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How Sweet the Bitter Soup
Her mom was working as a maid. Her dad’s Alzheimer’s was in high gear. And the rent on her parents’ small Chicago apartment had just gone up. Again. But Lori was holding it all together: helping care for her dad and pay her family’s bills, figuring out how to navigate graduate school and four jobs on top of her family responsibilities, and, somehow, continuing to believe that there was more to life than this.
And there was. An exciting job teaching at a prestigious school in China. Although the previous month, she had turned down a job offer in Iowa―thinking it was too far away from her family―she felt completely at ease accepting the job in China. Grasping on to the fierce determination she’d had since childhood, Lori found herself in Guangzhou, China, where she fell in love with the culture and with a man from a tiny town in Hubei province. What followed was a transformative adventure―one that will inspire readers to use the bitter to make life even sweeter.
And there was. An exciting job teaching at a prestigious school in China. Although the previous month, she had turned down a job offer in Iowa―thinking it was too far away from her family―she felt completely at ease accepting the job in China. Grasping on to the fierce determination she’d had since childhood, Lori found herself in Guangzhou, China, where she fell in love with the culture and with a man from a tiny town in Hubei province. What followed was a transformative adventure―one that will inspire readers to use the bitter to make life even sweeter.
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2019
8 people are currently reading
2987 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 10, 2019
An amazing journey that had me enraptured in the first pages. The bravery and adventure of a young woman stepping into a country and culture so new and different from her own and a life changing experience that takes her on a journey of life, love and change. Emotional, relatable and inspiring. Lori Qian had me crying and laughing and wanting to experience much more in this life and world. A beautiful debut. I'm excited to see more from this author.
December 27, 2020
I purchased this eBook through BookBub. The cover design is very well done. Appealing.
The topic one I felt I would be interested in, since I’ve never traveled to China and most likely never will.
I also love reading memoirs. The book simply written, and sometimes a bit repetitive.
The author moved to Guangzhou in China in the year 2000, and would send three years there.
Most of the book revolves around her meeting and falling in love with a Chinese man.
There is the mention of Wuhan, the capital city in this man’s home province. Wuhan now familiar to most all from the start of the COVID 19 virus.
On page 3 she writes: for a foreign woman to marry a Chinese man is highly complicated at that as best — in fact, it is nearly impossible.
On February 16, 2002 she married a Chinese man and became the ninth American/Chinese couple to get married in the Hubei province.
There is no ritual exchanging of rings and no walking down the aisle. A couple is married once they have obtained a marriage certificate. And Getting paperwork and proper documentation is a lot of frustrating work, and a lot of what this book is about.
Life is China, of course, is very different from what we in North America are used to.
I found the “squatter” toilets in China particularly interesting. And looked up images online.
I would have liked learning more about the food.
For example: on page 167, when she visits her husband’s family a live chicken walks around the house just hours before it is served up for dinner.
At another meal she was served huge chunks of frog and eel in her bowl at dinner time.
It is common for Chinese parents to not use a diaper for children under two years of age, but instead to allow them to poop and pee on the floor.
The bitter soup refers to bad days making us appreciate good days. The idea that there simply must be opposition in all things if we are ever to learn anything.
The bitter to better understand the sweet. To not take good things for granted.
Handing something to someone with both hands is a sign of politeness in China.
And spring festival is the time a year when they go out and visit one another.
The author she also in China during the time of the SARS outbreak. Older ladies in the neighbourhood advised her boil vinegar in the house. Some of what she describes about how SARS changed people’s lives is very familiar now to anyone in the world experiencing COVID 19.
She also describes her husband applying for a tourist visa to visit her family in the US and how important it was to prove that the Chinese citizen would return to China.
I found the book held my interest and was worth the read.
The topic one I felt I would be interested in, since I’ve never traveled to China and most likely never will.
I also love reading memoirs. The book simply written, and sometimes a bit repetitive.
The author moved to Guangzhou in China in the year 2000, and would send three years there.
Most of the book revolves around her meeting and falling in love with a Chinese man.
