17 September 2009

Today's Listen: Shanghai Girls by Lisa See


This week I'm listening to and reading in print Shanghai Girls by Lisa See. I loved See's earlier novels, Peony in Love and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Whereas those novels took place in traditional China, Shanghai Girls begins in the 1930s with the Japanese invasion of that country and takes us to San Fransisco and the building of Chinatown. It is interesting to see how May and Pearl change and cope as their comfortable life as Beautiful Girls in Shanghai collapses and they find themselves in arranged marriages and destined to life in America.


The Tea. Oh the irony! I haven't been drinking tea this week -- the week when I'm reading a book in which the characters are drinking tea all the time! I've been sipping espresso in the afternoons instead.

What are you reading or listening to this week? Have your beverage choices changed with the change of seasons?



Thursday Tea is hosted by Anastasia at Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog. Here's how it works: Tell us what tea you are drinking (and if you like it). And then tell us what book are you reading (and if you like it). Finally, tell us if they go together.

21 comments:

Melody 9/17/09, 6:51 AM  

I haven't read this book yet! I look forward to reading your review soon.

Julie P. 9/17/09, 7:44 AM  

I just lent this one to my sister. I've heard it's awesome!

KyleeJ 9/17/09, 9:19 AM  

I read this and I really enjoyed it overall. Yesterday I started Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. I'm past the foot-binding parts and I'm liking it much better. I've been sipping on Asian Plum White Tea.

JoAnn 9/17/09, 9:31 AM  

I've got it on my audible wish list. It may be my next listen!

Margot at Joyfully Retired 9/17/09, 9:40 AM  

I saw the picture of the book and thought - Oh good, we're going to hear about a fantastic tea from China. Another week, maybe?

Anastasia @ Here There Be Books 9/17/09, 11:02 AM  

You're switching between the audio and the paper version? :D How admirable! I can't seem to do that-- I get annoyed trying to find my place on either end after each switch.

Beth F 9/17/09, 11:09 AM  

Anastasia -- It can be frustrating but I want to both hear how the Chinese words sound and see them on paper! I'm mostly listening but following along in print.

Nicole (Linus's Blanket) 9/17/09, 12:01 PM  

I love Lisa See. I'm a little bummed that I haven't had the opportunity to read this one just yet. I've had it for quite a bit of time now.

Dawn @ sheIsTooFondOfBooks 9/17/09, 2:26 PM  

I imagine this is great in audio, with the pronunciation of foreign words.

I've only read her SNOW FLOWER (which I thought was fantastic) ... so many books ... so little time ...

Michele 9/17/09, 5:07 PM  

I just had to stop by and tell you Congrats on your WIN for Best New Blog!!!!

I'm so thrilled for you and it couldn't have happened to a better person (and blog!). And I'm so glad you mentioned Passages to the Past in your previous post....Amy's blog is so fantastic (and seriously overlooked this year in the awards). Kudos to you!

bermudaonion 9/17/09, 5:33 PM  

I'm reading A Separate Country but I've had very little time to read this week!

Just Mom 9/17/09, 8:04 PM  

Beth - Had to stop by and say, "Congratulations!" - you have a great blog and I'm glad you were recognized for it!

Julia Phillips Smith 9/17/09, 8:30 PM  

*applause* on your Big Win for Best New Blog!

Nise' 9/17/09, 9:53 PM  

I like to listen to audio books and read along too, especially to hear how words/names are pronounced.

Congratulations on winning BBAW's Best New Blog Award!

Alice 9/17/09, 10:31 PM  

Hi Beth, I came over from Sandy Nawrot's in her latest post and I she's totally right! Your blog is very well written and this post itself got me nodding as I read along.

I love Peony in Love and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. I read them sometime ago.

My RSS reader is bursting but one more great blog to the list is worth it. I've got Sandy to thank for. :D

Belle 9/17/09, 11:31 PM  

I've never read any of Lisa See's books! I wonder which I should start with. Doing it in audio sounds like a good idea. Love that you're also following along in print so you can see the Chinese words!

Anonymous,  9/17/09, 11:44 PM  

It kinda funny that you aren't drinking tea with this book :) Congratulations!

Veens 9/18/09, 3:41 AM  

What are u doing sipping Espresso girl :)
i thought you would be drinking Green tea ;)

bookmagic 9/18/09, 10:51 PM  

I liked this, but have heard that Snowflower and the Secret Fan is even better. I have it on my shelf but haven't gotten there yet!

Amanda 9/20/09, 8:52 PM  

Lisa See is one of my favourite authors. I loved Snowflower and the Secret Fan but Peony in Love was my favorite. I liked Shanghai Girls but not as much as the others. I found it to be repetitive. I wonder if there is going to be a sequel?

Jen - devourer of books 9/21/09, 11:34 AM  

I enjoyed this one, although not quite as much as "Snow Flower," I'm excited to see how the audio is!

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