Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Peach Blossom Spring
Peach Blossom Spring: A Novel | Melissa Fu
A moving debut novel about war, migration, and the power of telling stories, Peach Blossom Spring follows three generations of a Chinese family on their search for a place to call home. With every misfortune there is a blessing and within every blessing, the seeds of misfortune, and so it goes, until the end of time. It is 1938 in China and, as a young wife, Meilins future is bright. But with the Japanese army approaching, Meilin and her four year old son, Renshu, are forced to flee their home. Relying on little but their wits and a beautifully illustrated hand scroll, filled with ancient fables that offer solace and wisdom, they must travel through a ravaged country, seeking refuge. Years later, Renshu has settled in America as Henry Dao. Though his daughter is desperate to understand her heritage, he refuses to talk about his childhood. How can he keep his family safe in this new land when the weight of his history threatens to drag them down? Yet how can Lily learn who she is if she can never know her familys story? Spanning continents and generations, Peach Blossom Spring is a bold and moving look at the history of modern China, told through the story of one family. Its about the power of our past, the hope for a better future, and the haunting question: What would it mean to finally be home?
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
review
Gissy
post image
Pickpick

A sad story but beautifully written. The life of these four generations I would say, from 1938 to 2005. How war, political and social situations in China impacted these families. Fear didn‘t stop with the immigration to US. You will love Meilin as a woman, mother, daughter and grandmother. I can‘t imagine how, in this present day, some countries are still facing the consequences of war😢Fiction but maybe inspired in author‘s family story. 4.5/5⭐️

Librarybelle So glad you liked it! 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1mo
46 likes3 comments
review
janeycanuck
post image
Pickpick

This piqued my interest after hearing several comparison to Pachinko. It didn‘t quite have that same emotional gut punch that Pachinko did but it was a moving story in its own way.

Thank you to @Librarybelle for guiding the discussion on this #LiteraryCrew #buddyread

Librarybelle Hooray! Glad you liked this! 2mo
35 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
AllDebooks
post image
Pickpick

Peach Blossom Spring traces the story of one Chinese family over three generations. In 1938, Meilin and her son, Renshu, flee the Japanese war on China, escaping to Taiwan. As refugees, fleeing conflict, there are numerous horrors and obstacles on their arduous journey. Meilin uses a painted scroll to tell traditional stories, to connect with her culture, tradition, roots, husband and son. These episodes of calm among the chaos, ⬇cont.

AllDebooks help settle 4-year-old Renshu, distracting him from the surrounding terror and grief.
This focus on the power of storytelling threads through their lives, reinforcing the importance of family, hope, history and tradition. As we move through the decades, Renshu (now Henry) relocates to America to build his own life, he often reflects on these stories his mother told and the deep, meaningful impact they had on him as a child. ⬇cont.
2mo
AllDebooks Melissa Lu has deftly demonstrated how locked we can become in our own past traumas, as Henry struggles to come to terms with his past, his refusal to talk about his heritage or past and deal with life in America. This in turn traumatises his own daughter, Lily, as she tries to find her sense of self.
This book is a very moving, intelligent and compassionate tale, set in one of the most heinous periods of Chinese history. It challenges the need ⬇
2mo
AllDebooks for a modern China while recognising centuries of history and tradition. Lu uses family at the centre of this tumultuous period as a theme for our search for our identity and place in this world. She emphasises the need for hope, especially in the darkest of times, in picking up and moving forward, no matter how many times we have to.
This is my book of the month for January 2023.
2mo
29 likes3 comments
review
Deblovestoread
post image
Pickpick

Thanks to #20in4 I finished the tagged book in time for today‘s discussion with the #LiteraryCrew group. It covers a lot of historical ground from 1938 - 2005 of one Chinese family beginning with the War of Aggression between China and Japan. I loved the character Meilin but Renshu felt a little flat to me. The tension he lived with wasn‘t fully realized IMO.

Librarybelle Glad it was a pick for you! 2mo
Andrew65 That‘s brilliant, thanks for playing along 👏👏👏🙌🥳🍾🥂🥰📚 2mo
47 likes2 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
post image

It is time for this month‘s discussion of the #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead . I have 6 questions posted under the spoiler - you can find them on my feed, through the book‘s feed, or by searching the hashtags. If there is anything else you wish to discuss with the group not covered by the questions, comment below!