There is the mention of Wuhan, the capital city in this man’s home province. Wuhan now familiar to most all from the start of the COVID 19 virus.
On page 3 she writes: for a foreign woman to marry a Chinese man is highly complicated at that as best — in fact, it is nearly impossible.
On February 16, 2002 she married a Chinese man and became the ninth American/Chinese couple to get married in the Hubei province.
There is no ritual exchanging of rings and no walking down the aisle. A couple is married once they have obtained a marriage certificate. And Getting paperwork and proper documentation is a lot of frustrating work, and a lot of what this book is about.
Life is China, of course, is very different from what we in North America are used to.
I found the “squatter” toilets in China particularly interesting. And looked up images online.
I would have liked learning more about the food.
For example: on page 167, when she visits her husband’s family a live chicken walks around the house just hours before it is served up for dinner.
At another meal she was served huge chunks of frog and eel in her bowl at dinner time.
It is common for Chinese parents to not use a diaper for children under two years of age, but instead to allow them to poop and pee on the floor.
The bitter soup refers to bad days making us appreciate good days. The idea that there simply must be opposition in all things if we are ever to learn anything.
The bitter to better understand the sweet. To not take good things for granted.
Handing something to someone with both hands is a sign of politeness in China.
And spring festival is the time a year when they go out and visit one another.
The author she also in China during the time of the SARS outbreak. Older ladies in the neighbourhood advised her boil vinegar in the house. Some of what she describes about how SARS changed people’s lives is very familiar now to anyone in the world experiencing COVID 19.
She also describes her husband applying for a tourist visa to visit her family in the US and how important it was to prove that the Chinese citizen would return to China.
I found the book held my interest and was worth the read.
September 27, 2019
I don't typically read a lot of memoirs since non-fiction doesn't tend to be my go-to genre. I was initially drawn to this book because I loved that the author made the decision to give up the comfortable (culturally speaking) life that she had in order to make a new life in China, and she did it while being so positive and optimistic.
This is an eye-opening memoir that really highlights the cultural differences between America and China but in a way that makes you love and appreciate each for what they have to offer. Lori didn't just go to China as a foreigner to make some extra cash and ignore the culture, which a lot of tourists are guilty of. Rather, she made the conscious choice to fully immerse herself in this foreign land despite the constant barriers and obstacles that she was faced with.
And what's the age old saying, you can't help who you fall in love with? That's definitely true in Lori's case as well. She fell in love and decided to get married in Hubei making her and her husband the NINTH interracial couple in history to be married there. Just imagine the amount of hoops that these two had to jump through. Actually don't imagine it, read it and experience it because it really is a beautiful story.
Thank you to Lori Qian, Kate Rock Book Tours, and She Writes Press for my copy of this book. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
This is an eye-opening memoir that really highlights the cultural differences between America and China but in a way that makes you love and appreciate each for what they have to offer. Lori didn't just go to China as a foreigner to make some extra cash and ignore the culture, which a lot of tourists are guilty of. Rather, she made the conscious choice to fully immerse herself in this foreign land despite the constant barriers and obstacles that she was faced with.
And what's the age old saying, you can't help who you fall in love with? That's definitely true in Lori's case as well. She fell in love and decided to get married in Hubei making her and her husband the NINTH interracial couple in history to be married there. Just imagine the amount of hoops that these two had to jump through. Actually don't imagine it, read it and experience it because it really is a beautiful story.
Thank you to Lori Qian, Kate Rock Book Tours, and She Writes Press for my copy of this book. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2019
Memoirs are always tough to review, I mean, here you are reading about someone's life that they decide to share with you, and now you are about to critique it. Yeah, nope. There's really no review here. Just some thoughts.
Not only is picking up and moving to another country to live and work completely terrifying, Lori decided to make sure that the trip was going to be memorable. See, Lori also decided to fall in love and get married while there, becoming the ninth American/Chinese couple to get married in Hubei Provence. No big deal right? Yeah, except it's NOT that easy, just ask their government. (Read the book.....honestly).
