had with the students. She gave them hope, encouragement and compassion.

The book is very detailed and helped me experience a different culture through words that danced across the pages as Amy became more at home in China. She thought she would be there for a short time, but God had other plans for her. Her adventure became her way of life for many years. She touched many lives and experienced a true example of being God's hands and feet. The book is written as a newsletter of sorts , but for me its a personal letter for everyone to glimpse a life that changed the writer. What would you do if God called you to another country? Could you trust Him enough to step out of your comfort zone? The good news is , " He will never leave us nor forsake us."

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Tanya Marlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle says it all - it’s an accidental memoir told in newsletters from China. This book does double-duty: it’s both a tool for helping cross-cultural workers write better newsletters to their supporters (with tips and tools at the end of each section), but it’s also an epistolary memoir of 9 years of living in China as a Christian. It’s one short newsletter per month, from the late nineties, through 9/11 and SARS, as it happened in real time. Amy demonstrates what makes a good newsletter - honesty, humour, and finding adventure in everyday life.

What makes this special is Amy’s storytelling prowess and her cultural awareness and analysis. We witness not only the transformation and growth of an overseas worker as she overcomes culture shock, battles mice with a frying pan, and is operated on without anaesthetic, but also the country itself as grows in prosperity and power.

It’s a must-read for any cross-cultural worker, but you will also love this if you just have an interest in what life in cross-cultural work is really like. Amy is the ideal travel guide: cheerful and witty, with a passion for life - I felt as though I was there in China, and could see it, taste it, touch it.

She’s a born storyteller, and the only ‘preaching’ in her newsletters is her life - but what a powerful sermon. There are no dramatic ‘results’, no great lists of miracles, but after walking with her through nine years of her resilience and dependence on God, I felt challenged to live better. What I most treasured about this book was the subtle affirmation of everyone’s story, even the mundane - and I came away struck by the the beauty and power of an ordinary life, lived in love. Highly recommended for any Christian interested in cross-cultural living.

*I received an advance review copy of this book.*

[Jennifer J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Amy is a distinctive memoir quite unlike many I’ve read. Here is a highly enjoyable read featuring the monthly newsletters created by TESL teacher, Amy Young, a cross-cultural worker/teacher who was indelibly changed by her years living and serving in China. As an ESL/TESL teacher living in a “foreign” country myself, I found Amy Young’s narrative especially relatable, heartwarming, relevant, poignant, funny, and memorable. This would be an excellent resource for anyone considering moving or working abroad and/or considering TESL as a career option.

Ms. Young’s conversational style of writing makes the reading especially easy and interesting. The chapters on newsletter writing tips and ideas interspersed with the section of each teaching year are interesting although their placement, for me, was somewhat distracting to the flow of the book. This book comes together as part memoir, part instruction-for-those-planning-to-teach-or-serve-abroad. I would have enjoyed seeing the pictures she references in the newsletters!

One favorite quote, “As I said, we’re being pushed out of our comfort zone and need to continue to seek help from the One who knows no cultural boundaries. I’m thankful He does, because we seem to be bouncing into our boundaries more than usual.”

Another, “I talked about how we’ve chosen to be teachers and what it means to be chosen by God for a task by looking at Moses, Jeremiah, Mary, and Joseph. Being chosen isn’t enough; they each needed to accept the call and act on it.”

All in all, this was a highly enjoyable read that often hit close to home for me. I so appreciated the opportunity to see Ms. Young’s growth spiritually, mentally, emotionally and culturally.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Young's book. Her letters to her supporters while she was in China are very informative and entertaining. I really like how she combines her personal experiences with changes happening in the culture, her emotional ups and downs, the people she met, and much more. It was also very interesting to read about the attitudes of the Chinese when an American president did something the Chinese did not like.

Young is a great story teller. I like the stories she told about the places she went, the relationships she made and the students she taught. Of course, the best stories were the ones about mice and killing them with a frying pan. Young is able to communicate the flavor of her experiences without complaining or sounding proud. She includes a nice balance of information and reflection on her experiences with a bit of humor thrown in. Reading this memoir gives a good sense of all that was involved in teaching English in a foreign country in the late 1990s.

Young offers tips on newsletter writing too. Those involved in writing newsletters to supporters would do well to read this book, finding good examples of her newsletter writing ideas. Whether newsletter writer or not, this was an entertaining and informative memoir.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Rosalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's an intriguing read, rather different from many that I blog about...it is a memoir (an "accidental memoir" as the cover calls it). I usually read fiction, but I do enjoy reading true stories, and especially enjoyed, and was both blessed and challenged by this one!

This book is quite literally, a compilation of letters written by Amy during her time in China. She purposed to be unusual from most missionaries--by writing newsletters that would be enjoyable to read. Throughout the entire book, she has included tips on how to accomplish this.

