Books, Books and More Books

Another relaxing day dawned on us with Steve working on his Pork Pies and me completing my 3rd book since arriving!

Beijing Confidential by Jan Wong is an interesting portrayal of one person’s journey through being the first foreign University student allowed into China after the revolution. Jan is a 3rd generation Canadian Chinese immigrant who decided to study in China and learn Mandarin during her time. She ends up falling into the brainwashing of the masses and outs a girl in her class. Feeling guilty for this over many years she returns to China to search out the girl to apologise. In her quest to find her, she sheds light on the times past and present as China prepares for the 2008 Olympics. I really enjoyed the story and the historical side of this book.

The Witch of Portobello is a novel by Paulo Coelho, a Brazillian writer who’s more famous novel, The Alchimist and many others have been translated into more than a dozen languages. This books is an interestingly written tale of finding true meaning in your life and using that meaning to better yourself and the world around you. I really enjoyed it.

Since I was a Princess by Jaqueline Pascarl is her second book talking about how she’s occupied her time since the abduction of her two children in 1994. She has certainly done a lot of great work; Book programs to lots of poor African schools to allow them to learn English so they can better themselves and their families; CARE Australia volunteer in Bosnia and Dili during the wars. And the break down of her second marriage and creation of her third marriage and subsequent two kids and their eventual meeting. Its quite a name dropping novel, but she has as an individual, achieved much in her short life.

Also we purchased a Bird book. We’ve seen heaps of great birds, but have no idea what they are – now we’ve no excuse!