Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter

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Summary: THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I EVER READ!!!!
Review: This really is a GREAT book. I am a 14 year old student in Junior High. Maybe it's because of the fact that I'm Chinese, born in Taipei, I have a curious interest in Chinese history and reading any type of books by Chinese authors. Amy Tan is great and everything, her work is awesome...But Mrs. Mah really impresses me with all those horrible crises she has been through. Her chinese proverbs and her understanding of Chinese history and the analogies she makes really impresses the reader. She is surely one of my idles and someone I would really look up to and respect. Someday, I would really like to meet her, and tell her how much I admire her work and her courage.

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Summary: Heartwrenching, Compelling, Beautiful
Review: Falling Leaves was the best book I've ever read in my life. I could not put the book down once I started reading the first few chapters. This book offers many insights about Chinese daughters during the time of Adeline Yen Mah's childhood. I being a Chinese daughter myself have never heard of such preferential treatment. She had a worse childhood than most orphans in China. Nevertheless this was a powerful book and it will always be one of my favorites.

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Summary: I take my universal hat off to Mah
Review: This lady is truly inspiring. To make of her life what she has from the cards dealt her in childhood is truly amazing. Mah kept me captivated from start to finish. Her literary style is enchanting, she knows how to capture an audience. Without going into the book any further, although I would like to say, it will appeal to all, this book should be compulsory reading for those with the belief that life is too tough. For those that give up too easily, for those that blame everyone else for their own ills, for those that blame government, society, etc... This book will change your outlook. It changed mine. If it doesn't, you have a problem.

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Summary: Interesting account and great history lesson
Review: I agree with some other readers that the story, while tragic to the author is relative to all of our own family tragedies, however I felt compelled to read on due to the interwoven history lesson. A very fast read and worthwhile.

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Summary: An eye opener - Must read
Review: It's one of the best written books I've read in recent years. Mah's writing stlye is so easy to read - no unnecesary description, no long sentences, but very vivid images of the characters and emotions involved. You keep turning the pages and before you realize you got to the end of the book. It's a very compelling book, so full of emotions that I could hardly put it down. Contrary to the belief of some readers, this book is NOT about a poor little rich girl whinging about the past and seeking revenge. It's far from it. The book is about the struggle which the author went through growing up. Not only was her existence of no importance to her family, as evidenced by her being abandoned in her boarding school when war broke out, her own father was so mesmerized by her stepmother that she was disowned as a result, This was simply because her stepmother did not like her. Although she was born into a rich family, she never got what she really wanted, which was love, warmth and care from her family. All she wanted was simply "Well done. I'm so proud of you and I love you" from her parents. Maybe for those of you who are unfamiliar with the Chinese culture, in particular the upper echelon of society in that era, it may seem soap opera-ish. However, the sad thing is that it's a true story. It's a good illustration of the fact that money is not every thing and above all, it does not necessarily bring love and happiness. It's very courageous of the author to write this book. Bravo to Adeline!! Writing this book could not have been a joy but an emotional roller-coaster ride. Not many people could've done it. You must read this book - it's the truest of all true stories that I've come across!!!

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Summary: Written with gut-wrenching intimacy
Review: This life journey of a search for belonging and identity is written in a simple flowing style and with gut-wrenching intimacy. Clever use of Chinese proverbs adds to the power of the events, and the capping of the journey with Aunt Baba's proverb is poignant and brilliant.

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Summary: Utter drivel.
Review: This book rates as THE worst that I have ever read and were it not for a belief in the sanctity of the written word I would take it outside and burn it. Not only is the quality of the writing extremely poor, the author gives the impression of being a bitter, immature, whinging, unbalanced and revenge seeking spoilt brat. Oh poor little unloved rich kid! How many times have we heard this theme - get over it!! This book is completely one-sided and fails to address any of the feelings of her family or the enormous advantages bestowed on the author compared to her fellow countrymen. It is with great sadness that I see this book in any way compared to the dignified, intelligent and balanced writing of Jung Chang in Wild Swans. Please do not buy this book and thus give the author any more satisfaction in her self-centered righteousness.

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Summary: a HEART-PIERCING story
Review: I was touched by her compelling story of her entrapment in her own home, a rich but unloved and insignificant daughter having to endure emotional and physical hurt by some of her family members. She was honest with herself,pouring out her emotional hurt, her longing to belong and her darkest secrests, like the love affair with Karl. Also, a well written combination of other characters which does not make it complicating and a unique way to present the chinese proverbs! Bravo!! I thank her for giving me a wonderful pleasure of reading her work which i was able to relate to as well. It has opened my eyes to revolutions of changes that have occured in China and Honk Kong. It also proves the human capacity for selfishness and vindictiveness. Lastly, i salute her tollerance and love for others. I dare to hail her as a champion of the family because of her strength to fight for injustice and for her integrity, elements which are not possessed by others.

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Summary: Incredible!
Review: This book is excellent! Once you start reading it, you will NOT be able to put it down. It touched the very core of my soul.

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Summary: Excellent telling of a tale you don't want to hear
Review: This is an excellent telling of a tale that you probably don't want to hear. I read it in two days, and was captivated through the end.

NOTE - if you read other reviewers, the only criticisim is that she didn't suffer enough. The lack of love from ones family is the greatest harship an individual can endure.