When I heard members of the Los Angeles Public Library Chinatown Branch’s Teen Council were reading my book “Wind Chimes”, I was anxious to hear what they had to say. I understood that most are Chinese-Americans, with immigrant parents and/or were immigrants themselves. All have become readers during the course of their high school studies.
At first, I was concerned that some content would be considered R-rated (like movies, under 17 required adult accompaniment), but I was assured the teens would have adult supervision and guidance. So, I shouldn’t have been surprised at the historical and sociological approach and perspective.
The teens offered their own Chinese names, knew the geography of where their parents came from originally, and reasons for the formation of Chinatowns wherever the Chinese travelled. They spoke of customs such as male dominance, arranged marriages, and ceremonies at weddings and funerals.
They all agreed that the book could have been a true story. Here are a few of quotes from their papers:
“Yes, arranged marriages happened.”--Henry Tan
"I think it could be a non-fiction story..."--Yunqing Zhang
“This book can be a true story because Hai-lan’s life can be relatable. Many people can feel like this was their life also.”--Ana Su
“It relates to immigrants’ stories of coming to the U.S. and the hardships they faced.”--Leeda Sea
“Everything that happened with Hai-lan can related (sic) to people who are coming from China and living in America. The arranged marriage, the new family, and the struggle can be in a true story.”--Joe Cai
“Child brides are popular in eastern countries…so I would not dismiss it as a simple work of fiction. It is very likely that ‘Wind Chimes’ did happen to someone in this world.”--Jingran Xu
“I like this book, and I have a few suggestions. The names of the nine children are so confused. It would be nice to have a few pictures of the food and the old Chinatown and Chinese village. Thank you so much for providing this great book. It inspired me to keep working hard. Best wishes, Sincerely--Yanting Xu”
I am grateful to Dr. William Chun-Hoon, who believed my book worthy to be included in the Chinese Heritage Collection and worthy of analysis. Thank you, Cathy Lu, Young Adult Librarian, for your
facilitation and coordination.
Last but not least my sincere thanks to Teen Council for their time and input. Keep on reading. Have a productive and enjoyable new school year.
Thanks to my readers for your continued support and interest,
Jeanne Joe
WIND CHIMES goes on sale
Friday, August 24, one week through Saturday, August 31, 2018.
$11 each (includes tax and shipping)!
Read the book for yourself. Look for the unexplored elements of romance, supernatural, and faith.
At first, I was concerned that some content would be considered R-rated (like movies, under 17 required adult accompaniment), but I was assured the teens would have adult supervision and guidance. So, I shouldn’t have been surprised at the historical and sociological approach and perspective.
The teens offered their own Chinese names, knew the geography of where their parents came from originally, and reasons for the formation of Chinatowns wherever the Chinese travelled. They spoke of customs such as male dominance, arranged marriages, and ceremonies at weddings and funerals.
They all agreed that the book could have been a true story. Here are a few of quotes from their papers:
“Yes, arranged marriages happened.”--Henry Tan
"I think it could be a non-fiction story..."--Yunqing Zhang
“This book can be a true story because Hai-lan’s life can be relatable. Many people can feel like this was their life also.”--Ana Su
“It relates to immigrants’ stories of coming to the U.S. and the hardships they faced.”--Leeda Sea
“Everything that happened with Hai-lan can related (sic) to people who are coming from China and living in America. The arranged marriage, the new family, and the struggle can be in a true story.”--Joe Cai
“Child brides are popular in eastern countries…so I would not dismiss it as a simple work of fiction. It is very likely that ‘Wind Chimes’ did happen to someone in this world.”--Jingran Xu
“I like this book, and I have a few suggestions. The names of the nine children are so confused. It would be nice to have a few pictures of the food and the old Chinatown and Chinese village. Thank you so much for providing this great book. It inspired me to keep working hard. Best wishes, Sincerely--Yanting Xu”
I am grateful to Dr. William Chun-Hoon, who believed my book worthy to be included in the Chinese Heritage Collection and worthy of analysis. Thank you, Cathy Lu, Young Adult Librarian, for your
facilitation and coordination.
Last but not least my sincere thanks to Teen Council for their time and input. Keep on reading. Have a productive and enjoyable new school year.
Thanks to my readers for your continued support and interest,
Jeanne Joe
WIND CHIMES goes on sale
Friday, August 24, one week through Saturday, August 31, 2018.
$11 each (includes tax and shipping)!
Read the book for yourself. Look for the unexplored elements of romance, supernatural, and faith.