Also, next month‘s book is Matrix by Lauren Groff. If you have not already asked me to tag you for the posts, let me know below! Thanks!!

julieclair I will be a few days late to the discussion this month, but really looking forward to it. My hold for Matrix just came in today, so I‘m all set for February! 2mo
Bklover I‘m like @julieclair - I‘m still a few days out. I‘ll check back to the discussion as soon as I finish. 2mo
mrp27 Picked up Matrix from the library so I‘m all set for February. 2mo
See All 8 Comments
PurpleyPumpkin I‘m hoping to finish this by the weekend. 😅 I‘ll be sure to check back then. Thanks for posting the questions! 2mo
janeycanuck I finished up on Sunday! Heading off to the questions now 😊 2mo
Librarybelle I‘m behind with reading too, @julieclair @Bklover @PurpleyPumpkin …hopefully soon! 2mo
Librarybelle So glad you‘re ready for February, @julieclair @mrp27 ! 2mo
59 likes8 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

6. Each of the main characters, Meilin, Renshu/Henry, and Lily goes on a kind of journey. For each of them, what is the journey? How are their journeys similar—and how are they different? What are the events that change them the most and how are they changed? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Deblovestoread Meilin‘s journey was about survival and finding a home. Renshu lived the journey parents want for their children a good education, a good job and a happy family. Lily needed to figure who she was and strive for what she wanted not what was expected of her. 2mo
mrp27 Agreed. Merlin‘s journey was one of survival, Henry‘s journey was to succeed and Lily‘s journey was one of discovery, herself and her family‘s. 2mo
janeycanuck Their journeys really moved up the hierarchy of needs, didn‘t they? Meilin‘s journey was about getting that physical safety & struggling for basic needs. She was able to provide that as a foundation for Renshu, who then went on a journey of psychological development - getting past his worry that the govt would be able to get him, he never felt that safety, and of wanting to just belong and be like everyone else. But Lily - she wanted to feel like 2mo
janeycanuck She had purpose and was making a difference in the lives of others. 2mo
Sargar114 Well said @mrp27 (edited) 2mo
12 likes5 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

5. Discuss how the novel explores motherhood. What does a mother owe to her children? Is Meilin a good mother? Is Rachel? How is raising a child different during a time of great struggle—such as during a war? In what ways are their challenges the same? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Deblovestoread Yes, I think Meilin was a wonderful mother, always striving to find safety, always providing in rough times, encouraging Renshu in his studies and not trying to hold him back. Rachel was a good mom, too but got lost a bit when she couldn‘t pursue her dreams alongside Henry‘s choices. 2mo
janeycanuck For Meilin, mothering Renshu was about physically keeping him safe - she threw herself over him more than once to protect him. But for Rachel, in a different time and place, I think it was more about emotional safety for Lily. She knew it hurt Lily to be cut off from her heritage and she did what she could to provide that to Lily but she couldn‘t do much given Henry‘s stance. 2mo
Sargar114 @janeycanuck well said. 2mo
8 likes3 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

4. Languages are important in this book. How is language used both to bring people together as well as keep people apart? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

mcctrish Language certainly made Meilin an other in Renshu/Henry‘s house and it broke my heart 2mo
mrp27 It broke my heart when Henry stopped speaking it out of fear and when he stopped Lily from learning it. That kept them apart. I loved how Lily and her grandma didn‘t let the language differences keep them from happily communicating. 2mo
janeycanuck @mrp27 yes, I felt the same. And it just ended up hurting Lily because she felt like she didn‘t belong anywhere. 2mo
janeycanuck Meilin used language to build connections and relationships several times - she learned several new dialects in China and then when she was in Taiwan, she knew the way to get rice was by learning some of the language. Language helped her adapt and fit in wherever she went. 2mo
Sargar114 @janeycanuck you bring up a good point along with @mrp27 Meilin used language to build connections and Renshu/Henry saw language as a barrier and by doing that forced Lily to find a way to connect with Meilin despite they‘re inability to speak the same language. 2mo
9 likes5 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

3. What was your favorite fable in the novel? Was there one lesson that resonated with you more than the others? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

mrp27 I didn‘t really have a favorite fable. I know it‘s a big part of the story but other than peach blossom spring I don‘t even really remember the others. 2mo
janeycanuck Hmmm… I don‘t really remember any of the stories either, aside from Peach Blossom Spring. 2mo
Sargar114 The one that stood out to me was the monk that grew the fruit tree in seconds. I think this is where the audio version also wasn‘t as good. It was hard to differentiate the fables from the overall story at that point. 2mo
9 likes3 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

