Rated of 5
by Elly M. (Roswell, NM) Lost on the Seas of Metaphors & Similes
While the idea behind this novel is interesting, I found its presentation difficult to read.
The overabundant use of metaphors and similes interfered with, rather than enhanced, the flow of the story. It was also distracting, leaving the reader to wonder which was the more important - the story or the copious descriptive passages. I feel that those passages undermined the substance of the story.
It is not a book I would particularly recommend.
Rated of 5
by Anne B. (Fredonia, WI) First Time Novel
For her first novel, it is well written, characters are mapped out and make sense, but for the most part, I think she could have done a little more with the style. It's readable, fine, but I was expecting a little more poetry. The story itself is very interesting, new and well thought out. Do read it, it is worth the time.
Rated of 5
by Erica M. (Chicago, IL) Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai
This book starts out painfully slowly, but is so worth staying with. The title hints at the basic premise of the book - a man sustains brain damage and suffers from the inability to speak in Chinese; he can only communicate in the language of his childhood, English. He can no longer speak to his wife, only his American doctor. But it really discusses communication on many different levels. It was a complex and lovely book that I fear might be an overlooked. A loss for those who miss it.
Rated of 5
by Catherine H. (Nashua, NH) Communication and understanding
I was very much captivated by this story about communication and understanding or rather the loss of both. I really loved the characters and their struggles, their emotions and feelings were very well developed. However, the end of the book was rushed and left me somewhat dissatisfied.
Rated of 5
by Marilyn J. (Harvey, ND) The lost and forgotten languages of Shanghai
As an English teacher and student of other languages, I was intrigued by first the title of the book then by the premise and the story itself. It is rich with description of Shanghai and the Asian culture, but the behavior of the doctor who was hired to help Li Jing recover his language skills was so despicable and reprehensible, not to mention unbelievable, that I found the entire book somewhat incredible. It certainly evoked strong emotion in me, so for that reason, perhaps it's a successful story. Two characters were noteworthy: Li Jing's father, a dear man of strong, loving character, and Pang Pang, the child who was battered by the behavior of the important adults in his life.
Rated of 5
by Georgette I. (Oxford, GA) The Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai
"The Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai" authored by Ruiyan Xu is one of the most beautiful and absorbing novels I have read. She presents us with multidimensional characters who deal with issues of communication that are both obvious and nuanced. The main story line involves Li Jing, a successful businessman who after an explosion suffers from a form of aphasia that affects the portion of the brain that manages language. Although fluent in both English and Chinese he recalls only English as he begins to recover leaving him unable to communicate with his wife, child, friends and associates.
Dr. Rosalyn Neal, an American specialist is recruited by his wife and doctors to help him relearn Chinese. As the characters and story evolve the reader is gently led through the various forms of language both verbal and nonverbal that can strengthen or weaken relationships. Xu weaves and layers the struggles of Li Jing, his wife Meiling, their son Pang Pang, Dr. Neal and her expatriate friends, and Alan, the translator against the backdrop of language in its various forms. This book is enjoyable on many levels from the intricate relationships to the spectacular descriptions of Shanghai. It will charm readers while provoking thoughtful discussions on a myriad of topics. This novel grips the reader from page one and never lets go.
Fearless, gripping, at once darkly funny and tender, spanning three continents and numerous lives, Americanah is a richly told story set in today's globalized world.
The story of an American family, middle class in middle America, ordinary in every way but one. But that exception is the beating heart of this extraordinary novel.
First time novelist Vaddey Ratner captured my heart and senses in this novel based on her childhood in Cambodia. Her story transcends any news story...
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From the first page, I was drawn in by the lyrical writing of the author and mesmerized as the narrator, eight year old Raami, remembered the years...
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Trite but true, all good things must come to an end. I so wanted to keep reading the wonderful prose, the settings that let one think they are part...
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Amazon cuts off 5200 affiliates in Minnesota(Jun 19 2013) With Minnesota's online sales tax law due to take effect July 1, Amazon has played a familiar card by cutting ties with 5,200 members of its Associates...
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of 5
by Elly M. (Roswell, NM) 
of 5
by Anne B. (Fredonia, WI) 
of 5
by Erica M. (Chicago, IL) 