With all the cultural differences and challenges, obstacles and barriers, Lori writes in a way that is inspiring and respectful. You fall in love with her, the country, and you see what it is that makes her so inspiring. This memoir reads like a story you won't want to put down, it is funny, sad, heartwarming and empowering. I am not usually one for memoirs, but this didn't feel like a "memoir" it felt like a really important story that needed to be told. It felt like something we all needed to know about. It's about life, and love and family and resistance, and acceptance. My best advice to you is to just read it. Its worth it, there's just not much more to say. Bravo Lori.
Thank you to Lori Qian, Kate Rock Book Tours, and She Writes Press for my copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Not only is picking up and moving to another country to live and work completely terrifying, Lori decided to make sure that the trip was going to be memorable. See, Lori also decided to fall in love and get married while there, becoming the ninth American/Chinese couple to get married in Hubei Provence. No big deal right? Yeah, except it's NOT that easy, just ask their government. (Read the book.....honestly).
With all the cultural differences and challenges, obstacles and barriers, Lori writes in a way that is inspiring and respectful. You fall in love with her, the country, and you see what it is that makes her so inspiring. This memoir reads like a story you won't want to put down, it is funny, sad, heartwarming and empowering. I am not usually one for memoirs, but this didn't feel like a "memoir" it felt like a really important story that needed to be told. It felt like something we all needed to know about. It's about life, and love and family and resistance, and acceptance. My best advice to you is to just read it. Its worth it, there's just not much more to say. Bravo Lori.
Thank you to Lori Qian, Kate Rock Book Tours, and She Writes Press for my copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.
give-it-a-try
October 5, 2019What a seriously awesome novel!
It was so very interesting to see this author's life change in different ways that would necessitate courage, hope, and perseverance. It is never easy to take care of family members who are struggling with a sickness, but Lori handled the situation with grace.
The love story that developed once she moved to China was breathtaking and romantic. I found myself rooting for Lori throughout the whole read.
This is a novel that everyone should read as it inspires growth and change!
Awesome job Lori!
It was so very interesting to see this author's life change in different ways that would necessitate courage, hope, and perseverance. It is never easy to take care of family members who are struggling with a sickness, but Lori handled the situation with grace.
The love story that developed once she moved to China was breathtaking and romantic. I found myself rooting for Lori throughout the whole read.
This is a novel that everyone should read as it inspires growth and change!
Awesome job Lori!
January 10, 2020
This memoir kept me interested from the very first page. Lori’s journey in China sounded very interesting and so different from the US. I enjoyed it!
September 18, 2019
Wow, I read this book straight through in an afternoon. I'm usually a little slower-paced when reading non-fiction, but this real-life story is so intriguing that I was completely absorbed in it.
I've always been interested in Chinese culture and reading about this American woman's perspective made me feel like I was there experiencing the culture myself. The author's journey of self-discovery was multi-faceted and inspiring. The transformation from growing up in a poor Chicago apartment with various insecurities, eating disorders, and traumas to creating a solid sense of self in the middle of a completely foreign country is amazing. The message that it is possible to transcend your background and discover mental, spiritual, and physical strength by stepping into the unknown is incredibly empowering.
I also really appreciated the very respectful and reverent way that the author depicts Chinese culture. I feel like there are many who are quick to judge and see all the negatives in other cultures, but I really liked that she accepted those with grace and focused more on the positive aspects and the commonalities.
The image of the author being scorned by some American friends for enjoying the Chinese tradition of walking outside in the evening in her pajamas really stuck with me. I like to think (hope!) that I would act in a similar way when living in another country--that I would be there to absorb the beauty of their culture and immerse myself in it rather than standing on the outside with a false sense of pride and separation.
Overall a great read...inspiring, entertaining, educational, heart-wrenching, and pivotal. I love books that encourage me to be better, and this is definitely one of those.
I've always been interested in Chinese culture and reading about this American woman's perspective made me feel like I was there experiencing the culture myself. The author's journey of self-discovery was multi-faceted and inspiring. The transformation from growing up in a poor Chicago apartment with various insecurities, eating disorders, and traumas to creating a solid sense of self in the middle of a completely foreign country is amazing. The message that it is possible to transcend your background and discover mental, spiritual, and physical strength by stepping into the unknown is incredibly empowering.
