Rating: 
Summary: Riveting, looked forward to it every night!!
Review: It is amazing how forgiving a child can be towards abusive parents. That is what I learned from this story. A child always looks towards the parents for approval and acceptance no matter what. I would love to see a current picture of Ms. Mah and her family after reading the painful retelling of her childhood hell.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing, ultimately...
Review: Although I found Adeline Yen Mah's account of her family life gripping, I was disturbed by the tone of her family memoir: I sense that she is a very angry woman, and at the end of the day, I am not entirely sure why. True, Adeline had an appalling childhood at the hands of her stepmother, Niang, but a happy childhood is not an entitlement, as much as we all would like it to be. Also, however unhappy her early years, Adeline has had more blessings than most people as an adult: two children, loving husband, brilliant career... And, though even as an adult she still did not forge the close bond that she always wanted with her parents, it seems to me that she had more harmonious relations with her stepmother than Niang's own blood daughter did. That's something, surely. I would have enjoyed the book more had Adeline been more self analytical, though perhaps that's not part of the Asian tradition. Why does she crave her parents' approval so much, even as an accomplished adult? Why does she think her stepmother was so cruel -- was it because she was frustrated by the life of the traditional Chinese wife, able to dominate the home but nowhere else? And why were Adeline's father and his relations so passive in face of Niang's tyranny? When someone is haranguing me with a story along the lines of "They did this to me and that to me," I will listen, and like many of the other readers, I found the book hard to put down. Ultimately, however, I was left wondering: so what? If Adeline turned out well despite -- and to top that off, can write so beautifully -- then why not let bygones be bygones and apply her talents in more creative directions, such as writing a novel? A memoir is worthwhile, it seems to me, if it leads you to greater self-knowledge. But this is not the point of this book; rather, it is yet another late-1990s expression of victimhood, Chinese style (if you ask me, the Chinese seem to have a special penchant for the victim's role). Indeed, I can't say I blame some of the other readers for thinking Adeline wrote the book so that she could earn the inheritance money of which her family had cruelly deprived her -- so that she could have the last laugh on her siblings when their family story became an international bestseller.
Rating:
Summary: an incredable story which gets to the heart of life and love
Review: It is a well written story, I was unable to put the book down. Adeline Yen Mah writes from the heart and places her own personal stuggles in relationship to the history of China. I am amazed at how strong a child"s need is for parental acceptance and love. I also received an small understanding of the Chinese culture and how they view family and work. Don't miss this book it is well worth reading!
Rating:
Summary: Heart wrenching biography of a little girl!
Review: This was such a touching story of a little girl's attempts to gain the love and acceptance of her parents that we all take for granted. The fact that she triumphed personally despite them is a true testament of how strong the human mind and heart can be.
Rating:
Summary: Heartwrenching story of the search for love and acceptance.
Review: Absolutely powerful and moving. Ms. Mah's story is one that will stay with me for a very, very long time. At times I became so upset I had to stop reading, and found myself picking up the book again. The abuse Ms. Mah and her siblings endured from her once loving father, and venemous step mother is beyond belief. If it were not for Aunt Baba's love and support, one can only imagine what might of happened to Adeline Yen. On a very personal note, Ms. Mah thank you for sharing your most intimate memories.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic story, well written
Review: This is a very fascinating account of young girl's life in Shanghai and Hong Kong giving some insight into the lives of a wealthy and prominent Asian family Extremely well written - you can feel the isolation and true feelings of the author. Difficult to put down. Truly a masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: Painful, emotional story about an innocent little girl
Review: After reading this book and seeing what Adeline Yen had to go through, I was in tears. I felt like I was with her the entire way. I hated her stepmother; I felt sorry for her father. I was feeling her emotions. This is a truly fascinating, and heart-wrenching book that everyone should read for it's realness. (Is realness a word?)
Rating:
Summary: Good view of culture and dynamics unlike those in American
Review: families. I have been a professor in China and was always intrigued by the government regulations as well as family dynamics. I found the people quite guarded in many ways about their private lives, and this book offered some insight into one family. I would love to read a memoir of Grand Aunt...SHE must have been remarkable. I'd recommend this for a good read.
Rating: 
Summary: Love = inheritance
Review: I can't help thinking that the author measured her parents' love and affection based on the amount of her inheritance. Otherwise, the story is interesting.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, a must read!!
Review: I really enjoyed this book and its remarkable main character. I would recommend it to anyone. Read it! It is unbelieveable how uncaring a family and humans can be.
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