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Summary: Powerful, illuminating book about the Cultural Revolution
Review: "Red Scarf Girl" illuminates with great clarity the dehumanizing oppression that the Cultural Revolution imposed for a decade on political and social life in China. The powerful story of the adolescent Ji-li Jiang and her family's fate is told with extraordinary clarity, simplicity, balance and pacing. Its effect is suspenseful, frightening, even terrifying, as an extreme and inhumane political ideology takes hold of China and insinuates itself into all aspects of life. Revolutionary fervor becomes a devastating wedge when thrust into the heart of families with the power to pry apart the most intimate of human bonds. I learned a great deal about how this form of totalitarianism, which was attractive on a certain level, was also able to suppress so many harmless human freedoms and personal ties and turn them into crimes. It caught many people, who couldn't help their hereditary bourgeois "class status" any more than handicapped persons can help their handicaps, in a diabolical no-win situation where they were forced to chose between denouncing and disowning families who had loved, raised, and needed them, and loyalty to the "greater good" of a revolution that willingly trampled over human rights. "Red Scarf Girl" contains many lessons for Americans in these difficult times when the need to preserve our freedoms from real threats bred of fanatacism must be answered with responses that don't compromise our historic commitment to democracy, tolerance and human rights.
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Summary: Very,very,very,excellent book!!!!!!!!!!!!!A must Read!! : )
Review: This is one of the best books ever! I really really liked it. I read it in a day and a quarter when I was home sick,and it usually takes me five thousand years to read a book. I usually hate history, but this was faboolus!!!! I loved this book. You must read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Summary: BORING
Review: It took me forever to read this book because it is sooo boring! Normaly it takes me about 3 days to read a book that thick but it took me 2 weeks instead. I would not recomend this book unless you are into the Chinese culture. All my friends but one hates this book as much as I do.
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Summary: Down to earth, great for all ages, a must - read for all
Review: Although this book is rated as "Young Adult," I found this book to be suitable for all ages. Its style is mature, fails to be self - pitying, culturally and socially aware, and is also very down to earth. The epilogue finishes the work beautifully, giving the reader a look at the present life of the mature Ji - Li Jiang, and positively sums up why she wrote the book. If you want an excellent idea of how Chinese Communism appeared from an adolescent's point of view, this book is your best bet. It will definitely be classified as one of my more vivid memories of books I've read.
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Summary: An interesting history lesson not taught in schools
Review: Ji-Li Jiang presents the story of her early teen years in this memoir. It covers a subject not often discussed in history classes - China's Cultural Revolution. Although there are a few gaps between chapters and a bit of jumpiness within a few chapters, the story is passionately told. Jiang's presentation of the Chinese views of Americans at the time are particularly important for young Americans to realize. This is NOT a whiney, whoa is me, telling of a terrible time in her history. That is what makes it so good.
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Summary: A must read for all types of readers
Review: Being a school librarian, I am always recommending books, especially when students are looking for a biography. This autobiography is unforgettable. In 1966, the Chinese government (under Mao Tse-Tung or Mao Ze-dong) began the Cultural Revolution. Part of the Revolution's plan was to banish old ideas, old culture, old customs, and old habits. At that time the author was only 12-years-old. She was taught it was a crime to respect her elders. For example, students sneered at her grandfather because he was a landlord. This conflict bothered the author (as it would most children). Her book gives a personal account of Chinese Communism and the havoc it brought to families. I read this over three years ago and certain scenes still come vividly to mind. Try this autobiography and see if you have the same reaction.
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Summary: I loved this book!
Review: Red Scarf Girl : A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution was probably one of my favorite books of all that I have. I could not put the book down. I do not normally care for historical books, but I loved this one!
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Summary: MaH RevIeW
Review: I Think this book was amazing. It had real facts about real people and real events. This book had everything from school to political parties. It showed that China had some leaders that didn't make the best out of China instead they turned the whole country around. Overall i liked the book. it was fun to read....
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Summary: Please, No more massive tradegies like Culture Revolution!
Review: This book is only a typical example among other millions of families suffered after Cummunist took over China.. We should all remind us that, in any country, people are more important than the government or the will of a tyrant like Mao. We should all learn from the wrongs and miseries happened in China in the past century. Remember: Never, ever let crazy leaders like Mao, who killed and destroyed millions of people's life in China, take over power again in any of our society. If we let them rule us again, the millions of tradegic stories could repeat to us or our future generations. No matter which country you love, never let this kind of tyrant get in power again. No more massive tradegies like that, please.
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Summary: A MUST READ!
Review: I'm 14 years old and have read this book countless times. Though set in a time before me and in a place I have never known, Ji Li's thoughts, fears, and feelings have been experienced by everyone. The memoir tells the story of Ji Li Jiang and her marked family who are looked down upon by China because of their ancestors and personal beliefs. Having been brought up to cherish my individual freedoms and beliefs, this book made me think about what it would be like to have that taken away. Ms. Jiang, beyond telling an interesting story, wrote the book so well - enough description to feel as though you were in China during the cultural revolution, enough explanation so an American can understand the events and slang, and enough humor to keep a smile on your face. My favorite book!
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