My Several Worlds

I recently returned from a 3 week tour in China. So interesting, and of course all of a sudden I was taken back into all stories and scenes from previously, the books I had read as a child, Pearl Buck and then later Han Suyen. So I am now reading My Several Worlds. So rich, deep in thought and her lovely descriptions. I am quite astounded by her understanding of China and America and world problems and issues that she brings up in her life story. A joy and thought provoking book I think I will write to Oprah and recommend this as a book for her club. Its a a winner.

as her latest book club selection. I read the book ages ago, for school, and it's one of my favorite classics. But I hope Oprah choosing that book now will awaken interest in this Nobel Prize-winning author's other works, particularly this autobiography, and her short stories. Buck is such an accessible writer, and she lived such a fascinating life. This is a book you shouldn't miss, and I also highly recommend reading as many of her short stories as you can get your hands on. (Two of my favorite collections are "The Good Deed and other Stories of Asia Past and Present," and "Fourteen Stories.")

Not a chronological autobiography, "My Several Worlds" is exactly that--Pearl Buck, born in the US, raised in China, tells us about her life abroad and at home. Her missionary parents took her to China as a small child, and she traveled the world later. She only hints at very personal and painful events: the birth of her daughter with PKU (Phenylketonuria, a disease that causes retardation if not controlled with a special diet--unknown at that time) and a divorce as well. We do learn about the founding of her Amerasian orphan adoption agency, placing the unwanted children of Korean women and American soldiers, about her Nobel Prize for "The Good Earth", and about life in China from the end of the Boxer Rebellion and the reign of the Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi to the republic of Chiang Kai-Shek before the Communist Revolution.If you have read any of Pearl Buck's novels, this is a must-read to provide valuable background for the author's life.

Put away your history texts and listen to a first-hand account of worldwide drama unfolding at the most interesting period of this century. A most engrossing and enlightening tale.

Pearl Buck sensitively bridges the gap between the US and Asia as she explains her life's experience living in China during the Communist Revolution where the ideas for her books were born. An incredible book for women ! Pearl is like a pillar of strenghth. As a Woman, mother, and Christian; she finds hope and faith and compassion in times of dispair. Her reports and biography are intellectually satisfying. A must read...perfect snowy day book.