The novel is a fictional memoir of a Chinese soldier who is captured during the Korean War and spends several years in American POW camps. He struggles to survive in the brutal conditions and navigate the political rivalries among the prisoners, while holding onto the hope of repatriation and the fear of being labeled a traitor by his own country. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the human cost of war.

"China Men" is a collection of stories that delve into the lives of Chinese immigrants in America, blending mythology, family history, and cultural heritage. The book explores the struggles, contributions, and identities of these men who left their homeland in search of better opportunities, facing both discrimination and hardship in America. Through a series of poignant narratives, the author captures the complex interplay between personal and collective histories, revealing the deep roots and enduring spirit of the Chinese American community.

"Empire of Cotton" by Sven Beckert is a comprehensive global history of cotton, exploring its impact on the world economy, politics, and society from the 18th century to the present day. Beckert argues that cotton played a crucial role in the development of capitalism, colonialism, and imperialism, and that its production and trade were intimately linked to the exploitation of labor, the growth of slavery, and the rise of industrialization. The book offers a fascinating and thought-provoking perspective on the complex and often violent history of cotton and its enduring legacy in the modern world.

The book is a poignant and powerful exploration of the lives of a tight-knit group of young Nisei, second-generation Japanese American citizens, whose world is irrevocably changed by the events of World War II. Through a series of interconnected stories, the narrative delves into the experiences of these teenagers as they are uprooted from their homes and forced into internment camps by the U.S. government. The novel examines themes of identity, resilience, and the meaning of freedom as the characters navigate prejudice, injustice, and the challenges of growing up under the shadow of incarceration, all while maintaining the bonds of friendship and community that sustain them.