Did anyone else get a little bit queasy at the footbinding description? I can't even imagine...
I have to admit, my love of the Asian culture took a bit of a hit. I know they aren't the only ones to view women as inferior, but it is so frustrating. To be considered a burden by their birth parents, and a visitor by their in-laws must have been very demeaning. Though, I guess women haven't really changed all that much. Their worth was determined by the size of their feet, the victorian era viewed small waists as most important, and we still often view our worth by superficial means.
I was just reading in the bible of Jacob and his relationship with Leah and Rachel. Rachel was obviously the one Jacob loved, but Leah was the first to have children. In the scriptures she rejoices, saying that now her husband will love her for bearing a son. Yet, Jacob still loves Rachel more. Despite that, Rachel envies Leah for her ability to have children. Apparently women really haven't changed; we will always compare ourselves to other women.
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I was completely nauseous while reading the foot binding part! I kept looking away from the words like that would make it better.
Kim! You have to give us a present day perspective of Asian culture. Now I'm even more weirded out by China. Not in a bad way. I have just realized that I don't know *anything* about the place.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I don't really think either girl was the villain or hero. The villain is the crazy conception of the family and society, right?
I took turns identifying with one of them more than the other.
I thought this book portrayed extremes of the "ideal" family that we hear about in the gospel. Women had a very specific role, but were far too confined in that role. It seems that the only thing husband and wife worked together to do was to conceive children.
It kind of seemed like a perverted version of family life to me.
I am intrigued by the whole born-in-the-year-of-an-animal thing. She often talked about her monkey mother, but what does that mean really?
I know a family that really believes you an help a child become something (missionary, endowed member of the church, married in the temple) just by telling them from a young age that's who and what they are. That may sound alright, but for some reason their approach really rubs me the wrong way. It's just kind of off.
Of course I have hopes and aspirations for my own children and will teach them what is right, but it seems like the motivation in this family an in the ancient Chinese culture was not *really* for the benefit of the child. I don't really feel like typing more about that....
Hey! We should plan a trip together! I know people are all over the country and at different and busy stages in life but if we give ourselves a couple years to make it happen what do you think? Flights go on sale all the time.
I would love to have a real face to face book club meeting and eat food with all of you and laugh and stuff like that.
What do you think?
Girls!!!! I have a couple questions...first, where was I when this picture was taken, cause I'm pretty sure that's at the McKee building, right? Second, can I be a part of this amazing book club even if I'm not in the picture? Your thoughts...
I totally vote for Amy to be in our book club!! I don't even know if we vote in this book club, but if we do, my vote is "heck ya".
of course amy can join the book club. "number 9, number 9." (Remember made in the USA Amy? haha.) Amy, just give me your email and add you to the list of contributors.
Done and done. amyhendricks6@gmail.com
You girls are the best...why don't we all live in the same place so we can play together? We are way too spread out. But thanks for letting me in!
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