Forget the Buddhist angle, this is a book of stories that are quite extraordinary. It would resonate in any culture or time. If you want to go someplace that's up there with the Moby Dicks of Hobbitsville drifting down a big river on a flimsy raft, come visit this place, it's not as much of an illusion as it seems. This is the life we're all trying to master. Ask any Tiger. But try it as I did and be taken away...

At last a book to honor the Shangpa tradition! I've known of this lineage for a long time but never until this book (recommended to me by a friend) have I found accessible material on it. Each chapter tells the story of a different Master. I keep re-reading the stories and songs: there's wisdom to be found for all situations. This book is a gift.

...you'll enjoy Like An Illusion just as much. I found these stories very inspiring and touching. They are the life stories of spiritual masters from a very old Tibetan Buddhist lineage and it is so exciting to read them in English after almost a thousand years! Definitely the real stuff.

I am always on the lookout for up-and-coming Asian-American writers and searched high and low for Andrea's first novel after hearing about it from a friend. After reading the book, I thought it was worth every effort in my search for this well written novel. Andrea Louie has the potential to be one of the finest authors in this century if she continues to explore her writing technique and style. I hope to see her blossom in her career and look forward to her future writings.

I first read Moon Cakes several years ago and found it to be a genuine and fascinating novel about a young woman trying to make sence of her own life. This particular young woman was of Chinese decent, I am not, but found that in many ways that the feelings about sense of place and sense of self that permeate this delicate novel are applicable to a wide range of young adults. I agree with the reviewer who wrote that the book helped her through some tough times, because I am finding myself looking for it now when my own life is in transition. It is a wonderfully crafted story whose tone reminds me of Lydia Minatoya's "Talking to High Monks in the Snow". Its one weakenss, I thought, was its "surprise" ending--although perhaps I wasn';t as careful a reader as I should have been. It should still be in print. I look forward to reading more by Andrea Louie.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I found it refreshing from the stereotypical Asian American novels. The characters were so complex, yet simple in description. A must read for someone looking for a different Asian Anerican experience.

This peaceful story is a lovely way to introduce another culture to young readers, and Robert Sabuda's artwork is beautiful. Mi Fei is an artist who is content to paint scrolls and live within his community until the villagers hear that a dragon has awakened to threaten the countryside and nominate him to face the foe. After a long journey, Mi Fei finds the dragon, who offers him a series of riddles/challenges to perform. Sabuda, better known for his pop-up masterpieces, brings the story to life with breathtaking images of vibrant color and flowing imagery.

Wonderful tale.

This is the most wonderful children's book I have ever read. I loved it and my seven year old daughter loves it also. It tells a wonderful story about Chinese culture,love and courage. The illustration is absolutely beautiful!I've recommended it to many friends with children.

The Paper Dragon has captured the heart of all the readers I have given copies to (I am on my eighth copy). The story of a humble artist sent to task against a fierce dragon, is portayed colorfully in word and pictures. The gate style print of the pictures lend themselves to become an intergral part of the storyline.

A touching lesson is given to us all, when we find that the dragon is thankful to be released from his reign of terror, and allowed to sleep again. I have heard my five year old tell the story to her friends.

Richard has access to places most people do not. Take, for example, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness is not accessable to you and I on the level that Richard has. Richard shares private photos, such as plate 63 where His Holiness is in meditation. The photo alone portrays a depth of intensity that the experience offers. Richard also has a true sense of the tragedy of the Tibetan people and can deliver that in a light that few people can ever grasp, even after several trips to the region. Richard is the Pilgrim and we are fortunate to be able to see things in a way he does. Very few photographers can say that of their work. Perhaps it is due to his experience in film, perhaps as a result of his practice as a buddhist, maybe just because the openness of his sharing is felt in his work, regardless of the medium. Thank you my friend for sharing your life with us and a wonderful book.

This is a fantastic book! The photographs stir a number of emotions in you. Only a true artist like Mr. Gere could convey these feelings and capture them in his shutter. The book also features excellent text and was a very nice present. I think everyone should peek at this book. A great book for religious souls and open minds.

This book was exactly what I expected from such a sensitive and intelligent man. Thank you, Mr. Gere. We need our hearts broken now and then.