I also really appreciated the very respectful and reverent way that the author depicts Chinese culture. I feel like there are many who are quick to judge and see all the negatives in other cultures, but I really liked that she accepted those with grace and focused more on the positive aspects and the commonalities.
The image of the author being scorned by some American friends for enjoying the Chinese tradition of walking outside in the evening in her pajamas really stuck with me. I like to think (hope!) that I would act in a similar way when living in another country--that I would be there to absorb the beauty of their culture and immerse myself in it rather than standing on the outside with a false sense of pride and separation.
Overall a great read...inspiring, entertaining, educational, heart-wrenching, and pivotal. I love books that encourage me to be better, and this is definitely one of those.
September 26, 2019
The first book I ever received from Goodreads and I feel so privileged to review this great book. Lori goes to China to teach English while her family struggles in Chicago with poverty and illness. It’s a book you can’t put down while learning about another culture, country and red tape.I learned so much from reading this book and I look forward to more from Lori. Thank you goodreads and I provided an honest review.
August 13, 2019
This chronicles a transformative global adventure that changed not just the author's life, but generations to come. With relatable concerns, and charming and heartbreaking and humorous details, the power of her story and insights will stay with you long after the soup is eaten.
January 24, 2020
I loved reading about Lori’s experiences in China and of course I’m a sucker for love stories so this book hit all the right spots! Can’t wait to read her next one 😎
Read
September 9, 2019Lori’s memoir about moving to China for work, falling in love with the culture and then falling in love and trying to convince the government to allow a Chinese-American marriage felt like something out of a modern fairytale retelling. I especially love how Lori and William both overcame extreme circumstances in each of their home countries to get where they are today.
August 31, 2019
I have to be honest, memoirs are normally not a big thing for me. I’m a fiction girl, I need action and so forth. However, when I read the description I fell in love with the idea of this book. I fell for a book talking about finding love and stepping out in courage and faith to start a new job in another country!
Reading this book sealed the deal, this memoir was amazing and I truly enjoyed every word of it. The excitement of moving to another country all by yourself, the true self will of wanting to help others in a place that’s completely different than what you’re used to and the Amazingness of her belief in God and staying true to her faith. And finally, finding Love.
A huge thank you to Kate Rock and Lori Qian for the beautiful copy, I love the cover and everything in between that and the back.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A true must read that everyone should read!
I will truly treasure this copy. It’s encouraged and put a smile on my face. Love always wins and will always prevail through the hardest of situations. God is always in control and everything that we go through is a result of him.
Y’all go grab it and let me know your thoughts!!
Reading this book sealed the deal, this memoir was amazing and I truly enjoyed every word of it. The excitement of moving to another country all by yourself, the true self will of wanting to help others in a place that’s completely different than what you’re used to and the Amazingness of her belief in God and staying true to her faith. And finally, finding Love.
A huge thank you to Kate Rock and Lori Qian for the beautiful copy, I love the cover and everything in between that and the back.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A true must read that everyone should read!
I will truly treasure this copy. It’s encouraged and put a smile on my face. Love always wins and will always prevail through the hardest of situations. God is always in control and everything that we go through is a result of him.
Y’all go grab it and let me know your thoughts!!
September 8, 2019
I loved reading every word. I couldn't believe how many emotions I went through as I was reading. Crying, laughing, the joy and excitement, even a little bit angry and exhausted at times. I didn't want the book to end. Such an amazing first book. Keep the books coming Lori
September 24, 2019
"For a foreign woman to marry a Chinese man is highly complicated at best--in fact, it is nearly impossible. On February 16, 2002, William and I became the ninth American/Chinese couple to get married in Hubei province." So begins the inspiring memoir of Lori Qian and after reading about the obstacles they overcame you'll know why!
Lori's story of her journey to China to teach while also finding love was very interesting. The cultural differences were incredible and I don't know that I would have handled them quite as well as Lori did.