2. How do ideas from Tao Qian‘s poem ‘Peach Blossom Spring‘ echo with larger themes in the novel? What was your reaction when Henry discovered how the original poem differed from Meilin‘s version? Why did Meilin change the story? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

mcctrish I think Meilin changed the ending so Renshu/Henry would make choices always looking forward and not to second guess himself. It‘s true that you can‘t go back to what was. I wondered how many of the students who went west for school went back to China. It would have been hard work in school and settling in but after 8 years that‘s a significant amount of time. The differences between the 2 places would be big 2mo
Deblovestoread Completing the story would have suggested loss. Meilin was all about moving forward and finding home wherever you were. 2mo
mrp27 I got a little confused by this. Didn‘t the book say that Meilin didn‘t even know the ending because she never fully unrolled the scroll? Either way, I think she left it with a positive ending to give hope to both her and Renshu. I also found the poem also mirrored Henry‘s life. 2mo
See All 6 Comments
janeycanuck For me, it felt like she was trying to protect him from the way life usually goes - keep the rose-coloured glasses on, for lack of a better phrase. He was just a kid, he didn‘t need to know that life is full of unwinnable choices yes! 2mo
janeycanuck Oh, and I think that America was Renshu‘s Peach Blossom Spring. I think he felt that returning to Taiwan could do nothing good for his life, so he stayed in the US, thinking it was his Peach Blossom Spring. But really, it wasn‘t because he was trying to force it to be something it wasn‘t. The political challenges just followed him there and continued to hang over his head. 2mo
Sargar114 @janeycanuck I gathered it was her way of protecting Renshu/Henry as well. 2mo
10 likes6 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

1. What purposes do Meilin‘s scroll stories serve throughout the narrative? What do they mean to Meilin? In what ways do they shape the person Renshu/Henry becomes? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

AllDebooks I loved this part of the story. I thought they were Meikin's way of connecting to her roots, her lost husband and Renshu. The way she used them to ground him during periods of trauma or when he was unsettled were very moving. The stories from the scrolls helped her focus on the here and now, to ''keep moving forward", teaching Renshu to do the same x 2mo
AllDebooks *Meilin 2mo
mcctrish I agree with @AllDebooks it was a favourite part of mine as well, for a little while I read with fear thinking it would be stolen. I thought it was a way to make the two of them a family of 3 2mo
See All 6 Comments
Deblovestoread I agree with these comments. It was a way for Meilin to share Renshu‘s heritage with him while also providing the comfort stories can give in times of upheaval. 2mo
mrp27 I agree with everything said here. The scroll was a connection to her husband and to their dreams they had, their future. I felt too that it grounded her and gave her strength. 2mo
janeycanuck Yes, the scroll stories were definitely a grounding presence for Renshu. I think they also helped Meilin feel like she had some semblance of control in a world that turned upside down over and over. It was the one thing that was constant, her tie to the past and what she put her future hope in. 2mo
10 likes6 comments
blurb
AllDebooks

Wow, I started and finished this extraordinary book in 24 hours! I thought I might be able to read enough to comment on #literarycrew #buddyread never expected to race through it so quickly.
2nd book completed for #20in4

@Andrew65 @Librarybelle

Librarybelle Wow! So glad you liked this! 2mo
Andrew65 Great progress 👏👏👏 2mo
28 likes2 comments
quote
AllDebooks
post image

#Literarycrew #buddyread @Librarybelle

So behind, finally started this magnificent book this morning. What an opening!!! I'm already 100 pages in ❤️👀❤️

Librarybelle Yay!! 2mo
43 likes1 comment
blurb
Deblovestoread
post image

#January #20in4Readathon

I‘m joining @Andrew65 for this weekend readathon. We have a busy weekend planned but am hoping to get 20 chapters read.

Andrew65 Great to have you with us. Good luck and hope you have a good weekend. 😁 2mo
47 likes1 comment
blurb
Librarybelle
post image

We‘re a little over a week away from this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead discussion! I know a few of us have finished and others have not had an opportunity to start (myself included!), but there is still time.

Any thoughts to share with the group at this point?

