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Commencement - J. Courtney Sullivan
By Stephanie · 3 posts · 19 views
By Stephanie · 3 posts · 19 views
last updated Aug 10, 2011 01:35PM
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Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
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By LynnB · 8 posts · 15 views
last updated Feb 16, 2010 11:52AM
What book did you just start?
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By Stephanie · 3501 posts · 467 views
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What Members Thought
I usually enjoy stories set in places which I have visited. This books was no exception. Having been, very briefly, in Shanghai in 2009, the title of this book piqued my interest. It did not disappoint. Lisa See does a marvelous job telling the story of two young women whose lives intertwine in complex ways, not only in this book, but in another ("Dreams of Joy") as well. It really opened my eyes to what life was like for women in China in the early 1900s (and beyond, in "Dreams of Joy" that con
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Review for the audiobook.
I had a very hard time deciding between 3 or 4 stars for the audio version. I think if I would have read the paper edition I would have given it another star.
I thought the reader was a bit monotonous at times. Some of the more lengthy narratives tended to drag on and struck me as rambling overviews of events- mostly later in the book. I'm not sure if I would have had the same impression or not with the book version. I suspect the ending would still have seemed a bit like ...more
I had a very hard time deciding between 3 or 4 stars for the audio version. I think if I would have read the paper edition I would have given it another star.
I thought the reader was a bit monotonous at times. Some of the more lengthy narratives tended to drag on and struck me as rambling overviews of events- mostly later in the book. I'm not sure if I would have had the same impression or not with the book version. I suspect the ending would still have seemed a bit like ...more
I learned a lot with this novel... facts on Angel Island, Japan's invasion in China, and Chinese culture. Lisa See's descriptions are very detailed. Many of the details are graphic, bringing all the senses to life.
The two sisters, Pearl & May, are always close, even though there are deep-seated jealousies. They are forced to flee their homeland when war breaks out. From there the journey to America isn’t an easy trip. I think the fact that they had no other living relatives brought them even cl ...more
The two sisters, Pearl & May, are always close, even though there are deep-seated jealousies. They are forced to flee their homeland when war breaks out. From there the journey to America isn’t an easy trip. I think the fact that they had no other living relatives brought them even cl ...more
Like many others I loved "Snowflower", and this was okay, but not what I had expected. I liked the premise, and really appreciated learning about Chinese customs and the immigration experience. This novel fell apart for me about half way through, which was disappointing after a good start. I doubt I will read the sequel.
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Shanghai Girls kept me turning the pages. The story of sisters, Pearl and May, was compelling; but sometimes a little predictable. I enjoyed learning about the history of Shanghai, Chinese assimilation into the US, Angel Island and paper sons. It's one of the things I like about Lisa See. She is highly entertaining, while at the same time imparting lessons in Chinese culture and history. The ending left me wanting, but I hope that means a follow-up book is in order. Another hit by See!
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This was a wonderful book with so much depth. I don't know why I had the preconceived notion this was a light book. It starts off with the 2 sisters very spoiled and enjoying life but, quickly shifts from there, not only to the stark realities of having to pay for their father's debt with going into pre-arranged marriages but, the war, communism and so many other facets of their lives. Excellent writing and I will be reading the sequel.
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Mar 08, 2010
Kirsten
marked it as to-read
Nov 09, 2010
Emily
marked it as to-read
Feb 10, 2011
Katrina
rated it
really liked it
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review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction
May 14, 2011
Cathy
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review of another edition
Shelves:
book-club,
historical-fiction
Aug 07, 2011
Mary Chambers
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Sep 26, 2011
Dlmrose
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review of another edition
Shelves:
bookmarks-best-of-2010,
asia
May 29, 2014
Renee
marked it as to-read
Jun 19, 2014
Lori
marked it as to-read
Mar 27, 2015
Anne
marked it as to-read