Thank you to the author and Kate Rock Book Tours for the advanced copy; all opinions are my own.
Lori's story of her journey to China to teach while also finding love was very interesting. The cultural differences were incredible and I don't know that I would have handled them quite as well as Lori did.
Thank you to the author and Kate Rock Book Tours for the advanced copy; all opinions are my own.
September 2, 2019
This was a mesmerizing read from beginning to end. Lori’s journey during her years living in China was fascinating. I found that she did a great job of showing the reader how incredibly hard it was to submerse herself into another culture so different than her own. She was able to face seemingly insurmountable challenges head on while maintaining her sense of self. Her love for the country was evident from the amazing descriptions she included. I’m so glad I gave this book a chance. I learned a lot while reading it.
Thank you to KateRockBookTours for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to KateRockBookTours for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2019
This would be an incredible story as fiction, but what makes it even more incredible is that it’s true. Qian’s adventures really had me captivated. There were several parts of the book that made me laugh out loud, and the romance was so fun. Her story is so inspiring and makes me want to live with a more wide-open heart, with more purpose and vigor.
September 29, 2019
{ Partner } Thank you to Kate Rock Book Tours, the author, and She Writes Press for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and participation in the blog tour.
I always find that memoirs, these types of memoirs in particular, are difficult for me to review. It's one thing when you pick up a celebrity memoir of someone that you already have fully formed opinions of, and you buy the book because you love the celebrity and just want to learn more about where they come from. I picked up this memoir having read the description above and knowing that I would be on this tour, but going in to this story without any additional knowledge about the author or her story made this a very personal and emotional read.
I really enjoy learning about cultures and experiences that I wouldn't likely get to experience for myself, and so the fact that this book is truly the story of the author experiencing these other sights and cultures was really interesting and enjoyable for me. It certainly isn't all a walk in the park for her (the chapter about the trouble they had leading up to their wedding was crushingly difficult to read.) But getting to follow along with her as she first sees and immediately loves the sights, the sounds, and the people all the way on the other side of the world, was really beautiful to get to see.
Overall I know that memoirs aren't for everyone, and they aren't even my go to genre by any means, but I would recommend this one to anyone who wants to dip their toes in and fall in love with China vicariously through the author's story.
I always find that memoirs, these types of memoirs in particular, are difficult for me to review. It's one thing when you pick up a celebrity memoir of someone that you already have fully formed opinions of, and you buy the book because you love the celebrity and just want to learn more about where they come from. I picked up this memoir having read the description above and knowing that I would be on this tour, but going in to this story without any additional knowledge about the author or her story made this a very personal and emotional read.
I really enjoy learning about cultures and experiences that I wouldn't likely get to experience for myself, and so the fact that this book is truly the story of the author experiencing these other sights and cultures was really interesting and enjoyable for me. It certainly isn't all a walk in the park for her (the chapter about the trouble they had leading up to their wedding was crushingly difficult to read.) But getting to follow along with her as she first sees and immediately loves the sights, the sounds, and the people all the way on the other side of the world, was really beautiful to get to see.
Overall I know that memoirs aren't for everyone, and they aren't even my go to genre by any means, but I would recommend this one to anyone who wants to dip their toes in and fall in love with China vicariously through the author's story.
June 30, 2020
I have always been fascinated by Chinese culture for a very long time and memoirs are one of my favorite genres. Lori came from a poor family in the United States and seemed very sensitive about her lack of money. That struck me at the beginning. My family was also low income in my childhood too, but I always felt very rich because of how my parents enjoyed the little things in life. We shared our food with others and maybe had more material things than she did.