Jerdencon I didn‘t get to this one this month - but planning to join next month. 2mo
Cinfhen I have the audio but the narration is NOT working for me😝 2mo
PurpleyPumpkin I haven‘t started either! But you‘re right, there‘s still time. 😅 2mo
See All 20 Comments
AllDebooks I got delayed, will start this week 2mo
janeycanuck It‘s the next book I pick up once I finish my library book. Looking forward to it! 2mo
julieclair Looking forward to our discussion. Haven‘t started yet, but this book looks so good! 2mo
Deblovestoread Starting today so should be finished in time 😊 2mo
Lunakay Good to know, that I'm not the only one, who is somewhat late😂 2mo
mrp27 I‘m enjoying and I should be finished! 2mo
mamareading I finished it yesterday. I enjoyed it, I thought it dragged at points, but overall it was a good book and I learned a lot 2mo
Librarybelle No worries, @Jerdencon ! Glad you can join next month! 2mo
Librarybelle Audio can be so hit or miss, @Cinfhen ! 2mo
kspenmoll I have enjoyed the book & there seems to be much to discuss! 2mo
Librarybelle So good to hear, @kspenmoll ! 2mo
Sargar114 @Cinfhen that‘s how I “read” it too. I agree, it started out kinda as more background noise. But something finally clicked and I ended up enjoying it. 2mo
Cinfhen @Sargar114 good to know!!!! I‘m gonna try again on audio otherwise I‘ll see if I can borrow a digital copy @Librarybelle 😊 2mo
Librarybelle @Sargar114 I‘m glad you enjoyed it by the end! Good luck with your listening, @Cinfhen ! 2mo
Bklover I‘m about a third of the way and enjoying it so far. Should be ready! 2mo
Librarybelle Hooray, @Bklover !! 2mo
63 likes20 comments
review
Cathyloves2read
Pickpick

This book was different than any I‘ve read in a long time. I found it extremely enjoyable. It had a little bit of everything. It was educational, sad, happy, and it contained love stories. I learned a lot about China and its politics. I also learned a lot about its folklore. This book left me wanting to read more of this type. I highly recommend it.

blurb
kspenmoll
post image

There were a few generations of characters so I made a character web to help me keep track of names & relationships.
Only 51 pages in & so much has happened to this family as the Japanese invade China,1938.

Librarybelle Good idea! 2mo
Suet624 That‘s a great way to keep track and enjoy the book. 2mo
dabbe How many times I tried to tell my students that sometimes readers actually take notes VOLUNTARILY. Their response? 😳 2mo
kspenmoll @dabbe Startling idea! 2mo
kspenmoll @Suet624 @Librarybelle My eyes were glazing over the first page or two- making the web really made a difference in my attention & enjoyment. 2mo
78 likes2 stack adds5 comments
review
Sargar114
post image
Pickpick

Listened to this one for #literarycrew. Quite a beautiful, epic, and sometimes sad story of Mailin, her son Renshu (Henry), and his daughter Lily and their lives. I‘ll admit it took me a while to get engaged in it but that was more likely because I was listening while working and not because of the story itself. This tale spans the three generations from China in the 30s to America in the 90s. I really loved the bond between mother and son.

TheBookHippie I read this as an ARC. I agree with your review! 2mo
Librarybelle So glad you liked this! 2mo
AmyG I liked this one, too. 2mo
TL_Clanton Just getting started, but I love the imagery so far! 2mo
27 likes4 comments
blurb
kspenmoll
post image
Librarybelle Hooray!! 2mo
Cinfhen I find it‘s hard to have so many books going at once!! I admire your ability to keep track 😅 2mo
55 likes2 comments
review
mcctrish
post image
Pickpick

Well it‘s a bitter sweet moment. I FLEW through this lovely book! I am so glad I threw my hat in with the #literarycrew #buddyread and discovered this story BUT the end of the month is a long way off. I hope I can hold onto this feeling 💕💕 this story spans almost 70 years, covers a lot of Chinese history I really didn‘t know and is heartwarming through and through

Librarybelle Wow! So glad you liked this one! 😁 3mo
JillR This is on my to read list, glad to hear it‘s good! 3mo
55 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
mcctrish
post image

Made turkey dinner soup for lunch and getting my read on. I got an alert from the library this is due back in 3 days and some bloody person has put a hold on it so I can‘t renew it 🤣🤣 #literarycrew #buddyread

CoverToCoverGirl Tick-Tock! 🤞 3mo
mcctrish @CoverToCoverGirl 🤣🤣 I made it to page 158 this afternoon 🙏🏻 3mo
Sargar114 That happened to me with last months book! So frustrating!!! 3mo
Librarybelle Oh no! 3mo
mcctrish @Sargar114 I‘m clearly spoiled buying so many books and reading on my own time 🤣🤦🏻‍♀️ it is driving me nuts to finish this so far ahead of chatting about it but I can‘t really buy every book for Litsy buddy reads? Can I? 3mo
39 likes5 comments
blurb
LitsyEvents
post image

Repost for @Librarybelle

This month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead follows three generations of a family searching for home.

