China Dolls

By Michelle Yu and Blossom Kan

Book Overview

Meet the three unforgettable women of China Dolls M.J., a New York City-based journalist trying to achieve her dreams of becoming what her traditional Chinese parents could have never imagined: an on-air broadcaster in the very white, very male world of sports. . . . Alex, a successful lawyer who constantly fights the stereotype of the submissive, docile Asian woman---until heartbreak leaves her speechless. . . . and Lin, a Wall Street exec whose interest in the office playboy puts her at risk of falling head over Jimmy Choo heels in love. . . . From red envelopes to pink slips, Mahjong to speed dating, these twentysomething women can always find time to bridge their worlds and come together to dish, dine, whine, and have dim sum as they journey through the ups and downs of life and love. And what a wonderful ride it is

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312378017
• ISBN13: 9780312378011
• Release Date: February 2008
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.4" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

fascinating storytelling

Chinese Americans M.J., Alex and Lin are best friends and have been so since they met as children. Each encourages the others to seek their dreams. Thus M.J. is a sportswriter hoping to make TV broadcasting; Alex has become a successful lawyer; and Lin has succeeded as an investment banker. Each of their parents is concerned with the Americanization of their offspring, as the only acceptable roles for an Asian female are wife and mother. However the three musketeers want more from their lives and plan to prove to their respective families that Asian women at least in the United States can be all they want to be. The American assimilation that divides the third generation from especially the first (the second is caught in a tug of war) is aptly described in CHINA DOLLS. Readers will see the Grand Canyon in beliefs as the acceptable Chinese norm (brought from the old country) clashes with the desires of women to be all that you can be in a society that encourages much more flexibility. Although none of the three young professionals are fully developed, the clashing lifestyles make for an interesting tale as each ahs to decide between gratifying their family by staying inside the narrow cultural restraints or satisfying themselves by taking advantage of the wider opportunities America offers. Harriet Klausner

You go girl!

This is a light-hearted novel that follows three Asian-American, Manhattanite young women's adventures in love, career, family, and friendship. The stories are full of inspirational messages and themes that are universal for young women. All three protagonists learn to "open yourself to new possibilities" (in the wise words of the fortune-teller in the opening scene) and demonstrate courage in exploring their perceptions, values, and identities in ways that are both comical and heart-warming.

A Fun Read

Not usually the type of book that I pick up for myself, but I have to admit it was a lot of fun. Like the idea of a woman writing for a sports magazine! That's a nice change of pace. I can see the Sex and the City aspect, but that doesn't bother me at all. It was a good show. I also liked the cultural aspects here. Definitely a fun read, pick it up.

A great read

It doesn't matter if you're Asian or not or if you're single or not, China Dolls is a lot of fun! The characters are sassy and smart, the plot moves along briskly and New York City is always an exciting setting for a story. "Sex and the City" may be in re-runs, but here are three young ladies to help fill that void for readers.

Witty & Wonderful!

"China Dolls" is sassy, smart, and such a fun read! When I first saw this book, I was dubious on whether I could relate to it or not because it was multicultural. However, this is a novel that every woman can relate to a la 'Dirty Girls Social Club' and 'Waiting to Exhale'. The characters of M.J., Alex, and Lin are incredible, strong willed woman whom you want to root for from the beginning to the end. Most books feature fashion designers, publicists, and bridesmaids but Yu & Kan feature a female sportswriter as one of the main characters, which I thought was refreshing. We all have dealt with the trials and tribulations that M.J. has. Her dreams of being a sportscaster are shattered by prejudiced people in the sports world and receives a lack of support from the most important people in her life--her parents. Being able to fight and overcome all the negatives in her life is such an inspiration to readers. Alex and Lin also have their own unique story and the warm ending of this book makes you feel good about life, love, and your friends in the end.