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Memories of an Eastern Sky
Average Customer Rating: 
List Price:
$9.95
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$7.96
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Manufacturer: Aberdeen Bay
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Binding: Kindle Edition
Format: Kindle Book
Label: Aberdeen Bay
Manufacturer: Aberdeen Bay
Publication Date: 2008-01-18
Publisher: Aberdeen Bay
Studio: Aberdeen Bay
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Editorial Reviews:
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Memories of an Eastern Sky is an intriguing original fiction based on a true story that chronicles the extraordinary and disturbing life experiences of the main character. Born into a loving family in the freezing, lawless, and foreboding part of the Communist China, the main character quickly learns of the crushing power the government wielded. His father is suspected of being counterrevolutionary, and the family makes the courageous decision not to succumb to the nefarious will of the ten-year Cultural Revolution that will eventually claim over thirty million innocent lives.
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: Memories of an Eastern Sky
Comment: Mr. Zhang's book contains layers of messages. First there is the one that depicts a society and culture deprived of the freedom that is cherished by ours, but even now under attack by a paranoid government. Then there is the uplifting one where the greatness of the human spirit shines through in adversity and chaos. It is a story that should be included in all high school literature classes. Thank you.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Tremendously moving and educational at the same time.
Comment: (Posted on behalf of B. Murray)
The natives of Harbin, China, were no strangers to struggle, but their resourcefulness and community spirit managed to pull them through--until the Cultural Revolution ruptured their lives and destroyed the fabric of their society. This powerfully moving story of the harrowing impacts on the Wang family and their neighbors, based on the experiences of the author's own family and village, brings home in a highly accessible way the damage done; the tortures and summary executions, the shocking ease with which powerful bullies could wreck the lives of their neighbors, the enslavement of a generation of children as farm laborers, and, most powerfully to me, the aftermath as the children who grew up in this chaos try to come to terms with their own experiences. Andy Zhang manages to convey all of this with an almost-deceptive simplicity of language and a fast-moving story line that makes it impossible to put the book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Chinese history and culture, the triumph of individual moral courage and kindness in a topsy-turvy world of chaos and thuggishness, or simply a good read
--B. Murray
Customer Rating:
Summary: Memories of an Eastern Sky is a Story to Love
Comment: Andy Zhang's novel is really his own story of growing up in Communist China. From the very first chapter, Zhang boldly carries the reader into the lives of Mama who is about to give birth, Baba who is accused of being a counterrevolutionary by the government, older brother Biao, and little brothers Ming and Dong. Eventually we are introduced to Baby Hai, sister Meili who belongs to the Sent Down Generation, and little Hui, our charming narrator.
The story is an achingly honest account of the Wang family's trials under the Mao regime, including Baby Hai's uncertain future, Baba's imprisonment and Mama's arrest. It is also a personal and touching coming-of-age story during which Zhang reveals small triumphs and great joys hidden in the cruelties of Communism. As Hui grows up and is presented with opportunities and tough choices, we learn that pain and humanity can carry equal weight inside the temptation of revenge. Through Zhang's tender characterization and fresh voice, readers will find themselves endeared by Hui's vulnerabilities and willingness to bear witness to a complicated time in Chinese history.
Also recommended: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Thought provoking page-turner!
Comment: It was hard to put the book down! It certainly makes one appreciate the fragility of life, freedom, and the God-given blessings we take for granted. I pray the USA will never encounter the atrocities so many others have experienced.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Memories of an Eastern Sky
Comment: I loved this book. The book was so powerful and touching. I cried for Andy Zhang's family. I am the parent of an adopted girl from China. I can never read enough about China and it's culture. The struggle and sacrifices that the author's family had to endure is remarkable. This book captures the true meaning of the human spirit. I highly recommend this book.
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