China Cry: The Nora Lam Story

by Nora Lam, Richard H. Schneider

Tells the true story of the love, courage, and struggles of one woman, Nora Lam, whose Christian faith led her to make the ultimate choice between life and death

Genres: Christian, Biography, Nonfiction, Asia, Autobiography, Christianity, Historical

253 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was technically a reread, but the last time I read this book, I was in junior high. I really enjoyed revisiting Nora Lam's story of becoming a Christian and the persecution she suffered under communist China. This book is certainly a faith-bolstering one, as she recounts miracle after miracle after miracle. Such an inspiration!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. My favorite parts were when she was really struggling because it made my problems turn into specks, I think it made me less selfish too.

[Testi_moni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this woman! The way God used her and prepared her and was patient with her! I loved her transparency, that she almost always doubted God or was not immediately obedient to His voice and call. He is so patient with us! And decides to use us anyhow, what amazing grace!
I want to be this available too! Use me Lord!👱🏻‍♀️

[Sharon/ LFrog1386 · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a story about escaping from Communist China, this book lacks much detail and depth. It is rather, a book about God and Nora's faith in Him. If that is what draws you to this book, you will enjoy it thoroughly. If you are drawn in (as I was) because it's a story that should be about escaping the Communists, you will be disappointed. Too much of the book is a sermon.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have such a heart for China and what God has done/is doing there. The amazing experiences of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that Nora describes in this account of her many Crusades for Christ is just amazing. It has increased my faith to pray and ask God for more and more.

[Nancy Herrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and cried my way through it. Totally captivating and touched my life. I got the God given opportunity to meet her in person and pray with her. My life was totally changed! A must read!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible story of what God did in the life of one willing to die for Him.

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot: A
Writing: B
Vocabulary: C
Level: Easy
Rating: PG13 (abuse, torture, murder, firing squad, starvation, work camps, illnesses, separation of families, atheism, warfare, theft, etc)
Worldview: Pentecostal Christian

Nora Lam's autobiography skims her life from 1932 to 1979. She recounts life as a little princess, fleeing from the Japanese to live in Chongqing, returning to the middle-class of Shanghai where she found love and a new political philosophy in college, the horrors of the Great Leap Forward and Thousand Flowers Blooming, escape to Hong Kong, relocation to America, and burgeoning ministry to Taiwan.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that will stick with you forever. I have watched the movie several times and read the book at least twice. I love true stories and this one really makes you examine your own life because of all the things Nora went through (being imprisoned, persecuted, forced to do heavy manual labor when she was pregnant, etc.). I would recommend reading the book or at the very least, watching the movie.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary book about an amazing missionary and her escape from Communist China--and the firing squad that could not kill her--and the lifetime of obstacles and miracles that followed.

I wish this book was longer!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story/testimony! Unreal that more people have not read or heard of it ! I watched the movie as a little girl and left an impression on me. Another great story to read would be "the cross and the switchblade" as well as the movie! Both true stories!!!

[Kim♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this movie at the theater back when I was ten. It was so moving! I'll never forget it. I have the movie edition of the book.

[Margarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

this story was amazing! you have to take a look at it..true story!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well the book I have wasn't written very well at times but I am able to overlook that because the story is amazing and powerful, and I love it!

[Mallory Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an absolutely incredible story. Her life is full of miracles, but her writing ability is not too great so I didn't love it for that reason. But wow, God is an amazing God!

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing story. I liked how she survived a firing squad, but I got lost at times.

[Kw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the edition I read. The one by Irene Burk Harrell is very well-written and just an incredible story of God's faithfulness and love for His people. So thankful for this uplifting book.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story--it challenged me in my faith and also made me think a lot about Communism.

[Richard T. Wisp · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Everything I'vesaid is TRUE"Nora Lam

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a life.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Execellent

[Judy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Nora Lam with Irene Harrell

[Deborah Hecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the movie first and was greatly impressed with how God worked in her life! From the book I saw how he worked in her life to help others.