Melvyn Goldstein's goal is not to prop up one side of the other in this debate; instead, he gives an account the past and the process that led to "the demise, in 1951, of the de facto independent Lamaist State." He posits that even though external actors gave rise to the fall of independent Tibet, in-house dynamics produced the state of affairs that enabled peripheral actors, mainly China, to succeed. Principal among the factors causative to Chinese military triumph was the fact that Tibet was not geared up for fighting. Tibet's religious leadership obstinately resisted the military transformation that might have enabled Tibet to resist Chinese domination. The point is now moot. This is played out in some length in its theatrical renditions in movies such as: Jean-Jacques Annaud's "Seven Years in Tibet" and Martin Scorsese's "Kundun" (both also available on Amazon.com). Truth be told, it was actually built-in to the Tibetan ontological framework of passivity and extreme isolation (somewhat self-imposed) that lead to its not being prepared for the Chinese onslaught. Through no fault of theirs events took the shape they did.

The book is broken up into two distinct parts - the opening part focusing on the 13th Dalai Lama and the period following his death and the next part dealing with the Taktra Regency (1941-1950) and the critical events of 1951. Goldstein sees the work as bridging: "two diametrically opposing views of Tibet's political status... The pro-Tibetan school argues that Tibet had been an independent state conquered by the Chinese Communists and was wrongly incorporated into the Chinese state. The pro-Chinese school sees Tibet as a traditional part of China which split from it as a consequence of British machinations after the fall of the Manchu dynasty, but which was rightly reunited with China in 1951" (xix). Goldstein, an anthropologist by schooling, does what he does best by submitting huge quantities of data, and suffers from the fact that he does not critically analyze the date in relation to the key issue of status. Status being what he himself brought on as his central thesis.

Goldstein's tale of political proceedings in Tibet during this, the twentieth century is by far more wide-ranging than any until that time, published; whether it is really more accurate or representative, or subject to politically expediency, is one of the questions brought up by his merely penning the book. He goes into great detail on what he refers to as the "serf" system in Tibet which is seen to be a misnomer by most Tibetans. On of the most disturbing issues relating to this massive missive is that Goldstein fails to mention the number of Tibetans in Tibet who suddenly died after having been "compelled to accept Chinese sovereignty" which has been projected to have been as much as 1.2 million (out of a population of around 6 million). This series of problematical events is also known by another expression, used by the International Commission of Jurists in 1960 in their denunciation of the Chinese actions in Tibet: "genocide." For more details on this and some of the other issues Goldstein may have missed, you can refer to "In Exile from the Land of Snows: The Definitive Account of the Dalai Lama and Tibet since the Chinese Conquest" by John F. Avedon (also available on Amazon.com).

I have to give Goldstein kudos though for placing complexity where there was none previously. This book shatters some of our closely held notions of Tibet as some form of Shangri-La. It may not have been his intent but Goldstein (as well as Avedon) clearly point out how betrayed or ignored Tibet was by Britain and America for geopolitical and selfish shortsighted reasons. The tome is an amazing look at the complexity and the range/extent of internal (for a lack of a better word) infighting that existed. Internal rivalries such as those between the monasteries resulting form their own internal infrastructure may have been one of the major causes and Goldstein makes an unwitting argument for internal sovereignty. The book is long and is meant for those who are interested (as no book this long will sustain a reader unless there is initial interest) but should always be critically examined and compared against other studies about Tibet. For Goldstein's lack of romanticizing of Tibet, I give him 5 stars.

Miguel Llora

Mr. Goldstein's book is informative, detailed, and well-researched. The author provides the reader with numerous maps and photos and presents the subject of Tibet and its de facto independence in an un-biased manner. His background in the culture was useful in explaining the customs and politics of Tibet. Tibet's external issues, mainly with China and Britain, are well balanced with the internal goings on of the government. Goldstein blends all this together to make sense of the status of the Land of Snows during this time period. However, for the most part, this is a political history, rather than a social history. That is, Goldstein does not give much time to issues outside the political realm of Tibet. Much time is spent on the central government and its so-called Three Seats (monasteries). He presents the evidence (government records, first-hand accounts,etc.) to show Tibet's status. To find a flaw in Mr. Goldstein's book would be to say that although it gave much detail and explanation, it needed more of that "human touch" with a sprinkle of emotion to give a feeling of the average Tibetan in the period 1913-1951. Those who would like to learn more about Tibet's government before the invasion of the Chinese Communists will definately appreciate this book. It is unsurpassed in its content. For general Tibet reading, I recommend "Tibet: the Road Ahead", by Dawa Norbu; "The Voice that Remembers", by Ama Adhe; and absolutely "Tears of Blood" by Mary Craig.

