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# Amanda Roberts Writes

Heartfelt fiction inspired by the untold lives of extraordinary women.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://amandarobertswrites.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://amandarobertswrites.com/blog/)
- [When Dreams Come True](https://amandarobertswrites.com/when-dreams-come-true/) - Hello everyone, I have amazing news to share with you. We adopted again! It was very unexpected and not anywhere near what I had imagined for the last 20+ years. But it has been an amazing experience and I am so grateful for the whole team of people who made it happen. Mostly Zoey. I've
- [From Fines to Pennies: Why China's Childcare Subsidy Won't Fix a Generation's Broken Trust](https://amandarobertswrites.com/from-fines-to-pennies-why-chinas-childcare-subsidy-wont-fix-a-generations-broken-trust/) - In a bitter twist of history, China—once infamous for punishing families who had more than one child—is now offering the equivalent of $500 a year to coax young adults into having babies. It's a staggering policy reversal, but one that's too little, too late for many of the very people the government is now trying
- [Revisiting The X-Files: "Hell Money" and the Haunted Histories of Chinatown](https://amandarobertswrites.com/revisiting-the-x-files-hell-money-and-the-haunted-histories-of-chinatown/) - Like many nerdy couples of a certain age, my husband and I recently decided to rewatch The X-Files—a series I hadn't seen since I was a kid. I remembered the aliens and conspiracies, the monsters and the moody lighting. But I didn't remember this episode. Season 3, Episode 19 — "Hell Money" — took me
- [What China’s Declining Birth Rate Means for the Future of Families](https://amandarobertswrites.com/what-chinas-declining-birth-rate-means-for-the-future-of-families/) - China’s birth rate is falling fast—and families like mine are feeling the impact. As an adoptive parent who lived in China for over a decade, I reflect on what this shift means for the future of care, culture, and family.
- [Coming Home: Life After China, One Step at a Time](https://amandarobertswrites.com/coming-home-life-after-china-one-step-at-a-time/) - We were still living in China—living a life that, for over a decade, felt like home. Since then, everything has changed. Life after China
- [The Forgotten Neighbors: Chinese Americans in the Deep South](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-forgotten-neighbors-chinese-americans-in-the-deep-south/) - One of the most grounded—and poignant—elements is the presence of Grace and Bo Chow, Chinese Americans in the Deep South, quietly navigating the brutality of...
- [The Language of Threads by Gail Tsukiyama](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-language-of-threads-by-gail-tsukiyama/) - The Language of Threads by Gail Tsukiyama continues the quiet, powerful journey of Pei, who leaves war-torn China and arrives in Hong Kong, where she must
- [Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama](https://amandarobertswrites.com/women-of-the-silk-by-gail-tsukiyama/) - Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama offers a beautifully rendered portrait of a hidden world — the community of women who worked in China’s silk factories
- [The Brightest Star by Gail Tsukiyama](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-brightest-star-by-gail-tsukiyama/) - Book Review: The Brightest Star by Gail Tsukiyama In The Brightest Star, Gail Tsukiyama shines a long-overdue spotlight on the life of Anna May Wong — the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood — in a novel that is both a lyrical character study and a poignant exploration of identity, ambition, and resilience. Born
- [The Samurai’s Garden by Gail Tsukiyama](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-samurais-garden-by-gail-tsukiyama/) - The Samurai’s Garden by Gail Tsukiyama is a quiet, meditative novel that explores healing, identity, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Set against
- [What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama](https://amandarobertswrites.com/what-you-are-looking-for-is-in-the-library-by-michiko-aoyama/) - What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama is a quiet, heartwarming celebration of books, human connection, and the small, serendipitous
- [China Dolls by Lisa See](https://amandarobertswrites.com/china-dolls-by-lisa-see/) - In China Dolls by Lisa See, the author shifts her lens to 1930s and 1940s America, offering a vivid and emotionally layered story of friendship, identity...
- [Foul Heart Huntsman by Chloe Gong](https://amandarobertswrites.com/foul-heart-huntsman-by-chloe-gong/) - Foul Heart Huntsman by Chloe Gong catapults Rosalind Lang and her allies into a whirlwind of espionage, heartbreak, and impossible choices...
