Review of From East to West

[Seetha E]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "From East to West" by Pearl Chen.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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The author Pearl Zhi Ping Chen was born in Beijing, China, soon after the Communist Party came into power. She grew up seeing a couplet by her father's bedside, which translated to, "Assiduousness increases intelligence. Diligence makes up for deficiencies." Deeply influenced and encouraged by her father, the author faces the challenges that life throws at her. Her autobiography, From East to West, chronicles her journey from China to Canada and her transformation from Zhi Ping Chen to Pearl Zhi Ping Chen.

Her great-grandfather was in the Chinese imperial public service. He was well-known and affluent. Neither the respect nor the wealth lasted her father’s generation due to her grandfather’s lifestyle. This was followed by her father being labeled a class enemy. The impact of this was borne by him and his entire family until the late 1970s.

The author describes her life from 1950 to 2013 in eight thorough segments. The initial chapters are on her family history and the sociopolitical situation in China. She exposes the living conditions under communist ideology and the influence of the war between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Chinese Nationalist Party (CNP). Education was abruptly halted. Students were forced to work as field laborers. The stringent limits on residential registration, birth permits, and bias against people deemed enemies of the ruling government, among other things, were terrifying to read about. It is worth noting that she bravely ventured out of China, into Australia, Singapore, and finally to Canada. How did the world outside China treat her? How did things end up for her? Pick a copy to follow her journey.

While basic survival was difficult, it was encouraging that the author kept striving. I admire how she worked tirelessly to transform every obstacle into an opportunity. Her determination to educate herself is inspiring. She did not give up on job prospects despite political constraints. Be it the challenges faced during the university exam or the tough decisions concerning her family members, her clarity of intent was commendable. I love how she did not shy away from any assignment and continued to expand her skill set. There were tear-jerking moments, but there were also moments that left you inspired and in awe of her courage, tenacity, perseverance, and never-say-die attitude.

There is nothing negative about this book. However, I did notice several errors. Although they do not distract the reader, I would propose another round of editing to ensure an error-free book. The inaccuracies force me to rate the book 4 stars instead of a perfect 5.

Anyone looking for motivation should read this book. This book will advise immigrants on appropriate conduct and help them navigate the social, cultural, and economic differences. Finally, this book is for all women who feel helpless, fearful, and powerless and quit before they ever begin.

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From East to West
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Nelson Zacchaeus]

The book is encouraging especially to those who have travelled from their comfort to other places in search of jobs.

[Miracle Oge Adaeze]

"I admire how she worked tirelessly to transform every obstacle into an opportunity." This shows that the author was determined and resilient. This was an amazing review. Thank you.

[Cara Wilding]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "From East to West" by Pearl Chen.]

The author describes her life from 1950 to 2013 in eight thorough segments. The initial chapters are on her family history and the sociopolitical situation in China. She exposes the living conditions under communist ideology and the influence of the war between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Chinese Nationalist Party (CNP). Education was abruptly halted. Students were forced to work as field laborers. The stringent limits on residential registration, birth permits, and bias against people deemed enemies of the ruling government, among other things, were terrifying to read about. It is worth noting that she bravely ventured out of China, into Australia, Singapore, and finally to Canada. How did the world outside China treat her? How did things end up for her? Pick a copy to follow her journey.

While basic survival was difficult, it was encouraging that the author kept striving. I admire how she worked tirelessly to transform every obstacle into an opportunity. Her determination to educate herself is inspiring. She did not give up on job prospects despite political constraints. Be it the challenges faced during the university exam or the tough decisions concerning her family members, her clarity of intent was commendable. I love how she did not shy away from any assignment and continued to expand her skill set. There were tear-jerking moments, but there were also moments that left you inspired and in awe of her courage, tenacity, perseverance, and never-say-die attitude.

Finally, this book is for all women who feel helpless, fearful, and powerless and quit before they ever begin.

With everything going on in China today, this strikes me as being a worthwhile read! I would love to get beyond China's media wall and have a better idea of what life is really like beyond its borders. Your descriptions are haunting to say the very least. I'm very curious how the rest of the world treated her. Something about your recommendation for women who "quit before they ever begin" struck a chord with me. I know too many of these women to count, sadly. I very much enjoyed reading your review, thanks so much for sharing it with us.