Read at your own pace; discussion questions posted on January 31st.

Tagging those who have already expressed interest - if you would also like to be tagged, comment below! I‘ll post periodic check ins throughout the month.

Librarybelle Thank you for reposting! 3mo
41 likes2 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
post image

This month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead follows three generations of a family searching for home.

Read at your own pace; discussion questions posted on January 31st.

Tagging those who have already expressed interest - if you would also like to be tagged, comment below! I‘ll post periodic check ins throughout the month.

mrp27 Waiting in my library hold to come in. Hoping it comes in Tuesday. 3mo
melissajayne Picking up my hold from my library this week. 3mo
See All 15 Comments
janeycanuck I pulled this off the shelf today! I have a couple of library books I should get to before it but I‘m hoping to start soon. 3mo
Bklover ThriftBooks copy ready to go! 3mo
Cinfhen Thanks, Jessie💖Happy New Year 3mo
Lunakay I'd like to join😊 3mo
Librarybelle Hooray! My library copy arrived last week, so I‘m hoping to start it this week! @mrp27 @melissajayne @janeycanuck @Bklover @Cinfhen 3mo
Librarybelle @Lunakay Awesome! Welcome to the #buddyread ! 3mo
TL_Clanton I‘d like to join! 3mo
Librarybelle That‘s great, @TL_Clanton ! Welcome! 3mo
julieclair Library copy in hand. Ready to go! Looking forward to another year of reading great books together. 3mo
BookNAround I pulled my copy out today but I‘m terrible at actually reading along and commenting. 3mo
Librarybelle @BookNAround I‘ll tag you, just in case! 3mo
55 likes1 stack add15 comments
blurb
LitsyEvents
post image

repost for @Librarybelle:

Reminder - January‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead starts in a few days!

All are welcome to join. Tagging those who have expressed interest in this book specifically - comment below to let me know if you would also like to be tagged. I post periodically throughout the month, with discussion questions posted on January 31st.

To see the 2023 list, view the previous posting by searching the #LiteraryCrew hashtag!!

Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! 3mo
Vansa Please include me, I would like to participate! 3mo
Librarybelle Thanks, @Liz_M ! Will do, @Vansa ! 3mo
31 likes4 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
post image

Reminder - January‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead starts in a few days!

All are welcome to join. Tagging those who have expressed interest in this book specifically - comment below to let me know if you would also like to be tagged. I post periodically throughout the month, with discussion questions posted on January 31st.

To see the 2023 list, view the previous posting by searching the #LiteraryCrew hashtag!!

mcctrish I started it today ❤️❤️❤️ 3mo
See All 20 Comments
kspenmoll Yes! 3mo
Jerdencon I will try to join - have a lot for #auldlanspine but this sounds good and would like to get to it! 3mo
Librarybelle @Jerdencon I know what you mean about next month! I want to get through as many of my #AuldLangSpine selections too! I‘ll tag you for this one and the others…saw your comment on the other post 😁 3mo
mrp27 Looking forward to this! 3mo
KristiAhlers This will be a fun one to discuss! 3mo
Librarybelle Looking forward to it as well, @mrp27 @KristiAhlers ! 3mo
BethM I‘ll skip this one but tag me for the next! 3mo
Librarybelle Will do, @BethM ! 3mo
Cinfhen Yes!!! Thanks, Jessie! I have a lot of reading “obligations” in January but I will try my best to get to this one 💜 3mo
AnneCecilie I would like to join in on this one. 3mo
Librarybelle So good to hear, @Cinfhen @AnneCecilie !! 3mo
Bklover I have my book ready- could you tag me for this too? (I may have already asked you- can‘t remember!) 3mo
Librarybelle I‘ve added you to the tag list, @Bklover ! Hooray!! 3mo
mamareading I would like to join, please add me to the tag list! 3mo
Librarybelle Of course, @mamareading ! Welcome! 3mo
69 likes20 comments
review
sprainedbrain
post image
Pickpick

This was hovering between a pick and a so-so for me, but the feelings I have for these characters can‘t be ignored. Well written, solid historical fiction spanning three generations, starting in 1940s China and ending in 2000s United States. It‘s an immigrant story, a family saga, and a bit of a love letter to storytelling. Pretty solid for a debut!

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

85 likes1 stack add
review
marleed
post image
Pickpick

What a beautiful, bittersweet 3-generation family saga. While reading the early years of Renshu I couldn‘t help but think of the many fleeing their homes and homeland in Ukraine. I find it heartbreaking that even though he gained citizenship in a new country his justified fear lasted a lifetime.