While reading her book, I kept comparing her life with mine. We both love reading and linguistics. If I ever met her I would to discuss that with her. Lorirowas is more independant than I am. Her father was dying of Alzheimer's, her mother could not make ends meet so when offered a teaching position in China, she seemed to both want to escape the sadness of her home situation and have the opportunity of making a high enough salary to send money home. I wonder if I would be able to choose China. Will be thinking more about that,
I went on a tour to China in 1992 for three weeks, I saved the vacation days at work and met my son who was studying in a Chinese college. I met my son's wife to be and her family. That was in Bejing, Lori taught and lived in a very different area,and in a different area. When I came to China, it was rapidly changing and continues to change today. Lori experienced being an English teacher in a very rich and exclusive part of China. When she arrived she felt a sense of freedom because no one there knew her background, I had that freedom too but I think adventure was behind that. When I left, I cried because I felt very at home in China too. The people were friendly and welcoming.
I could imagine what Lori had to go through to get married with getting the proper stamps even before I read it. That was very typical.
I am not much on romance but I believe Lori when she writes that her husband is a good and loving person. I am looking forward to reading her next book on her personal journey to fitness. Fighting for Fitness.
I received this finished and signed copy of her book from the author who signed it as a win from First Ralwaeads. My thoughts and feelings in this review are my own.
While reading her book, I kept comparing her life with mine. We both love reading and linguistics. If I ever met her I would to discuss that with her. Lorirowas is more independant than I am. Her father was dying of Alzheimer's, her mother could not make ends meet so when offered a teaching position in China, she seemed to both want to escape the sadness of her home situation and have the opportunity of making a high enough salary to send money home. I wonder if I would be able to choose China. Will be thinking more about that,
I went on a tour to China in 1992 for three weeks, I saved the vacation days at work and met my son who was studying in a Chinese college. I met my son's wife to be and her family. That was in Bejing, Lori taught and lived in a very different area,and in a different area. When I came to China, it was rapidly changing and continues to change today. Lori experienced being an English teacher in a very rich and exclusive part of China. When she arrived she felt a sense of freedom because no one there knew her background, I had that freedom too but I think adventure was behind that. When I left, I cried because I felt very at home in China too. The people were friendly and welcoming.
I could imagine what Lori had to go through to get married with getting the proper stamps even before I read it. That was very typical.
I am not much on romance but I believe Lori when she writes that her husband is a good and loving person. I am looking forward to reading her next book on her personal journey to fitness. Fighting for Fitness.
I received this finished and signed copy of her book from the author who signed it as a win from First Ralwaeads. My thoughts and feelings in this review are my own.
September 24, 2019
I am so excited to be a part of How Sweet the Bitter Soup tour! I loved this book! Memoirs are my jam and one where the author picks up their whole life and moves to a foreign country, was right up my alley.
Lori Qian is originally from Chicago and worked hard to help her parents with rent and her Dad’s Alzheimer’s care. Then a position at a prestigious school in China opens up, and she decides that will be the best thing she can do for her family and herself. So, she heads to Guangzhou, China to teach for a year. That year turns in to more than she would ever imagine- promotion, love, marriage and children!
I really enjoyed how well Qian described the culture and really dove right in when she moved there. She wasn’t afraid to go out on her own, explore, meet people and try new things. You would be surprised how often I have traveled with others that turn their nose up at foods or customs in foreign countries. It always baffles me as to why they even traveled in the first place!
Explaining the different between the very wealthy area where the school is located and then right outside the walls the very poor and how they live should be very eye opening to most readers. As a world traveler myself I have seen the extreme differences in Hong Kong and Brazil. The rich and poor live among each other and there is a level of respect for every human. One of the thing she brings up is so true- in the States we often feel that certain neighborhoods and lack of incomes lead to crime; but in China that is not true because “saving face” (pride) is more important than money or stuff will ever be. Of course, there is crime everywhere but the respect between classes is very different.
I would highly recommend this book! I wish everyone could be exposed to all different cultures because I think we would be much more open minded to others. Then the experiences would always be more important than the materialism.
Lori Qian is originally from Chicago and worked hard to help her parents with rent and her Dad’s Alzheimer’s care. Then a position at a prestigious school in China opens up, and she decides that will be the best thing she can do for her family and herself. So, she heads to Guangzhou, China to teach for a year. That year turns in to more than she would ever imagine- promotion, love, marriage and children!