- [Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong](https://amandarobertswrites.com/foul-lady-fortune-by-chloe-gong/) - Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong is a masterful blend of historical intrigue, speculative twists, and slow-burn romance that reaffirms Gong’s place as a powerful
- [Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong](https://amandarobertswrites.com/our-violent-ends-by-chloe-gong/) - Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong picks up the threads of love, loyalty, and revolution, and pulls them taut until they threaten to snap...
- [These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong](https://amandarobertswrites.com/these-violent-delights-by-chloe-gong/) - These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong is a bold, imaginative reimagining of Romeo and Juliet, set in 1920s Shanghai — a city teetering on the edge of chaos...
- [Night Angels by Weina Dai Randel](https://amandarobertswrites.com/night-angels-by-weina-dai-randel/) - Night Angels by Weina Dai Randel is a gripping, poignant novel inspired by the true story of two remarkable individuals who defied terror with compassion
- [The Last Rose of Shanghai by Weina Dai Randel](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-last-rose-of-shanghai-by-weina-dai-randel/) - Book Review: The Last Rose of Shanghai by Weina Dai Randel The Last Rose of Shanghai by Weina Dai Randel delivers a sweeping, evocative love story set in 1940s Shanghai — a city teetering on the brink of war, pulsing with danger, glamour, and political tension. With a deft hand and a lyrical voice, Randel
- [The Empress of Bright Moon by Weina Dai Randel](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-empress-of-bright-moon-by-weina-dai-randel/) - In The Empress of Bright Moon by Weina Dai Randel, with lyrical prose and rich historical insight, Randel offers an intimate, emotionally complex portrait...
- [The Moon in the Palace by Weina Dai Randel](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-moon-in-the-palace-by-weina-dai-randel/) - The Moon in the Palace by Weina Dai Randel brings to life the lush, treacherous world of Imperial China with breathtaking detail and lyrical prose...
- [The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story by Hyeonseo Lee](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-girl-with-seven-names-by-hyeonseo-lee/) - The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee delivers a courageous, haunting, and unforgettable memoir of survival, identity, and resilience. From the very first...
- [In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom by Yeonmi Park](https://amandarobertswrites.com/in-order-to-by-yeonmi-park/) - In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park is a harrowing, deeply personal account of her escape from North Korea and her fight to reclaim her life and dignity...
- [Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West by Blaine Harden](https://amandarobertswrites.com/escape-from-camp-14-by-blaine-harden/) - Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden tells the devastating true story of Shin Dong-hyuk, the only known person born in a North Korean political prison camp...
- [A River in Darkness: One Man’s Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa](https://amandarobertswrites.com/a-river-in-darkness-by-masaji-ishikawa/) - A River in Darkness by Masaji Ishikawa recounts a life marked by betrayal, brutality, and relentless hardship under the North Korean regime. His memoir is stark...
- [A Thousand Miles to Freedom: My Escape from North Korea by Eunsun Kim](https://amandarobertswrites.com/a-thousand-miles-to-freedom-by-eunsun-kim/) - A Thousand Miles to Freedom by Eunsun Kim is a deeply moving story of survival, resilience, and hope. Fleeing from a life of famine, oppression, and despair
- [Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick](https://amandarobertswrites.com/nothing-to-envy-ordinary-lives-in-north-korea-by-barbara-demick/) - In Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick, the author masterfully weaves together the true stories of six North Korean defectors, offering a rare and intimate look
- [Stars Between the Sun and Moon: One Woman's Life in North Korea and Escape to Freedom by Lucia Jang](https://amandarobertswrites.com/stars-between-the-sun-and-moon-by-lucia-jang/) - Stars Between the Sun and Moon by Lucia Jang is a searing, deeply personal account of a woman’s struggle to survive — and ultimately escape — one of the most
- [While Time Remains: A North Korean Defector's Search for Freedom in America by Yeonmi Park](https://amandarobertswrites.com/while-time-remains-by-yeonmi-park/) - While Time Remains by Yeonmi Park offers a bold and deeply personal follow-up to her first memoir, In Order to Live. Having survived the horrors of North Korea
- [The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-full-moon-coffee-shop-by-mai-mochizuki/) - The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
- [The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-joy-luck-club-by-amy-tan/) - The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan is a deeply moving and intricately woven novel that explores the ties between mothers and daughters, tradition and change, memory...
- [The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-hundred-secret-senses-by-amy-tan/) - In The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan, the author once again delves into the complexities of cultural identity, family bonds, and the invisible threads...
