News from Nonna: A Must Read!

Monday, December 10, 2007

A Must Read!


Since I have moved to Colorado, I have been involved with a book group that meets once a month. I love to read and love book group. There are 16 of us and we get together once a month and talk about an assigned book and then have a luncheon that goes along with the theme.Well this month we read, SNOWFLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN, by Lisa See. It was so illuminating (notice the big words) and humbling at the same time. It made me realize that I was not only blessed by being able to live in this dispensation, but in America. I really have no idea of the hardships that 99% of the people in the world face, and have faced, and for that I am grateful..

This was a fascinating book about Chinese women and the tradition of foot binding. It also discussed "Laotong," and "sworn sisters." Women were virtually less worth than a dog. They were raised essentially to pass along to a man and then serve him and his family the rest of their lives. So many were beaten and mistreated, and their only comfort came from women who had been chosen in their youth to be their best friend forever, "Laotong." They also had a secret language that they wrote on fans and handkerchiefs to pass along to one another. No man knew "NU SHU." Thus they were able to comfort one another. I thought about the nurturing role that women have always had in the world and continue to have, and how we rely on each other to meet many of our emotional needs. I myself have "Laotong," in my mother, grandmother, and daughters. How blessed I am. I also have a wonderful husband who genuinely loves me and considers that I have worth. I am grateful that my daughters are treated well, and that my son is a kind man. So even in something like a book group, I am able to see the blessings of the Lord in my life.
It was a compelling book and I think it is definately worth your time. So to my "Loatong," and sworn sisters........Thank you.

Bonus: We got to eat Chinese food which I never get to eat because Richard is from Idaho! And next month we read, "THESE IS MY WORDS," which is probably more my level. :)

Speaking of women, I am very grateful to have Jaimie as my new daughter. Yesterday I went to church to listen to her speak on putting Christ back into Christmas. She did such a good job. Besides looking beautiful up there, she gave a very touching talk and I went away a better person. If that wasn't enough, she invited us over for dinner. She is turning out to be a great little cook, and wonderful homemaker. I feel very blessed again. Another "Laotong," in the making!

1 comment:

Caryn said...

What a sweet post. I love any ideas for reading! So thanks. Wish you all were here for Christmas instead of there, but atleast N,B &J get a white christmas!