I really enjoyed how well Qian described the culture and really dove right in when she moved there. She wasn’t afraid to go out on her own, explore, meet people and try new things. You would be surprised how often I have traveled with others that turn their nose up at foods or customs in foreign countries. It always baffles me as to why they even traveled in the first place!
Explaining the different between the very wealthy area where the school is located and then right outside the walls the very poor and how they live should be very eye opening to most readers. As a world traveler myself I have seen the extreme differences in Hong Kong and Brazil. The rich and poor live among each other and there is a level of respect for every human. One of the thing she brings up is so true- in the States we often feel that certain neighborhoods and lack of incomes lead to crime; but in China that is not true because “saving face” (pride) is more important than money or stuff will ever be. Of course, there is crime everywhere but the respect between classes is very different.
I would highly recommend this book! I wish everyone could be exposed to all different cultures because I think we would be much more open minded to others. Then the experiences would always be more important than the materialism.
September 21, 2019
My Thoughts:
I’ll start off by saying I’m not a big fan of memoirs. I like to stay in the world of fiction because it’s not real. Some memoirs are hard to read and even harder to imagine that some people’s lives are like that.
This is not the case with this book.
I was intrigued by this one because the majority of the book took place in China. I love reading about places I have never been before, different cultures. The authors description of the school she taught in, the small community she lived in, and all the travels she took was so interesting to me.
I also felt the author was brave for taking on this adventure alone. Pursuing her dreams to help others. It was so sweet the way Lori wrote about her father approving of her decision to move to China. A father/daughter bond is so strong. It would be hard to move that far away from your family if they didn’t approve of your choice.
I’ll admit I was waiting for the moment where she met and fell in love with her now husband. This was a huge part of her story. It was crazy to me how many obstacles they had to overcome just to get married. These are things you never think of here in the United States, and I think that’s why this book was so intriguing to me. We really have it easy here, and don’t have to think twice about the marriage process or a language barrier.
I would recommend this book to everyone!
I’ll start off by saying I’m not a big fan of memoirs. I like to stay in the world of fiction because it’s not real. Some memoirs are hard to read and even harder to imagine that some people’s lives are like that.
This is not the case with this book.
I was intrigued by this one because the majority of the book took place in China. I love reading about places I have never been before, different cultures. The authors description of the school she taught in, the small community she lived in, and all the travels she took was so interesting to me.
I also felt the author was brave for taking on this adventure alone. Pursuing her dreams to help others. It was so sweet the way Lori wrote about her father approving of her decision to move to China. A father/daughter bond is so strong. It would be hard to move that far away from your family if they didn’t approve of your choice.
I’ll admit I was waiting for the moment where she met and fell in love with her now husband. This was a huge part of her story. It was crazy to me how many obstacles they had to overcome just to get married. These are things you never think of here in the United States, and I think that’s why this book was so intriguing to me. We really have it easy here, and don’t have to think twice about the marriage process or a language barrier.
I would recommend this book to everyone!
September 24, 2019
It’s such an incredible journey the author has experienced, it needed to be put in words.
The memoir gives the readers a peek of a small part of China and its culture. Lori goes to China to support her family better and falls in love with a colleague there. I couldn’t believe the trouble she has to go to marry her love. I kept thinking - It can’t be this difficult for an American to marry a Chinese in China. She is a normal person like all of us with problems so it very much relatable. It is admiring how she faces them all and succeeds. I loved the title after reading the explanation about the bitter soup in the book.
I totally get the issues where one visits a foreign country - new language, new culture, etc. Don’t even get me started about immigration issues people go through - even just for - to be with their loved ones ( not for wrong reasons). Still it would definitely inspire you to at least to think of taking the plunge and going to a new country!
The memoir gives the readers a peek of a small part of China and its culture. Lori goes to China to support her family better and falls in love with a colleague there. I couldn’t believe the trouble she has to go to marry her love. I kept thinking - It can’t be this difficult for an American to marry a Chinese in China. She is a normal person like all of us with problems so it very much relatable. It is admiring how she faces them all and succeeds. I loved the title after reading the explanation about the bitter soup in the book.