- [The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-kitchen-gods-wife-by-amy-tan/) - The Kitchen God’s Wife by Amy Tan is a powerful and emotionally layered novel that explores the hidden histories mothers carry and the complicated bonds ...
- [The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-bonesetters-daughter-by-amy-tan/) - The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan is a beautifully layered novel about memory, identity, and the complicated love between mothers and daughters...
- [Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan](https://amandarobertswrites.com/saving-fish-from-drowning-by-amy-tan/) - Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan takes a sharp turn from her usual mother-daughter themes to explore cultural misunderstanding, Western privilege...
- [The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-valley-of-amazement-by-amy-tan/) - The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan returns to familiar themes of mother-daughter bonds, cultural identity, and the enduring scars of separation, but...
- [Where the Past Begins: Memory and Imagination by Amy Tan](https://amandarobertswrites.com/where-the-past-begins-by-amy-tan/) - In Where the Past Begins by Amy Tan, the author steps away from fiction to reflect on her real-life experiences, crafting a memoir that is as introspective and...
- [Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa](https://amandarobertswrites.com/days-at-the-morisaki-bookshop-by-satoshi-yagisawa/) - Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa is a quiet, comforting novel that celebrates the healing power of books, the solace of solitude, and the...
- [Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See](https://amandarobertswrites.com/lady-tans-circle-of-women-by-lisa-see/) - In Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See, the author returns to the rich terrain of historical China to tell a deeply moving story about female friendship
- [The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-island-of-sea-women-by-lisa-see/) - In The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See, the author delivers a powerful, emotionally layered novel that immerses readers in the extraordinary world of
- [The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-tea-girl-of-hummingbird-lane-by-lisa-see/) - In The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See, the author crafts a breathtaking and emotionally resonant novel about mothers and daughters, cultural heritage...
- [Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See](https://amandarobertswrites.com/snow-flower-and-the-secret-fan-by-lisa-see/) - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See delivers a haunting, lyrical, and deeply intimate novel that explores the complexities of female friendship, loyalty
- [Shanghai Girls by Lisa See](https://amandarobertswrites.com/shanghai-girls-by-lisa-see/) - Shanghai Girls by Lisa See presents a sweeping, emotionally charged tale of sisterhood, sacrifice, and survival set against the turbulent backdrop...
- [Dreams of Joy by Lisa See](https://amandarobertswrites.com/dreams-of-joy-by-lisa-see/) - Dreams of Joy by Lisa See delivers a powerful, heartbreaking continuation of the story begun in Shanghai Girls. Set against the backdrop of Maoist China
- [Peony in Love by Lisa See](https://amandarobertswrites.com/peony-in-love-by-lisa-see/) - Book Review: Peony in Love by Lisa See Peony in Love by Lisa See is one of the author's most lyrical and haunting novels — a story that blends history, folklore, and the supernatural into a deeply emotional exploration of love, longing, and the silenced voices of women. Inspired by the real-life “Three Wives Commentary”
- [The Red Princess Mysteries by Lisa See](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-red-princess-mysteries-by-lisa-see/) - The Red Princess Mysteries by Lisa See are a compelling fusion of political thriller, murder mystery, and cultural exploration, set against the backdrop...
- [On Gold Mountain: The One-Hundred-Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American Family by Lisa See](https://amandarobertswrites.com/on-gold-mountain-by-lisa-see/) - On Gold Mountain by Lisa See departs from fiction to tell the extraordinary true story of the author's own family — a sweeping, multigenerational narrative...