This book is a definitive history of Tibet covering a crucial period. Goldstein writes an extremely readable book. He covers a large time period using primary sources and interviews with the characters involved. He limits his analysis of the events and lets the readers examine the evidence. He gives evidence of the Tibetan government's faults as well as the abandonment of Tibet by the international community. This book is a must read for anyone trying to understand the current efforts of the Tibetan government in exile. 'Orphans of the Cold War: America and the Tibetan Struggle for Survival' by John Kenneth Knaus is also an excellent book that covers the US government's involvement with Tibet and gives extra insight to the information given by Goldstein.

I love this book! The two different parts of this book really works. In Part One, written by Beverley Jackson is an interesting look at Chinese culture and the journey to the mandarin squares. The fictional story of two boys and their different journeys brings the mandarin squares to life. The studying and sacrifices involved in order to wear the mandarin square are staggering. It heightens the appreciation of the squares themselves in Part Two.

In Part Two, David Hugus does an excellent job in dissecting and then explaining the elements making up the squares. Beyond the intellectual and technical issues, Hugus also discusses mandarin squares in the marketplace.

The two authors obviously have a great love and interest in the mandarin squares and the Chinese culture. I recommend this book highly.

This is an exceptionally beautiful and interesting book. Even though I had no prior interest in chinese textiles I was quickly drawn in by the stunning photographs and the helpful essays. The book makes a great gift for anyone interested in Asian art or textiles in general!

This book is a must for anyone interested in Asian art and, in particular, the Chinese rank system and the textiles associated with it. I expect this book to become THE reference book on the subject. I highly recommend it to all those dealing in antique Chinese objects and museums specializing in Asian art. It is obvious to me that both authors have not only throughly researched their topics but also are impassioned by them.

Born in 1895 in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, Madame Beatrice Alexander was the daughter of Russian immigrants who rose to become America's premier doll maker. As a child she was known as Bertha, but soon took what she considered to be a more socially acceptable name - Beatrice. This name change was but a harbinger of her determination to excel, to rise above what she considered to be humble surroundings.

Her story is well documented and lavishly illustrated in this keepsake volume. Included are numerous full-color photos of the famous Alexander dolls.

Early on Madame Alexander adored her step-father, Maurice,emulating his love of doll making and doll repairing. He is responsible for this country's first doll hospital located on the Lower East side of New York City. The family lived above this business.

With the outbreak of World War I and America's ban on German goods, including the dolls which were the family's best sales items, it seemed their business was doomed. But Beatrice and her sisters would not accept this. They put their heads together to try to determine how to make dolls without porcelain or kilns. The answer was, of course, cloth toys. Their first success was a Red Cross Nurse doll. Beatrice was the creative member of this team, coming up with ideas and issuing instructions on making her concepts a reality.

Building upon their success the Alexander Doll company moved to a large space in the late 1920s. It was not long before their efforts were rewarded with an order from FAO Schwarz.

The Alexander Alice In Wonderland doll debuted in 1930. Today, in an updated incarnation, Alice is still one of their most popular items. There were soon Scarlet O'Hara dolls, bride dolls, Queen Elizabeth II dolls, Eloise dolls, and more.

Today, the original issues of many dolls are prized items in collections throughout the world.

"Alex" is among the latest creations - she's a very modern miss in an extravagant gold gown or capris and crop top. Her wardrobe is extensive as is her following. But, to many, a Madame Alexander doll is the Mercedes of toys.

BEAUTIFUL BOOK! WONDERFUL PICTURES! IT WAS GREAT HOW MANY SCARLETT O'HARA DOLLS THERE WERE! BUT THIS BOOK COSTS TOO MUCH, IT SHOULD COME IN PAPERBACK!

The photos of Lia Sargent's dolls in this book are, indeed, beautiful, but the real draw is the way Ms. Finnegan, the author of the book, relates Alexander's life to what was going on in the world at the same time. Wonderful historical perspective, which is very unusual in a doll book!

In The Moon Lady, Amy Tan author of The Joy Luck Club and The Bonesetter's Daughter, presents a small tale for young children which adults will also enjoy. Focusing on a story set in China, Tan brings her wealth of knowledge about China and its folktales as well as her love for this country and its traditions. In addition, the illustrations by Gretchen Schields add a wonderful dimension to the story since readers can also visualize the tale by viewing these pictures.

On a rainy day as grandchildren whine that they can't play outside their grandmother tells them a tale based on her own experiences as a child. Using this method Tan provides an allegorical tale concerning children and their wishes. Telling the children of her wishes as a young girl, Ying Ying tells the children a story about her own wishes at the times of the Moon Festival. And as all folk tales provide, Tan is adept at providing her readers with an adventurous tale compete with the mysterious Moon Lady and a moral to the story.