I totally get the issues where one visits a foreign country - new language, new culture, etc. Don’t even get me started about immigration issues people go through - even just for - to be with their loved ones ( not for wrong reasons). Still it would definitely inspire you to at least to think of taking the plunge and going to a new country!
September 18, 2019
I received this book for honest Review!
Omg what can I say about this. This was a very good read. I really enjoyed her story. I can't believe how lovely this true story was.
Adventure dreams!
One of this days would love to get married at Ancient Eypgt.
This is the type of adventure I would love to go to. One day would love to travel to Ancient Egypt and maybe find something in myself that I would of never new I had. For my family to take the Adventure of life time.
I highly recommend!
This gets all 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I so enjoyed Lori's book and easy style of writing. Having lived in Guangzhou myself, her descriptions of China and the bureaucracy were very spot on. Some parts of the book made me laugh out loud. My favorite part was description of the bitter soup and how it relates to life. Looking forward to her next book.
Omg what can I say about this. This was a very good read. I really enjoyed her story. I can't believe how lovely this true story was.
Adventure dreams!
One of this days would love to get married at Ancient Eypgt.
This is the type of adventure I would love to go to. One day would love to travel to Ancient Egypt and maybe find something in myself that I would of never new I had. For my family to take the Adventure of life time.
I highly recommend!
This gets all 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I so enjoyed Lori's book and easy style of writing. Having lived in Guangzhou myself, her descriptions of China and the bureaucracy were very spot on. Some parts of the book made me laugh out loud. My favorite part was description of the bitter soup and how it relates to life. Looking forward to her next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2019
A chance decision to take a teaching job in China changed the course of Lori Qian’s life. Lori Qian’s debut memoir is a story of of her bravery and journey that led to love, and family. Her mom was working as a maid. Her dad’s Alzheimer’s was in high gear. And the rent on her parents’ small Chicago apartment had just gone up again. with Fierce determination she excepts a teaching position overseas. In one of China’s prestigious schools. Falling in love with the culture of Guangzhou, China, where she is living starts an amazing adventure that kept glued to the pages.
A captivating romance begins Qian Zhi Ming, whose “English name” was William.
He is from a tiny town in Hubei province. Humor and compelling moments, makes this memoir one I won’t forget.
What beautiful memoir, a perfect heartwarming story.
December 27, 2019
Based on the cumulative Goodreads rating I expected much more. Author falls in love with China and a Chinese man close to her age. Their decision to marry is fraught with obstacles and securing a visa for him to US equally difficult. She seems incredibly naive as she didn't know how serious TB is, but fortunately through her Mormon faith, miracles occurred -- including converting her agnostic husband.
April 28, 2025
This story kept me turning pages and I finished the book in 3 days… which I typically don’t have time to finish a book that quickly. I’m not familiar with the culture she was immersed in so I found it very interesting to learn about. I also liked that she gave background info and extra details to explain her decisions, or why something happened the way it did because I don’t like when authors leave readers with a lot of questions, wondering why???? I enjoyed her writing style!
September 29, 2019
What a powerful, moving, amazing, story about love and a family facing all kinds of obsiticals being thrown at you and yet coming together stronger and better not bitter. I wanted to give this book so much more than five stars. Lori Qian is beyond amazing hands down! I was gifted this ARC for my honest review.
April 28, 2020
Loved this book! Lori Qian knows how to get you into her story right away. I found the book very strong from the beginning and did not want to put it down. Very interesting to read how China is different though the eyes of an American who lived there. This lady took some brave steps!
January 24, 2021
Uplifting story
I loved this book and for all that happened in her time in China .
The way she describes things and her experiences, you can't help but feel uplifted and grateful for your own challenges in a new light .
I loved this book and for all that happened in her time in China .
The way she describes things and her experiences, you can't help but feel uplifted and grateful for your own challenges in a new light .
September 24, 2019
Won this book in a giveaway. I really liked it. Made me want to travel and experience more.
November 12, 2019
A wonderful story with all the ups and down faith stayed true.
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