This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

   

   Set in 19th century China, the novel centers around the lifelong friendship of Lily and Snow Flower. Despite their different social classes, the two communicate through a secret language known as "nu shu" written on a fan. The story explores the rigid societal norms of the time, particularly the practice of foot binding and arranged marriages. As they navigate through the hardships of their lives, their friendship is tested, leading to a devastating betrayal that impacts their relationship.

   The 3214th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Lady Tan’s Circle Of Women

   A Novel

   

   Lady Tan's Circle of Women follows the life of Tan Yunxian, a woman born into an elite family in 15th-century China. Despite societal norms that deem educated women as worthless, Yunxian is raised by her grandparents to become useful. Her grandmother, one of the few female doctors, teaches her the principles of Chinese medicine, focusing on the Four Examinations: looking, listening, touching, and asking. Yunxian learns about women's health issues, particularly those related to childbirth, alongside her friend Meiling, a midwife-in-training. The two girls form a strong bond, sharing their dreams and challenges, even as they navigate the societal restrictions placed on them. However, Yunxian's life takes a turn when she enters an arranged marriage. Her new family imposes strict rules, forbidding her from practicing medicine or maintaining her friendship with Meiling. As Yunxian struggles with her new role, she must find ways to break free from these constraints and make a lasting impact. The story explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge, highlighting how Yunxian's contributions to medicine endure through the centuries.

   The 14984th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. La Isla De Las Mujeres Del Mar

   

   The 17122nd Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Tea Girl Of Hummingbird Lane

   

   Set against the backdrop of China's remote tea-growing region, this poignant novel explores the intricate bonds of family, tradition, and identity. It follows the journey of a young Akha girl, who is torn between her cultural heritage and the modern world. As she navigates the challenges of love, loss, and motherhood, her path intertwines with that of her daughter, adopted by an American family. Through their parallel stories, the narrative delves into themes of sacrifice, belonging, and the enduring connection between mothers and daughters, ultimately revealing how the past shapes one's future.

   The 17122nd Greatest Book of All Time
5. 5. Shanghai Girls

   

   Set against the backdrop of 1930s Shanghai and the tumultuous journey to America, this historical novel follows two sisters, Pearl and May, whose lives are upended by war and family obligations. Forced into arranged marriages to settle their father's debts, they flee to Los Angeles, navigating the challenges of immigration, cultural identity, and sisterhood. As they strive to build new lives, the sisters confront secrets and betrayals that test their bond, ultimately revealing the resilience and enduring love that binds them together.

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6. 6. On Gold Mountain

   The One-Hundred-Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American Family

   

   This captivating narrative chronicles the multi-generational saga of a Chinese-American family, tracing their journey from 19th-century China to the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Through a rich tapestry of personal anecdotes, historical events, and cultural insights, the story delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by the family as they navigate the complexities of identity, assimilation, and belonging in a foreign land. The tale is a poignant exploration of heritage, resilience, and the enduring bonds that connect past and present.

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7. 7. China Dolls

   

   Set against the vibrant backdrop of San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1930s and 1940s, the story follows the intertwined lives of three young women, Grace, Helen, and Ruby, who forge an unlikely friendship while working as dancers at the glamorous Forbidden City nightclub. As they navigate the challenges of cultural expectations, personal secrets, and the looming threat of World War II, their bond is tested by betrayal and the harsh realities of a world that often sees them as outsiders. Through resilience and determination, they strive to find their place in a rapidly changing society, discovering the true meaning of friendship and identity along the way.

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8. 8. Dreams Of Joy

   

   A spirited young woman rebels against her Los Angeles life and impulsively returns to Maoist China in search of identity, family and political purpose, only to find the reality of collectivization, idealism and famine far harsher than she expected; her determined mother follows her into the countryside, and their fraught reunion forces both women to confront love, betrayal and the personal costs of loyalty amid sweeping social and political upheaval.

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