Aims42 This was definitely a top favorite of 2022 for me 🥰 9mo
65 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
kellyann28
post image

Hello Group C for #LMPBC! I'm so happy others have a big backlog to get through 😂 I usually only submit top 4 choices but I submitted more since I know some might have been read by others. So here are some that I would like to read! What do you think? Any that stand out to you, or any that you've read already?
@Cwarnier @Staci.reads @allureofbeauty

staci.reads I just finished Black Cake yesterday (and it was great). That's the only one that I've read. I would really be good with any of the others, but The Book of Cold Cases and Peach Blossom Spring really tempted me when they were options. 9mo
allureofbeauty The book of cold cases or the Paris apartment are ones I‘d like to read 9mo
cwarnier I am not a huge fan of Simone st. James, otherwise I am game for any of these options 9mo
See All 8 Comments
kellyann28 @staci.reads @allureofbeauty @cwarnier Thanks for your responses. Would everyone be okay with The Paris Apartment, then? 9mo
cwarnier I am fine with Paris Apartment 9mo
staci.reads @kellyann28 I'm good with that 9mo
kellyann28 I know Andrea is so that will my be pick 😊 9mo
cwarnier Paris Apartment sounds wonderful 💖 9mo
24 likes8 comments
review
jlhammar
post image
Pickpick

Not a strong pick, but this was a decent historical fiction debut. We follow three generations of one family from 1930s China to 1990s U.S.

Something, not sure exactly what, kept this from really working for me. Read more like a list—this happened, then that happened, then this—rather than things unfolding organically. I never felt truly captivated by the story or connected to the characters. I did really enjoy the Chinese fable element.
#BOTM

review
KristiAhlers
post image
Pickpick

I really loved this book. #travelthroughbooks this story is set in #china during the war and tells of a mother and her son and how they flee Japanese occupied China. I highly recommend this titled if you are a fan of family saga-esq type reads.

blurb
KristiAhlers
post image

The weather here today is stupid. Like thunderstorms and wind blowing fences down stupid. So I‘m going to curl up with this book now.

AmyG I really liked this book. Enjoy. (edited) 10mo
46 likes1 comment
review
AmyK1
post image
Pickpick

“Within every misfortune there is a blessing, and within every blessing, the seeds of misfortune. And so it goes, until the end of time.”

This is the story of how war affects generations of families, even long after it has ended.

This is my May #doublespin @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 10mo
39 likes2 stack adds1 comment
review
TEArificbooks
post image
Pickpick

If you like Lisa See, you will like this book. This was really good for a debut. The book follows three generations of a Chinese family and how the trauma of war can affect the generations to come.

Cathythoughts I really enjoyed this too! 11mo
Aims42 Loved this book!! 🌸🍑🌸 11mo
46 likes2 comments
review
Cathythoughts
post image
Pickpick

A wonderful book that I couldn‘t put down. Following the life of Renshu from 1938 in China to the present day. I loved the significance of the title in the book, and the stories and wisdom. Peach Blossom Spring is moving and a great read, and a few tears at the end ♥️

rockpools Gorgeous! 11mo
squirrelbrain Lovely review - stacked! 11mo
erzascarletbookgasm Nice review, pretty cover too! 11mo
See All 11 Comments
Tamra I will check it out! 😁 11mo
BookBosomed1 Been wondering about this one - adding it to the stack 11mo
jlhammar Planning to read this one next month. Can't wait! 11mo
LeahBergen Another lovely photo! 🌸 11mo
Cathythoughts @Tamra I really enjoyed this one. It‘s not a five star read , but there‘s something about it .. I‘ll remember it. 11mo
Cathythoughts @BookBosomed1 @jlhammer looking forward to your thoughts whenever ye may get there 👍🏻😁 11mo
Cathythoughts @LeahBergen Thanks Leah 😘 11mo
65 likes6 stack adds11 comments
quote
Cathythoughts
post image

“Today is the Lunar New Year, I wonder what you are doing. Are you making radish cakes for the Huangs ? Sharing a fish and gossiping with Auntie Chin?
Do you remember when we lit lanterns and made wishes in the streets of Shanghai…”

It‘s the ‘ do you remember‘ that is breaking my heart.
This is such a powerful book in a gentle and unassuming way. ♥️

