It's a new month... time for some new bug fixes!
While Matt is still working on harnessing the book data that we all have contributed to, and making it available for searches, he's also been rather busy fixing other things, and even adding some nifty little features. Read all about it in this Announcements forum post.
Mao's Last Dancer
This book is in a Controlled Release!
1 journaler for this copy...
Taken from the Little Free Library on Fernwood Drive in SLO about five days ago.
The story of Li Cunxin's journey from the child of poor peasants to an international ballet star is a striking one. Li grew up during Mao's Cultural Revolution, when peasants were honored - yet not really rewarded - for their hard work. The Li family lived on a commune, where they had a small house. Most of the family worked in the fields, while the father drove a truck. Just getting by was a struggle, and the schools were primitive.
But Cunxin happened to be the right age when Madame Mao's missionaries came by to select possible dance students. The representative had chosen one girl in his class when his teacher suggested Cunxin and the rep said okay. Through many trials he stayed in the running, and finally was sent away, with many others, to dance school in Beijing. Even riding on a train was immeasurably exciting for the boys who came in from the fields.
We get to follow Cunxin as he trains, struggles, tries to overcome homesickness, and finally, after several years, has an opportunity to travel to the U.S. for an internship at the Houston Ballet. The internship leads to another trip and marriage. Leaving the U.S. after being married to a woman he loves, though, is so very difficult and Li has to fight to stay, jeopardizing his relationship with his Houston Ballet mentor.
Clearly, the Cultural Revolution is a chapter in China's history that many would rather forget. But would we have this ballet dancer without it? I don't know. China is still very restrictive compared to western countries but has opened up its doors and its policies so that more is possible than with Mao.
The story is told simply yet has power, if only because the drama is understated. Worth reading for its insight into the times, into the lives of the peasants then and now.
But Cunxin happened to be the right age when Madame Mao's missionaries came by to select possible dance students. The representative had chosen one girl in his class when his teacher suggested Cunxin and the rep said okay. Through many trials he stayed in the running, and finally was sent away, with many others, to dance school in Beijing. Even riding on a train was immeasurably exciting for the boys who came in from the fields.
We get to follow Cunxin as he trains, struggles, tries to overcome homesickness, and finally, after several years, has an opportunity to travel to the U.S. for an internship at the Houston Ballet. The internship leads to another trip and marriage. Leaving the U.S. after being married to a woman he loves, though, is so very difficult and Li has to fight to stay, jeopardizing his relationship with his Houston Ballet mentor.
Clearly, the Cultural Revolution is a chapter in China's history that many would rather forget. But would we have this ballet dancer without it? I don't know. China is still very restrictive compared to western countries but has opened up its doors and its policies so that more is possible than with Mao.
The story is told simply yet has power, if only because the drama is understated. Worth reading for its insight into the times, into the lives of the peasants then and now.
Adding to box to send to friend Devra, who has agreed to place in a Little Free Library in Los Osos, CA.
Sent to friend Devra in Los Osos, CA, with the understanding that she might put it in a Little Free Library there.