- [Trying to stay awake](https://amandarobertswrites.com/trying-to-stay-awake/) - I've been up since 2300. Have to start getting used to military time. Trying to find things to do to keep me busy and awake until the evening and I can go to sleep. Its hard with the heat, but I've got classes tomorrow and need to get my sleep schedule changed now. Last night
- [One Night in Shanghai](https://amandarobertswrites.com/one-night-in-shanghai/) - The nice thing about Shanghai Pudong airport (there are at least two airports I think in Shanghai) is that everything is written in English and Chinese. And most employees speak English as well. We got off the plane and needed to use the bathroom; thankfully, they were all Western-style. There were little rolling carts waiting
- [China Adventures: Part Two](https://amandarobertswrites.com/so-flight-from-pudong-airport-was/) - So the flight from Pudong Airport was delayed by two hours. We think it was due to storms in the area of Guilin, as all the other flights going there were delayed as well. So not only did we come in late, two other teachers also arrived late. We finally got to the hostel about
- [Flying to China](https://amandarobertswrites.com/flying-to-china/) - The flights across the US and to China were not bad. They were very smooth and shorter than expected. The flight to LAX was supposed to be 5 hours, but we got in at least an hour early. The landing was a bit difficult for me, though. I got really nauseous and thought for sure
- [Day One: The Not Sleeping](https://amandarobertswrites.com/day-one-not-sleeping/) - GREETINGS FROM THE WORLD OF TOMORROW! Yeah, we're on the otherside of the international dateline so its 2am Friday as I write this. China doesn't use time zones so its all the same time across the country. It is also exactly 12 hours different from Eastern Time. So if you want to know what time
- [About Us!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/about-us/) - Seth Anderson and Amanda Roberts met online in 2008. In May of 2009 after Amanda's Master's graduation, she moved to Orlando to start a new life with Seth. They married in March of 2010. But that was when the economy was taking a severe nose-dive and full-time teaching jobs proved impossible to get. Seth had
- [Two Americans in China - Welcome!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/two-americans-in-china-welcome/) - This blog is about the adventures of me and my husband in China. Let me start by telling you a little about us. We met in the summer of 2008, and in May of 2009, I moved to Orlando to begin our new life together. But it was not all perfect. Seth was laid off
- [On to Yangshuo](https://amandarobertswrites.com/on-to-yangshuo/) - The flight to Guilin from Shanghai started boarded about two hours late, which was a little disconcerting. By this time, I was feeling very tired and was having a lot of pain in my shoulders, neck, and head. But we finally got on the plane and the food was the best we had eaten in
- [Orientation/Training at Buckland College (with a side trip to the government hospital)](https://amandarobertswrites.com/orientationtraining-at-buckland-college/) - Seth and I both had to take the TESOL training at Buckland to be qualified to teach English as a second/foreign language in a Chinese school. Only makes sense. The only problem is that usual TESOL training is 120 hours. Buckland has managed to pull enough strings to condense the traning down into 40 hours
- [Long post is long, part 1](https://amandarobertswrites.com/long-post-is-long/) - So I've been pondering what kind of title to start off with. "Don't Drink the Bi-Jo." "28 Hours of No Sleep." "Third Time Isn't the Charm." There has been a lot to do and its hard to just find time to sit down a relax for a while. Thursday was watching others teach the test
- [Busy three days](https://amandarobertswrites.com/busy-three-days/) - With classes started the days have been very busy. Its hard enough to find time to type, let alone make a posting. But I've got a few minutes before breakfast this morning so here goes. The food so far has been good in the school's cafe. The fix several dishes and bring out plates of
- [Yangshuo](https://amandarobertswrites.com/yangshuo/) - Yangshuo (or as the locals pronounce it “Yangsou”) is the center of English learning in China. In this small town, there are over a dozen English schools. Several of them are owned by members of Owen Buckland’s family (Owen is the president/owner of our agency). So it is very westernized and everyone speaks at least
- [The Story of the Apartment](https://amandarobertswrites.com/first-week-in-li-xian/) - So, I think most people did not believe me at first when I tried to explain just how bad the apartment was when we got here. It was literally unlivable. Now I realize that I was exhausted and in a bit of shock when we first saw it, so I waited about half an hour
- [Oh look, a blog post](https://amandarobertswrites.com/look-blog-post/) - So for the last week we've been having our apartment remodeled, which meant living in the not so nice apartment for a while. While work was going on, our internet was turned off, and it took a few days after being finished for the service to be restored. But we're back now, and just about
- [Two Scoops of Peppers in Every Bowl](https://amandarobertswrites.com/two-scoops-of-peppers-in-every-bowl/) - One of the things that folks kept telling us is that we'd be losing weight over here. This would be true if every meal the school lunch room made wasn't smothered in peppers. Now before you think you'd be able to handle it, think of it a different way. Your food will be spicy, you