LeahBergen Beautiful! 11mo
Cathythoughts @LeahBergen It‘s a lovely read ❤️ 11mo
marleed Your photo is gorgeous. This is on my TBR! 11mo
Cathythoughts @marleed Thanks Marlee ! I look forward to your thoughts whenever you get to it 👍🏻♥️ 11mo
59 likes4 comments
review
j9brown
post image
Pickpick

In a bit of a slump this month but I finished my #bookspin
This was really good, a story about three generations starting in China during WWII and after (I didn't know very much about what went on there, heartbreaking) then in America. The first half was really excellent. The second half did drag a little. Overall a pick!

quote
Cathythoughts
post image

To know a story is to stroke the silken surfaces of loss, to feel the weight of beauty in his hands.
To know a story is to carry it always, etched in his bones, even if dormant for decades.
Tell us , they insist.
To tell a story , he realises, is to plant a seed and let it grow.

tpixie Lovely 11mo
squirrelbrain 💕🌸 11mo
LeahBergen Beautiful! 💞 11mo
See All 7 Comments
CarolynM Beautiful 💖 11mo
Nute I love this type of writing. I plan to read this first after Poetry Month is over. 11mo
56 likes7 comments
review
TrishB
post image
Pickpick

I really enjoyed this historical novel, from China in the 1930s to present day US. Learned a lot about that period too. A really good read.
#setinchina #booked2022

Cinfhen Yay!! 12mo
Cinfhen Gorgeous cover 😍 12mo
TrishB @Cinfhen the cover is lovely and the reveal about the title ♥️ 12mo
See All 7 Comments
Cathythoughts Oh good ! I just read this post and now have ordered it ….. and Flamingo too .. early morning book shopping 🛒😁 12mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage I almost grabbed this one from #botm. But then I restrained myself. Still, I‘m sure I‘ll read or listen based on reviews like yours. 12mo
TrishB @Cathythoughts love that early morning shopping! 12mo
TrishB @BarbaraTheBibliophage hope you enjoy when you get to it👍🏻 12mo
105 likes3 stack adds7 comments
blurb
TrishB
post image

#quicklunchtimeread
Loving this book so far.

LeahBergen Sammy time! 🥪 12mo
Cathythoughts Oh good ! I see I have it stacked already 😁 12mo
91 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
Aims42
post image

This month was such a hard pick for me, I just finished ‘Tobacco Wives‘ and it was so riveting!!! But, I still think about ‘Peach Blossom Spring‘ and all the characters so that‘s my March pick for my #ReadingBracket2022

Thank you for the template flip @chasjjlee ☺️

AmyG I really enjoyed this book. 12mo
Aims42 @AmyG I went in not sure what to expect and I was blown away ☺️ Glad you enjoyed it too!! 12mo
WJCintron I just added it to my TBR. Thanks for sharing!! 😃 12mo
Aims42 @WJCintron You‘re welcome!! I hope you enjoy it 😍 12mo
33 likes1 stack add4 comments
blurb
TrishB
post image

Sansa‘s such a good Doggo 🐶 this is my Mother‘s Day present from her ♥️
Happy Mother‘s Day to all who may have it today, because I‘m never sure when it is everywhere in the world ❤️❤️

Cinfhen What a sweet boy 🐾♥️ Happy Mother‘s Day 12mo
julesG Happy Mother's Day! 💕 12mo
TrishB @Cinfhen thank you 😘 12mo
See All 15 Comments
TrishB @julesG thank you 😘 I checked I know it‘s not yours today! 12mo
rockpools Sansa has great taste in book covers! 🌸 12mo
Cathythoughts Nice one Sansa ! ❤️ 12mo
AmyG Happy Mother‘s Day! This is a wonderful booj. Enjoy! 12mo
MaureenMc Happy Mother‘s Day to you! Good job, Sansa! 12mo
TrishB @rockpools @Cathythoughts @AmyG @MaureenMc thank you friends ❤️ Sansa is a clever doggo 🐶 12mo
EvieBee Sansa is the best! 🤣 12mo
Nute Happy Mother‘s Day, Trish! The book cover even delivers flowers for the occasion.🌸💕🌸 12mo
mrp27 Happy Mother‘s Day! 💐 12mo
TrishB @EvieBee she definitely is 😁 12mo
TrishB @Nute thank you 😘 yes, it does 💐 12mo
TrishB @mrp27 thank you 😘 12mo
81 likes1 stack add15 comments
review
Aims42
post image
Pickpick

