Just out this month, Like Spilled Water is a gripping tale of a young woman in modern-day China.
Nineteen-year-old Na has always lived in the shadow of her younger brother, Bao-bao, her parents' cherished son. Years ago, Na's parents left her in the countryside and went to work in the city, bringing Bao-bao along and committing everything to his education.
But when Bao-bao dies suddenly, Na realizes how little she knew him. Did he really kill himself because of a low score on China's all-important college entrance exam? Na learns that Bao-bao had many secrets and that his death may not be what it seems. Na's parents expect her to quit her vocational school and go to work, forcing Na to confront traditional expectations for and pressures on young women.
Today, we hear from Jennie Liu, author of Like Spilled Water and Girls on the Line, about her inspiration and process for writing her novels.
Praise for Like Spilled Water
"[A] powerful tale of a brave young woman who dares to question when others simply accept."—starred, Booklist
"[F]ilters detailed depictions of filial piety, funeral rites, grief, romantic relationships, and parental support through a modern teenager's perspective. . . . Will lead readers through a quiet revolution."—Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Girls on the Line
"[E]xplores a moment of contemporary history and a culture that is underrepresented in YA realistic fiction. . . . Recommended purchase, especially for YA collections serving older teens or new adults."—starred, School Library Journal
"Both poignant and agonizing, Girls on the Line is a must read."—starred, Foreword Reviews
"[A] much-needed look at the people who produce the goods we rely on worldwide and the hardships they face. . . . Readers will learn much from this absorbing and realistic tale."—Booklist
"An affecting and original thrill ride . . ."—Kirkus Reviews
Catch up with Jennie on the web, on her website or on Twitter.
Music credits
"Farm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/