Journal Entry 1 by catsalive from Rooty Hill, New South Wales Australia on Friday, November 18, 2011

When Deng Xiaoping’s efforts to “open up” China took root in the late 1980s, Xinran recognized an invaluable opportunity. As an employee for the state radio system, she had long wanted to help improve the lives of Chinese women. But when she was given clearance to host a radio call-in show, she barely anticipated the enthusiasm it would quickly generate. Operating within the constraints imposed by government censors, “Words on the Night Breeze” sparked a tremendous outpouring, and the hours of tape on her answering machines were soon filled every night. Whether angry or muted, posing questions or simply relating experiences, these anonymous women bore witness to decades of civil strife, and of halting attempts at self-understanding in a painfully restrictive society. In this collection, by turns heartrending and inspiring, Xinran brings us the stories that affected her most, and offers a graphically detailed, altogether unprecedented work of oral history.

When she became interested in learning more about the lives of her fellow Chinese women, her position as a journalist and her ability to gain the trust of these women allowed her to hear many stories about their lives. The stories she recounts, from personal interviews with Chinese women, phone calls to the radio station, and letters from her listeners, are heart-wrenching.

A large part of the appeal of this book is that she doesn't forget that she too is a Chinese woman. Stories of her life growing up during the Cultural Revolution are woven into her narrative. The stories in The Good Women of China cover many aspects of women's lives in China. Xinran's writing is always engaging, and the stories are gripping even when they are tragic. 

Journal Entry 2 by catsalive at Pyrmont Point Hotel in Pyrmont, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Released 5 mos ago (12/6/2011 UTC) at Pyrmont Point Hotel in Pyrmont, New South Wales Australia

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Left this when a few of us met up for lunch today. 

Journal Entry 3 by Flight at Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Picked up at a Sydney BookLunch. 

Journal Entry 4 by Flight at Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Friday, December 23, 2011

These stories are pretty dark. One can only feel tremendous sympathy for the generations of women living through the revolution/s. 

Journal Entry 5 by Flight at Avenue Plaza Hotel, St.Charles Ave in New Orleans, Louisiana USA on Friday, December 23, 2011

Released 5 mos ago (12/23/2011 UTC) at Avenue Plaza Hotel, St.Charles Ave in New Orleans, Louisiana USA

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Left on shelf to left inside door to computers/business centre for hotel guests.