Humor and many life lessons can be found in these pages. I especially liked how real and personal it was. Sometimes being a missionary can be glossed over or made to look glamorous, when in reality, it's anything but that. Amy chose to show us some difficult times, along with times when everything went smoothly. I enjoyed seeing how God worked in her life, and how she grew as a Christian because of what she faced.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't imagine the living conditions for teachers in China. I mean 3 months without hot water? mice, really?? But she seemed to really enjoy her time there. I loved her sense of humor: "Visiting fantasy Island (AKA Thailand) is refreshing..." hahaha. I also like the different, funny ways she signed off on her newsletters, e.g. "Squeaky Clean, Amy."
It was interesting learning about the financial arrangement of this situation (vaguely). the supporters pay the teachers a salary and cover their transportation and lodging. And in return they write newsletters updating the supporters on their progress. The other oddity to me, was the theological or Evangelical aspect of their mission of converting lost souls. in communist countries citizens cannot participate in religion, so they probably had to be very careful re government regulations.
An update in the technology: they are probably still communicating regularly with their supporters but maybe using social media or email 20 years later. I would have liked to see photos while reading. Lost in translation with the Kindle. Honestly, I'm a little bit jealous that she had the courage and took this challenge. She had an opportunity to do something so enriching with her life. She touched so many other people and made so many friends.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am an avid reader of memoirs and really enjoy diving into diverse cultures. From battling mice to being operated on without anesthetic you are drawn into her world with her powerful storytelling. Her descriptions of China are amazing and you feel that you are really there along side of her. Proof that real life is so much more imaginative than fiction can be.

Amy Young grows as a person and she's not afraid to share her life with us. I was rooting for her and came to care about the people she brought to life. This was my first read from her and I'm definitely going back and finding her other writings.


Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

[Bayta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Young invites us along on the journey she made as she experienced life in China in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It’s a journey of discovering the place and the culture, and of getting to know (and love) the people. It is also a very personal journey of learning and growing, of facing joys, challenges and questions.

Yes, it is an outsider’s view of the place and time, but that of an outsider genuinely seeking to learn and understand, and doing so with great humility and compassion.

Amy’s “accidental memoir” is deeply moving, very informative – and at the same time very funny! Amy is not afraid to share all those awkward and entertaining (at least in the telling afterwards) moments that are part and parcel of living cross-culturally.

I found myself caring about the people Amy mentions, rooting for her in the challenges, and waiting for the next instalment of the mouse saga. Great storytelling!

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This “accidental memoir” by Amy Young chronicles her first nine years in China through her newsletters. It is such an interesting and refreshing way to write a memoir! Amy Young is a gifted storyteller and draws the reader in with the first stroke of her pen (or keyboard, in this case). She relates so much fun and humor in being totally immersed in a new environment, language and culture. Her playful spirit and hard work to integrate into the Chinese culture are interspersed with heartbreaks and achingly beautiful and breath-taking stories of real people in real time.
These newsletters in the memoir reminded me of those that I receive from my friends who are serving overseas currently and has renewed my desire to continue partnering with them.
Anyone who loves an honestly well-written book about overseas mission work would love this book.

I was given a copy of this book from the author/publisher through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own and subjective.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Love,Amy" by Amy Young is a memoir that is told in actual newsletters that she wrote from China. The newsletters were interesting to read and some of it was quite fun to read! She wrote some of the newsletters so well that it was like seeing the events instead of just reading them, like the mouse stories.

I even tried answering the quizzes that she included in a couple of the letters.

There are tips to help with writing newsletters if you write them, I don't write newsletters but I read them anyway.

This book has increased my appreciation for others who give up their lives, ( not in death but in service ) to help others.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, Amy

An memoir of her years in China told through letters. She had quite a time in China when she got sick and different times she had to go to the doctor/hospital. This was from 1995 to 2004, things were a lot different from the United States. She was a teacher there. She did go home to visit and also had visitors there. I wandered on how much time and planning when into that and the cost. I first I thought the book may not be my kind of book but I did find it very interesting. There was the language barrier that really made things hard at times. I received an complementary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that are a hidden treasure. I was amazed at the details and the love that Amy put into her passion and mission in China. I think many of us are unsure and lacking knowledge about this area in the world, and Amy gives us a first hand experience of living her faith, sharing it and bringing light to many. It is a book that will touch anyone's heart and remind us that we all have the ability and calling to make a difference.

I was provided a copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and share my opinions expressed here.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very well written. Amy really knows how to describe what was happening while she was in Chima. It was interesting to read how she saw the people in China. From her eyes Americans and Chinese are quite different. It would have been interesting to see how she regarded the people in 2018. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Love, Amy! It is quite an unusual book, but a great one. Amy Young subtitled her book, An accidental memoir told in newsletters from China. She compiled ten years’ worth of the newsletters she wrote from China, with tips for people who write newsletters after each year. I found these tips very interesting, as well as the letters themselves.

[Kayla Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Such a great book! It was super encouraging to me as I start loving overseas. I especially love that this book included all the smaller stuff of being a missionary overseas that memoirs/biographies often leave out. It is so encouraging to know that my time does not have to be spectacular to be fruitful. Thank you Amy!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has spent the past 16 years outside the US, I very much related,to Amy's book. As a missionary on support, I greatly appreciated her new letter tips. They are incredibly helpful.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed! An easy read that felt like a fun escape for me, while also being an imput/training book.