- [So what's next to break?](https://amandarobertswrites.com/so-whats-next-to-break/) - Its been a rough few days. So far we get one thing fixed and then something else breaks down. First the washer faucet broke, then after getting that fixed we discovered the A/C in our bedroom had a big leaking problem. We learned this after putting one of Amanda's bags under it so that everything
- [Uber-long Random Picture Thread](https://amandarobertswrites.com/uber-long-random-picture-thread/) - an open-air cardThese little open-air carts are a popular way to get around Yangshuo. One time we were able to fit 14 people in one! (though, that is not recommended, lol)Seth, warming up for his practice teaching.Apparently, anything can be cured with FIRE!Ah, the golden arches, the universal symbol for happiness!So I have just a
- [Chinese Food](https://amandarobertswrites.com/chinese-food/) - Part of the tour of Yangshuo with Patrick was a trip to the market. The market is divided into two parts: the fruit market (which has fruits, veggies, and a few meats) and the meat market (which has all kinds of meat, poultry, fish, and a few fruits and veggies). Seth and I did go
- [Long Post is Long, part 2: The Move](https://amandarobertswrites.com/long-post-is-long-part-2-move/) - Sunday we discovered that our school had been changed on us again and that we were leaving that afternoon. Suddenly it was time to pack, get postcards made and sent, get snacks. We said our goodbyes to the other teachers, loaded up in the van and off to the train station. The porter we hired
- [Finally, an Assignment and Train Adventure!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/finally-assignment-and-train-adventure/) - So long before we ever came to China, we requested to go to Yangzhou, a prefect on the Hunan/Guangxi boarder and only three hours from Guilin. During the school assignments, though, we found out that for some reason Yangzhou was not taking and new foreign teachers. We were hearing rumors from problems with the government
- [Mid-Autumn Festival](https://amandarobertswrites.com/mid-autumn-festival/) - Wednesday was Mid-Autumn Festival. I'd hoped to get some pictures of what goes on in town for the Festival, but the weather played against us for that. In the space of 24 hours we went from a heat index of 105 to a wind chill of 56. High winds rolled in ahead of the cold
- [Things to take with you to China](https://amandarobertswrites.com/things-to-take-with-you-to-china/) - So if you decide you're going to go to China for any good length of stay, here is a list of what to pack and bring with you. 1) Clothes. I know this goes without saying, but if you are going to China because you will working there, bring atleast a weeks worth of clothing
- [Picture Time!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/picture-time/) - Today's post is going to be pictures from Amanda's camera. Just stuff that hasn't made it onto the blog yet. To start off with, we were asked to participate in a race with the other teachers at the school. Here we are standing around wondering what's going on and how this race will be done.
- [I got the pow pow.](https://amandarobertswrites.com/i-got-pow-pow/) - By that I mean balloons. My family was kind enough to send a care package. Within the package were animal balloons. Blow them up and then twist them into animal shapes. This has proven to be a huge hit with the students. The students call them "Pow Pow", as in "Give me a pow pow."
- [So the real reason for my pay increase.](https://amandarobertswrites.com/so-real-reason-for-my-pay-increase/) - I finally figured it out, but wandering around town I noticed something which caused everything to fall into place and click in my head. My friends and co-workers at CVS should get a kick out of this. So on my resume it says I'm a Certified Pharmacy Techinican. It shows I went to school for
- [Adventures in Haircutting](https://amandarobertswrites.com/adventures-in-haircutting/) - So I'd stalled as long as I could, but finally decided that I needed a haircut. We went walking into town to try and scope a few places out and ended up deciding on one that looked a little fancy. I attempted to explain that all I wanted was a simple haircut by making scissor
- [Our First Accident](https://amandarobertswrites.com/our-first-accident/) - So I am making this post since Seth feels a little sheepish about it, but we had our first accident! Seth has written all about how it is crazy it is to drive in China, so it was only a matter of time before it happened. Thanksfully no one got hurt, at least not because
- [Haven't posted in while...](https://amandarobertswrites.com/havent-posted-in-while/) - ...because we haven't been doing all that much. We've settled in and really started to hit up a routine. Get up, get dressed, go teach, go out to get lunch, get back, teach more, dinner trip into town, get back and watch tv we've downloaded. The other problem is there really isn't much to see
- [A Confucian Temple](https://amandarobertswrites.com/confuscian-temple/) - In the middle of town is a Confucius temple that Seth has mentioned before. It is much nicer than the country temple (even under renovations) and even has a small gift shop, lol. The main shrine room reminds me of the temple of Guan Yin at the Nelson Atkins Art Museum in Kansas City, one
- [A Lost Temple](https://amandarobertswrites.com/lost-temple/) - While we are certainly adjusting to life in Lixian, one thing that has been disappointing is the lack of sightseeing there is to do. This is definitely not a tourist area, this is just China. So if you want to go sightseeing at temples, statues, gardens, and pagodas, this is not the place to be.
