Mingmei Yip
Список книг автора Mingmei YipPeach Blossom Pavillion
In a sunny California apartment, a young woman and her fiancé arrive to record her great-grandmother's story. The story that unfolds of Precious Orchid's life in China, where she rises from a childhood of shame to become one of the most successful courtesans in the land, is unlike any they've heard before. . .When Precious Orchid's father is falsely accused of a crime and found guilty, he is executed, leaving his family a legacy of dishonor. Her mother's only option is to enter a Buddhist nunnery, so she gives her daughter over to the care of her sister in Shanghai.At first, life at Peach Blossom Pavilion feels like a dream. Surrounded by exotic flowers, murmuring fountains, colorful fishponds, and bamboo groves, Precious Orchid sees herself thriving. She is schooled in music, literature, painting, calligraphy, and to her innocent surprise, the art of pleasuring men. For the beautiful Pavilion hides its darker purpose as an elite house of prostitution. And even as she commands the devotion of China's most powerful men, Precious Orchid never gives up on her dream to escape the Pavilion, be reunited with her mother, avenge her father's death, and find true love. And as the richest, most celebrated Ming Ji or «prestigious courtesan» in all of China, she just might have her way even if it comes with a devastating price. . .Sweeping in scope and stunning in its evocation of China, Peach Blossom Pavilion is a remarkable novel with an unforgettable heroine at the heart of its powerful story. . . «Riveting. . .a rare peek into an exotic culture that is thrilling, captivating, and moving.» –Shobhan Bantwal, author of The Dowry Bride "In the sure voice of Precious Orchid, Mingmei Yip recounts thirteen tumultuous years of Chinese history: vicious politics, pristine piety and heartrending scandal, framed in the classical arts. She writes with a painter's fastidious eye and the irresistible energy of grand storytelling. The pages just turn themselves." –Neal Chandler, Director, Creative Writing Program of Cleveland State University. "Peach Blossom Pavilion, story of the last geisha in China, is told with amazing insight as if the author had lived in the tumultuous China of a century ago. Through her beautiful, lucid prose, Mingmei brings modern Western readers into the mysterious world of the cultivated courtesan." –Hannelore Hahn, Founder and Executive Director, International Women's Writing Guild. "Peach Blossom Pavilion is a vivid account of the forgotten past." –Chun Yu, author of Little Green: Growing Up During the Chinese Cultural Revolution
Petals from the Sky
From the acclaimed author of Peach Blossom Pavilion comes a lush and lyrical novel of East and West–and of one young woman's search for her heart's true calling. . .When twenty-year-old Meng Ning declares that she wants to be a Buddhist nun, her mother is aghast. In her eyes, a nun's life means only deprivation–"no freedom, no love, no meat." But to Meng Ning, it means the chance to control her own destiny, and to live in an oasis of music, art, and poetry far from her parents' unhappy union. With an enigmatic nun known as Yi Kong, «Depending on Emptiness,» as her mentor, Meng Ning spends the next ten years studying abroad, disdaining men, and preparing to enter the nunnery. Then, a fire breaks out at her Buddhist retreat, and Meng Ning is carried to safety by Michael Fuller, a young American doctor. The unprecedented physical contact stirs her curiosity. And as their tentative friendship grows intimate, Meng Ning realizes she must choose between the sensual and the spiritual life.From the austere beauty of China's Buddhist temples to the whirlwind of Manhattan's social elite, and the brilliant bustle of Paris and Hong Kong, here is a novel of joy and heartbreak–and of the surprising paths that lead us where we most need to be. Praise for Peach Blossom Pavilion "Lovely and poignant. . .a novel of heartache, but also one of hope as the strong heroine never gives in." – Curled Up With A Good Book "Beautiful and evocative, real and heart-wrenching. . .insightful and memorable." – Romantic Times "A rare peek into an exotic culture that is thrilling, captivating, and moving." –Shobhan Bantwal Reading Group Guide Inside
The Nine Fold Heaven
""A unique and enthralling style. . .flawless." – Baltimore Books Examiner In this mesmerizing new novel, Mingmei Yip draws readers deeper into the exotic world of 1930s Shanghai first explored in Skeleton Women, and into the lives of the unforgettable Camilla, Shadow, and Rainbow Chang. When Shadow, a gifted, ambitious magician, competed with the beautiful Camilla for the affections of organized crime leader Master Lung, she almost lost everything. Hiding out in Hong Kong, performing in a run-down circus, Shadow has no idea that Camilla, too, is on the run with her lover, Jinying–Lung's son. Yet while Camilla and Shadow were once enemies, now their only hope of freedom lies in joining forces to eliminate the ruthless Big Brother Wang. Despite the danger, Shadow, Camilla, and Jinying return to Shanghai. Camilla also has her own secret agenda–she has heard a rumor that her son is alive. And in a city teeming with spies and rivals–including the vengeful Rainbow Chang–each battles for a future in a country on the verge of monumental change. "
Grandma Panda's China Storybook
With classic Chinese fairytales and folk stories, Grandma Panda's China Storybook introduces children to Chinese culture in a fun, adventurous way! Grandma Panda is a wonderful teacher, a wonderful storyteller and a wonderful cook! Her grandchildren, Baobao and Lingling, love staying with her every summer because, at Grandma Panda's house, each day is an adventure. This summer, with the help of celebrated novelist and artist Mingmei Yip, Grandma will take them to a world filled with Chinese calligraphy, kites, kung fu and more! They'll get to hear Grandma's stories of a time long ago in China, when everything began, and learn simple Chinese language along the way. Come join Grandma Panda, Baobao and Lingling for a summer of fun and learning as bright watercolor illustrations make favorite legends come alive!Chinese stories include: Yum Yum, We Love Dim Sum! —Grandma and the children go to a restaurant to enjoy dim sum. Grandma explains what dim sum is and tells the legend of how it was invented. Grandma Panda Teaches Us Chinese Writing —Grandma shows the children how to mix ink and hold their brushes. She shows them characters in both their ancient and present forms and tells them the story of four-eyed Cang Jie. Dotting the Dragon's Eyes —To explain the importance of paying attention to detail, Grandma tells the story of Zhang Sengyao. The Story of Mulan, the Brave Woman Warrior —Grandma tells the story of Mulan to teach the virtues of bravery, leadership, patriotism and determination. The Little Kungfu Warriors —The story of Mulan excites the little pandas into action, and they and grandma share a few moves. The Painted Faces of Chinese Opera —Grandma explains the meaning of the painted faces. Fun with Chinese Kites —Grandma takes the children kite flying and tells them the story of Luban the kite inventor. Grandma Panda Sings an Old Farewell Song —Grandma shows the children the Qin and sings «Three Variations on the Yang Pass»
Chinese Children's Favorite Stories
Watch a mischievous monkey learn his lesson, float along with a colorful butterfly, and visit a village with a mouse mayor. Chinese Children's Favorite Stories is a collection of thirteen timeless Chinese folktales told and charmingly illustrated by Yip—whose inspiration for retelling them came from her father's nightly storytelling when she was a child. Some of the selections are a thousand years old, including: The Mouse Bride Dream of the Butterfly The Frog Who Lived in a Well How the Fox Tricked the Tiger Part of the Children's Favorite Stories series, this lovely book of Asian legends and folktales will appeal to young readers of all backgrounds, while they learn more about Chinese culture and traditions. Full of colorful illustrations, delightful characters, and retold for an international audience, this multicultural book will enchant children and parents alike.