[Seetha E]

The book is encouraging especially to those who have travelled from their comfort to other places in search of jobs.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your comments.

[Seetha E]

"I admire how she worked tirelessly to transform every obstacle into an opportunity." This shows that the author was determined and resilient. This was an amazing review. Thank you.

Thanks Miracle for taking the time to read and leave your comments. Happy reading !

[Bettny Andrade]

I find this book to be an interesting topic, however I don't think I would read this book, since it is not my reading style. Thank you very much for the recommendation.

[Upphilan Paul]

This is a well detailed review and it tells us about what to except in the book. I long to read it any moment soon. Good job.

[Sarah Zain]

The author's life events are truly inspiring. Everything she went through and was able to overcome is something to admire. Your review is captivating and beautifully written Seetha.

[Seetha E]

This is a well detailed review and it tells us about what to except in the book. I long to read it any moment soon. Good job.

I am glad that the review has piqued your interest. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comments.

[Seetha E]

The author's life events are truly inspiring. Everything she went through and was able to overcome is something to admire. Your review is captivating and beautifully written Seetha.

Thanks for stopping by and dropping your encouraging comments Sarah.

[Seetha E]

I find this book to be an interesting topic, however I don't think I would read this book, since it is not my reading style. Thank you very much for the recommendation.

You are most welcome Bettny. Thanks for taking the time to read the review and leaving your comments.

[Marina Flisvou]

It's evident that the author's journey and resilience left a strong impression on you, and you found her determination, courage, and tenacity inspiring. Thank you for your insightful review and your recommendation for those seeking motivation and guidance in navigating life's challenges.

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "From East to West" by Pearl Chen.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

---

The author Pearl Zhi Ping Chen was born in Beijing, China, soon after the Communist Party came into power. She grew up seeing a couplet by her father's bedside, which translated to, "Assiduousness increases intelligence. Diligence makes up for deficiencies." Deeply influenced and encouraged by her father, the author faces the challenges that life throws at her. Her autobiography, From East to West, chronicles her journey from China to Canada and her transformation from Zhi Ping Chen to Pearl Zhi Ping Chen.

Her great-grandfather was in the Chinese imperial public service. He was well-known and affluent. Neither the respect nor the wealth lasted her father’s generation due to her grandfather’s lifestyle. This was followed by her father being labeled a class enemy. The impact of this was borne by him and his entire family until the late 1970s.

The author describes her life from 1950 to 2013 in eight thorough segments. The initial chapters are on her family history and the sociopolitical situation in China. She exposes the living conditions under communist ideology and the influence of the war between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Chinese Nationalist Party (CNP). Education was abruptly halted. Students were forced to work as field laborers. The stringent limits on residential registration, birth permits, and bias against people deemed enemies of the ruling government, among other things, were terrifying to read about. It is worth noting that she bravely ventured out of China, into Australia, Singapore, and finally to Canada. How did the world outside China treat her? How did things end up for her? Pick a copy to follow her journey.

While basic survival was difficult, it was encouraging that the author kept striving. I admire how she worked tirelessly to transform every obstacle into an opportunity. Her determination to educate herself is inspiring. She did not give up on job prospects despite political constraints. Be it the challenges faced during the university exam or the tough decisions concerning her family members, her clarity of intent was commendable. I love how she did not shy away from any assignment and continued to expand her skill set. There were tear-jerking moments, but there were also moments that left you inspired and in awe of her courage, tenacity, perseverance, and never-say-die attitude.

There is nothing negative about this book. However, I did notice several errors. Although they do not distract the reader, I would propose another round of editing to ensure an error-free book. The inaccuracies force me to rate the book 4 stars instead of a perfect 5.

Anyone looking for motivation should read this book. This book will advise immigrants on appropriate conduct and help them navigate the social, cultural, and economic differences. Finally, this book is for all women who feel helpless, fearful, and powerless and quit before they ever begin.

******
From East to West
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

The period before and after the CCP came into power in China is obviously not sunshine and rainbows. From East To West explains history better than a Chinese History textbook ever could.

[Anu Anand]

Pearl’s journey shows how powerful determination and self-belief can be. Her efforts to grow through every challenge are admirable. This review really highlights the strength behind her story. Thanks for sharing it. @Seetha E