YING-YING: PIECES OF A CHILDHOOD QUOTES AND REVIEWS
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“I found it most delightful and fascinating. I practically read it through it one sitting. I couldn't put it down.” --Helen Wong Jean, Executive Secretary, Chinese American Civic Council of Chicago; Columnist, “Chinese American Progress” * “A translation of "Ying-Ying" might be "Brave-Brave". Jeanne Joe creates a spunky heroine with whom readers will identify. Those who had a good time reading Laurence Yep’s Child of the Owl and Jade Snow Wong’s Fifth Chinese Daughter will also take Ying-Ying into their hearts." --Maxine Hong Kingston, Author, The Woman Warrior and China Men * “Evoking full-colored images that become familiar reflections of the reader’s own youth" --Jack Ong, Reviewer, “East West News” * "Ying-Ying' is the affectionate Chinese name for author Jeanne Joe. It is also the title for her book that recounts the intimate tales of growing up in Chicago Chinatown. By intimate I am not referring to soap opera fare, but to the sharing of special experiences and special feelings. “Ying-Ying is a story that touches your own memories of dreams, fear, wonder and ultimate hope. "Ying-Ying is also about Jeanne's relationship and friendship with her mother. A brave and determined woman, Jeanne's mother left her unhappy marriage to seek a life of happiness for her young daughter. My only criticism of the book is the premature ending. After the reader is enticed to read this short book, one yearns for more. Nonetheless, it is a pleasure to read and excellent material for young minds." --Warren Furutani, Editor, “Cross Currents”, UCLA * Ying-Ying touches the wonderful arbor that is a part of everyone’s childhood.” --Gerald Jann, Editor-Publisher, “Jade Magazine” * “Not since Maxine Hong Kingston’s The Woman Warrior have the sensibilities of the Chinese-American experience been explored with such sensitivity.” --Monica Highland, Author, Lotus Land. * 'This slim reminiscence of an impoverished girlhood in Chicago's Chinatown is bright an evanescent as a soap bubble in a summer's day. Chinese-American actress-writer Jeanne Joe's light unpretentious cotale is a weaver of childhood emotions and experiences striking common chords in all of us--episodes in a warm relationship with her mother offset against a painful separation from the father who left her; lonely days in class and a skirmish with the schoolyard bully who became her friend; painful encounters with bigoted neighbors; the joy-filled discovery of her special gift for performing the beautiful songs and dances of her Chinese heritage. Thoughtfully chosen, well-rendered details and the simple, succinct language of the dreamy reminiscence piquant and moving images from otherwise commonplace people and events.” --Wendy Anson, Reviewer, “Los Angeles Herald Examiner” * “Ying-Ying has been added to the Los Angeles Unified School District’s recommended reading list…In Ying-Ying , our 6th graders were able to combine the reading of literature, writing and oral language; and of equal value--provided an excellent role model.” --William Chun-Hoon, Principal, Castelar Elementary School * "This book series is a wonderful contribution to the Chinese American culture." --Ice River, Reviewer, Amazon.com *