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Smiling Shelves

Armchair BEA Thursday

5/29/2014

12 Comments

 
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Beyond the Borders

I'm one of many readers out there, I'm sure, who don't do very well with reading as diversely as we should. I read a lot of books about Europe, but those cultures are not hugely different from mine, as an American. Last year, however, I read a book by a Chinese author that opened my eyes to how ignorant I was about China. The book was called The Mao Case by Qiu Xiaolong, and the only reason I picked it up at the library was because the author's name started with an X, and I needed that to complete my A-Z Challenge. I have to admit I didn't like the book very much, but that was only because it was in the crime genre, and that's one of my least favorite genres. It did, however, stir in me an interest in Chinese culture and history that I didn't know I had before. I haven't done much to act on that interest yet, but I am certain that the interest isn't going anywhere and will be satisfied and grow eventually.
12 Comments
Heather link
5/29/2014 01:45:09 am

Challenges are a great way to pick up books that you normally wouldn't.

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Julie @ Smiling Shelves link
5/30/2014 10:27:08 am

That's definitely one of the things I love about reading challenges!

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Juli @ Universe in Words link
5/29/2014 02:50:49 am

I'm really happy that despite not really enjoying the book it still managed to inspire you to read more about China! I had the same with 'Wild Swans' which just blew me away. I can be very stubborn in sticking to my favourite genres, which are quite Europe-centred now that I think about it!
Great post :)
Juli @ Universe in Words

Reply
Julie @ Smiling Shelves link
5/30/2014 10:29:36 am

It's hard to go out of your comfort zone, isn't it? I'll have to check out Wild Swans to keep expanding my horizons!

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Carrie link
5/29/2014 03:21:56 am

Hi Julie. Like you, I like to read about different cultures, but I know how hard it is to find books where you learn about the culture in a fun way. If you're interested in books about China, I highly recommend Home is a Roof over a Pig by Aminta Arrington. It's about an American family's years in China, and it's full of information about the culture, educational system, and the language (learning about the Chinese pictographs was very interesting).

Carrie

If interested, you can read my review here: http://otherwomensstories.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-home-is-roof-over-pig.html

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Julie @ Smiling Shelves link
5/30/2014 10:30:18 am

Home is a Roof over a Pig sounds right up my alley! Thanks for the recommendation!

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Elizabeth Bevins
5/29/2014 04:33:59 am

I highly recommend The Good Earth by Pearl Buck. It was an amazing read.

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Julie @ Smiling Shelves link
5/30/2014 10:31:35 am

The Good Earth is on my Classics Club list, so I'll get there sometime in the next five years. Sounds like I should bump it up the list!

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Karen link
5/29/2014 09:52:26 am

I'll echo the recommendation for Wild Swans. if you want a fiction book however, take a look at Balzac and the Little Seamstress - here's my review if you want to find out a little more about it. http://bookertalk.com/2012/11/08/balzac-and-the-little-chinese-seamstress/

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Julie @ Smiling Shelves link
5/30/2014 10:33:20 am

Balzac and the Little Seamstress sounds very intriguing. Thanks for the recommendation and the review!

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Amy Jarecki link
5/29/2014 03:06:19 pm

Isn't it ironic how things pop up? You needed and X and found a wonderful book that took you to a culture you knew little of. How cool is that?

Reply
Julie @ Smiling Shelves link
5/30/2014 10:34:25 am

Serendipity and books work well together!

Reply



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    My name is Julie, and I own a lot of books. As in, they are stacked on the floor because I've run out of room on the shelves. And those shelves? There are so many books on them that they smile -- not sag; smile. This blog will cover book reviews and all manner of other bookish things.

    You can contact me at julie@smilingshelves.com.

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