This is a good book for young children who cannot only learn about the Chinese culture but the saying "Be careful what you wish for." I also recommend this book at any age since it is also important to remember this as we move on in life.

To be honest, this book is reminiscent of a certain chapter in Amy Tan's other book, "Joy Luck Club". In fact, the whole story is lifted from the mentioned novel, and loosely edited to create an entirely detached story for children. But, the whole bit about Nai-nai telling the story was probably the only drastic change. I've no complaints about it though, as a lighter tone seems to be induced in this version, which is (yes) perfect for children, as compared to the more melancholy tone produced in "Joy Luck Club". As a Chinese myself, and having a younger brother and a few kid relatives, I find this book to also be educational with the respect of reintroducing a familiar yet distant tradition to them. Through this wonderfully crafted story which is set at a (Chinese/Lunar) New Year Festival in the bygone days of China, children are taught to find themselves and their loved ones through a series of journeys to undertake and overcome. The great artwork is a bonus. Of course, a better understanding of the background of the legendary moon lady wouldn't do any harm. Still, read the "Joy Luck Club" to get a bigger picture of the story's presence. It's not in the movie.

Researchers constantly find that reading to children is valuable in a variety of ways, not least of which are instilling a love of reading and improved reading skills. With better parent-child bonding from reading, your child will also be more emotionally secure and able to relate better to others. Intellectual performance will expand as well. Spending time together watching television fails as a substitute.

To help other parents apply this advice, as a parent of four I consulted an expert, our youngest child, and asked her to share with me her favorite books that were read to her as a young child. The Moon Lady was one of her picks.

Adapted from Amy Tan's best selling book, The Joy Luck Club, The Moon Lady is a perfect book for encouraging children to read with and talk to their grandmother. The book also very subtly encourages children to take more responsibility for their own lives. The story provides a model for parents and grandparents for how to create their own stories to help children learn important lessons.

The story begins as three girls, Maggie, Lily and June, are bored because they have to stay in on a rainy day and can think of nothing that they want to do. Their grandmother, Nai-nai, is with them. Nai-nai tells them a story about when she was a young girl in China, and she ran and shouted and could not stand still also.

The story is about the day she told the Moon Lady her secret wish. Then unfolds a wonderful story of a young girl's adventure on a special trip to see the Moon Lady. Along the way, she sees many things she has not seen before, falls overboard, is rescued by a fishing family, and finds her family again after meeting the Moon Lady. In the process, she has one of those epiphanies that make all of our lives better -- that she is in charge of creating her own future.

The story is filled with references to family bonding and what is and is not proper behavior. The story also shows what family life was like for a somewhat well-to-do Chinese family in China at the beginning of the 20th century. These references are made all the more realistic by a wonderful series of drawings by Gretchen Schields with bright colors, beautiful detail, and authentic depictions of the China of years ago. It's almost like living a beautiful dream.

Then Nai-nai takes her granddaughters out to dance in the moon after the story is over.

Of all the children's books I have read, I place this one in the top ten for the 4-8 age category.

A central problem for many children today is that too much television, too many structured activities, and too little free time leave them feeling lost when nothing is on the agenda. Our misconception is that they need regimented lives like those that soldiers lead to fulfill their potential. This book will encourage you to readdress that misconception, and focus on how to make your children more competent in thinking about others, being more independent, and designing their own beneficial activities. That is all very important to actually unleashing their full potential. When you are done, think about how perhaps your own life needs a little improvement along these same lines.

Enjoy!

Donald Mitchell (donmitch@2000percentsolution.com)

I must take issue with the comments from Singapore. Orphan Warriors was 1991, the Last Emperors, 1998. How does one figure that the later book came first? This is not to detract from Evelyn S. Rawski, who has written the definitive study of the Qing (Ch'ing) emperors.

First, there was Evelyn Rawski and now there's Pamela Crossley. These two women are truly revamping Qing culture for the Western world.
The story of the Manchus as seen thru 3 generations of bannermen.
However, one of the earlier reviews was clearly horsing around - he has morphed Emperor Puyi to Piyu and also mentioned that Jinliang was Puyi's courtesan.
Jinliang was a man!
The reference to the Empress Dowager's interest in all things equus gives the game away.

I read this after The Manchus, and I actually liked it better. The first three chapters are very informative, and the story of the last part of the book is absolutely engrossing. Even serious readers will be swept along by the drama. If you like Jonathan Spence or Sterling Seagrave, the last half of this book will be found very delightful.