This book was exquisite and perfect!
🌸🍑🌸🍑🌸🍑🌸🍑🌸🍑🌸🍑🌸🍑🌸🍑🌸🍑
Told over multiple generations of the same family and their struggles during China‘s turbulent 20th century. Words cannot do it justice, a five star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

TrishB This sounds fab 👍🏻 12mo
Aims42 @TrishB It was so engrossing! I think I held my breath a few times and I definitely put my hand over the upcoming sentences I hadn‘t reached yet while I was reading so I wouldn‘t spoil anything 😆 I love historical fiction from eras I didn‘t learn much about in school. 12mo
janeycanuck Ooh, this sounds like it could scratch my Pachinko itch. 12mo
See All 6 Comments
Aims42 @janeycanuck I haven‘t yet read “Pachinko”, but after reading the summary on the book on here, I think it would 👍 Also, “Pachinko” sounds like I need to move it to my TBR list 12mo
janeycanuck It‘s definitely similar in that it is multigenerational and is about a family‘s struggle but the family is Korean and lives in Japan. It‘s beautiful writing, as well. 12mo
Aims42 @janeycanuck oooh, I‘m sold! 12mo
56 likes6 comments
review
Mpcacher
Pickpick

This is another example of the best of historical fiction, where I learn as I am entertained. This is the author's first novel and I will watch for more from her. The war years in China, the life in post war Taiwan and the immigrant experience in the USA are covered. The story is about family, fear and sacrifice. I really enjoyed it and gave it 4/5 stars.

blurb
AvidlyAlexis
post image

Just got my February box! I rejoined and had to pick some extra to make up for the lost time. 😁

blurb
mklong
post image

Okay Group Q, what do y‘all think of this stack? I have tagged all the books in the comments and have plenty more if none of these appeal.

See All 9 Comments
magyklyXdelish I haven‘t read any of these so I‘m okay with any! Fiona and Jane and These Violent Delights sound the best to me but like I said I‘m good with any :) 13mo
cwarnier I have not read any of these either. I am game for any. 13mo
Shadowfat I own Magnolia Palace and Peach Blossom Spring. Either of the other 2 are fine. 13mo
Avanders Hi just wanted you to know I received the next #LMPBC #round13 #groupw book - thank you! 😘 13mo
magyklyXdelish Hiiiii @mklong I mailed ur book out today! I‘m so sorry I never got around to reading it and I didn‘t want to keep holding on to it since that‘s not fair. I sent you a book I saw on your TBR as an apology. ♥️♥️ 8mo
35 likes9 comments
blurb
AmyG
post image

The story of Meilin and her son, Renshu (Henry)….as they flee China during WWII and live in Taiwan. Renshu is able to get his masters in the US and begin his life there. A story about how one comes to terms with their past in order to live in the present, to be able to envision a future.

While not a perfect book, I loved the characters and the story.

86 likes2 stack adds
blurb
Branwen
post image

I'm hoping to start this if not today, then definitely this weekend! I found the perfect bookmark to go with it! 😃🌸

AmyG What a beautiful pairing. I will finish this book today and am enjoying it so much. Hope you do, too. 13mo
Branwen @AmyG I'm so glad you're enjoying it! ❤ How was the ending? 13mo
AmyG You will like the ending. 13mo
54 likes1 stack add3 comments
blurb
bookandbedandtea
post image

Woohoo #botm arrived! To go on the shelf with all the other books of the month it takes me forever to read. 🤷‍♀️

marleed Haha. My challenge this year is to see how close I can get to flattening my botm tbr. I‘ve done great so far but shiny new releases are beginning to overtake this challenge. I‘ve read enough of my botm backlog to justify altering my challenge to read at least one greater the amount of books in that stack than I add to it each month! We‘ll see how long I stick with my adjusted challenge! 13mo
bookandbedandtea @marleed Yay for you for making progress! I'm going to have to get intentional about those books soon. 13mo
37 likes2 comments
blurb
Brewychock48
post image

Waiting on my BOTM books....Can't wait...Fabulous February reading😊

Aims42 Those were my picks as well 🙌 I can‘t decide which one I want to read more lol 13mo
Brewychock48 @Aims42 🙌 I know. They both sound so good. I love the covers too😊 13mo
Brewychock48 @Aims42 I got my books today. I might start Peach Blossom Spring first..the cover is beautiful.....but The Christie Affair sounds so intriguing 🤔...what is a girl to choose🙃 13mo
Aims42 @Brewychock48 Hahaha, you are preaching to the choir!!! 🤣 I don‘t think you can make a wrong choice though 🥳 They both sound like winners!! 13mo
40 likes4 comments