The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Samurai's Garden is set at the beginning of WWII. Stephen has tuberculosis and is sent from his family's home in Hong Kong to their vacation home in Tarumi, Japan. Far from anyone he knows, he spends the year getting to know the quite groundskeeper, Matsu. Matsu lives a quite life but Stephen gradually learns about the generous and humble life Matsu has lived.

This was a really beautiful book with a hint of a fairy tale quality. The characters were surprising. The time period is very interesting if you care to read about Asian culture. Stephen, a Chinese man, lives in Japan while racial hatred is abundant. Stephen also meets and befriends a woman with leprosy at a time and place where those with the affliction are shunned.

The ending of this book seemed a bit rushed to me, and I wanted to know more about what happened to several of the characters. Still, it was an enjoyable read filled with interesting cultural tidbits.

Have you read any books about Eastern culture during different eras? What's your favorite? Comment below!

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The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love to read just about anything Lisa See writes. This book is no different. I couldn't put it down.

The book focuses on the life of Li-yan. She grows up in a remote area of China and is an ethnic minority, an Akah. See writes a beautiful story but also educates readers on cultures they may not be familiar with otherwise. The story takes place from the late 1980s to present day. It was extra interesting to me since the main character is near my age though her life is completely different from my own.

Recommended for Lisa See fans, anyone looking for a book about a little known culture, or someone looking for a good story to get lost in.



What is your favorite Lisa See book? Comment below!

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