Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

8 Stars*

This was my first Shannon Hale book and I only read it because my mother said it was one of her favorite books. It's not that I have anything against Shannon Hale. Who knows why it's taken me so long to read her books? Anyway, I really liked it and if Hale's other books are anything like this I will definitely be giving them a try. I liked the main character's philosophy of life (although I'm probably more like the princess in the story...) I also enjoyed the Asian-esque culture that Hale created. A fine read indeed. Also, check out Amanda's review of it here.

*I decided to start linking the "Meaning of Stars" post to my reviews so that I don't have to keep going back to read it every time*

Mao and Me by Chen Jiang Hong

6 Stars

Mao and Me is a very short but intriguing read. Less than a hundred pages and illustrated in a way reminiscent of ancient Chinese art, it doesn't take more than an afternoon to read. It offers a small autobiographical glimpse into a boy growing up during Mao's declared cultural revolution. Since I am young and foolish, I don't know anything about China's recent history. This story offers a story both happy and sad. One gets to hear a story about a boy who grew up living simply but happily with his family. One also hears about book burnings, forced public disgraces, and a harsh government that forces people to live a certain way.

I'm sure that those who know about China's history will learn very little new information. I'm also sure that those like me, with little knowledge on this subject, will not gain a full picture of what happened. However, Mao and Me does provide a little look into a very foreign world. It was enough to pique my curiosity to look further, and it could do the same for you.