Review: Daughter of the Dragon: Anna May Wong's Rendezvous with American History

Daughter of the Dragon: Anna May Wong's Rendezvous with American History by Yunte Huang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Daughter of the Dragon by Yunte Huang from W. W. Norton & Company via NetGalley.  

Daughter of the Dragon is the third book in the Rendezvous with American History series by Yunte Huang.  While this book focuses on Anna May Wong, the other two are about Charlie Chan and Chang and Eng Bunker.  They are all standalone biographies so feel free to read one, two, or all and in any order.  

Even though some of the movies don't hold up well, and Hollywood can be a terrible place, I still enjoy old movies.  I grew up on them.  I was thrilled to have a chance to read Anna May Wong's story because there were seemingly so few diverse actors, and she definitely left an impression.  Her story is really amazing.  I realize some people may consider her problematic because she perpetuated a stereotype.  The book counters that she fought against a racist, homophobic, misogynistic society/system as best she could.  She strongly supported the Chinese American community and felt responsible for representing China in a good light.  I highly recommend it for those interested in Chinese American history.

For those who may be sensitive to racist terms or stereotypes, be aware that this book uses them within the context of how Asians were seen at the time.  The book does not shy away from talking about the antagonistic relationship between Chinese and Japanese Americans, or the role Chinese Americans played in Japanese American internment.    

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Review: The Wall

The Wall by Marlen Haushofer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Wall is the English translation of the novella, Die Wand, by Marlen Haushofer.  I first heard about The Wall at WisCon 45 in a panel on early feminist science fiction.  The cow on the cover and the fact that Haushofer is Austrian sold me on giving it a try.  You don't have to be a science fiction fan to enjoy this.  The science fiction aspect is pretty minimal.  This is mostly a survival story.  The story is written as a report of how the main character (she'll tell you her name doesn't matter) survived to the day of writing after being cut off from the rest of the world (or was she?).  She has limited supplies and a handful of animals to help her.  What I loved most is how much she loves the animals and is willing to sacrifice for their survival.  I'm sure some people would think that is ludicrous, but if you know me, you know that's exactly what I would do.  There are no real surprises. Marlen tells you throughout that this is not necessarily a happy story.  Even though you are prepared for the worst, you aren't ready for it when it comes.  I cried.  But like with much of life, you have to decide if you will carry on even when the worst is thrown at you.  And if you are like me, and this woman apparently, you carry on because the animals depend on you.  

For people who love animals, Survivor or other survival shows/podcasts/books, Bear Grylls, the outdoors, farming, or any combination of these.  

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Review: Space Opera

Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It feels appropriate that I would finish Space Opera, the first book in the Space Opera series by Catherynne M. Valente, on the same day as the winner of Eurovision 2023 was announced.  This year's winner happens to be quoted in this book.  The second book in the series is scheduled to come out November 2023.  

What if the fate of Earth depended on how it did in an intergalactic version of Eurovision?  And, what if it was documented by Douglas Adams?  It would be Space Opera.  I enjoyed every single word in this book.  I was living in Austria when Conchita Wurst won Eurovision, and then when Austria hosted. 

It is special to me.  But even if you don't know what Eurovision is, this is a super fun read.  I look forward to the next book.  

Bonus points for Capo, inspired by Toby, a sentient cat worth saving.     

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Review: Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations

Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations by Peter Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations by Peter Evans and Ava Gardner is not your typical memoir/autobiography.  This is about the making of an autobiography that never happened.  When Peter Evans was approached by Ava Gardner to ghostwrite her autobiography, he started recording and noting their conversations.  That book never came to fruition, but this book is a compilation of many of those sessions.  It includes the bits that Ava was nervous about revealing to the world.  It uses her voice and not a sanitized version of her.  I loved watching these Old Hollywood movies with my mom and dad.  I wanted hair like Veronica Lake and a body like Marilyn Monroe.  I thought these women were more beautiful and glamorous than the modern stars.  As I got older, I read their stories.  Wow!  The crap they went through and put up with to make it in the entertainment industry is tragic.  I loved Ava Gardner's feistiness.  It shines through in these conversations.  At the same time, Ava was a product of her time and expresses views that may make some readers uncomfortable.  Don't expect political correctness even though Ava was considerably more liberal than some of her romantic partners.    

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Review: The Reservoir

The Reservoir by David Duchovny
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I went to see David Duchovny speak about his novella, The Reservoir, at the Chicago Public Library.  Having moved to New York alone during the pandemic and living on the east side of Central Park, I spent a lot of time walking around the reservoir.  For the first month in my NYC apartment, I had no window coverings.  Was someone watching my lights flash on and off thinking I might be sending them messages?  Could be.  If they did, I hope they aren't still looking for me.   This story captures a very specific moment in history. Reading it takes me back to my days in New York and for that, I think it is special.   

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Review: Whore of New York: A Confession

Whore of New York: A Confession by Liara Roux
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm not a sex worker, so I can't comment on whether Whore of New York by Liara Roux is an accurate portrayal of the profession. Liara comes across as very confident (almost to the point of arrogance) and smart. Her memoir reads like The Girlfriend Experience.

Interestingly, what I found most fascinating about this book was not the discussion of sex work but rather her description of cluster headaches. I have also suffered from cluster headaches and have not met many people who have. It is fairly rare. I first started experiencing them as an adult and was terrified. I can't imagine what it would be like to have them as a child. I also understand why it took so long for her to get treated. They are rare enough that most doctors don't diagnose them. My neurologist told me it is has been proven to be the most excruciating pain a human can experience.


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