- [A fun day](https://amandarobertswrites.com/fun-day/) - So we have been finding more and more weird little fun things to do in town. In the huge pedestrian market we found an indoor skating rink on the top floor. It has been years since I've gone skating, but thankfully, a very nice young man helped me get the hang of it. *grins* Unfortunately,
- [Our first big purchase.](https://amandarobertswrites.com/our-first-big-purchase/) - A.K.A. I help send my Mother to an early grave. So we got our first payment, and debated on our first major purchase. We figure if we stay in Li Xian for two years, the cost of bus fare and taxi rides back home would end up being very costly in the long term. So
- [The Changsha Zoo](https://amandarobertswrites.com/changsha-zoo/) - This week, I have twice visited the Changsha zoo. It really is that good. Seth didn't get to go the first time, so I wanted him to have the chance to go before the weather got too cold. Zoe and I went to the zoo the first time on our own because we thought it
- [Who is this Zoe person?](https://amandarobertswrites.com/who-is-this-zoe-person/) - So anyone who knows us knows we don't actually have any children but our dream is to adopt a baby here in China during our stay. However, if you follow our blog or FB posts, we also often talk about "our daughter, Zoe." So what is going on? Just to clear up the confusion this
- [Window of the World](https://amandarobertswrites.com/window-of-world-also-known-as-colorful/) - Window of the World (also known as Colorful World) is a small, cultural theme park located in northern Changsha, the capital of Hunan. Address: 485号 Sanyi Avenue, Kaifu, Changsha Bus Numbers: 348, 132, 136, 109 (and possibly others) Cost: 90 Kuai per person, children (under 1.4 meters) and elderly persons are 45 kuai According to
- [My Blonde Moment this week, or How to send money home](https://amandarobertswrites.com/so-this-week-after-seth-got-his-first/) - So this week after Seth got his first paycheck, we decided to go and buy him a new bike. The traffic isn't as bad in the city as we feared and it really just makes life easier. And I know that Seth really needs the liberation of being able to come and go as he
- [The Trip to Changde](https://amandarobertswrites.com/trip-to-changde/) - So we made a trip to the nearest major town, that of Changde. Its about an hour and a half to two hours away from us, just depends on traffic. The actual capital of the province we are in is Changsha, which is about four hours away. We've been told there is a Papa Johns
- [Wedding Anniversary in Yangshuo](https://amandarobertswrites.com/wedding-anniversary-in-yangshuo/) - On March 18th, Seth and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary. We decided to celebrate by going to our favorite place in China, Yangshuo, Guangxi province. Yangshuo is the most beautiful city about 2 hours from Guilin. It is relaxing, rustic, exciting, and adventurous! It is everything a person could want from a vacation spot.
- [12 Girls Band in Changsha!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/12-girls-band-in-changsha/) - I know I've been pretty good about posting news and events from around China this last month, but I've been slacking in posting anything about us personally. Mainly this is just because I have been so busy! As I mentioned before, I'm now working full-time for R2 and we are moving to a new apartment.
- [Ugly Foreigners: Really Train Guy? Really?!?!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/ugly-foreigners-really-train-guy-really/) - The last thing foreigners in China need right now is more foreigners behaving badly. I wish I had this guy's name. I guess we wil just have to call him "douche-bag train guy." Have a look. This guy is just so out of line there is no explaining it away. I'm not going to take
- [Propaganda, poisionous fruit, and a conspiracy theory](https://amandarobertswrites.com/propaganda-poisionous-fruit-and/) - I'm not big on conspiracy theories. I usually roll my eyes and plug my ears when people start going on about...whatever. As a writer and someone who teaches college writing, I like facts and evidence; something conspiriacy theorists usually just don't have. But it appears that the China propaganda machine has been in over-drive this
- [Changsha Historical Pics](https://amandarobertswrites.com/my-friend-damion-braithwaite-is-crazy/) - My friend Damion Braithwaite is crazy good at keeping the What's New in Changsha goup updated about events and news about Changsha and China. But what I really like about his posts are when he finds out interesting things about Changsha's history. He is amazing at scouring the internet for interesting history sites. His latest
- [Save Our Daughters: The Plight of Chinese Women](https://amandarobertswrites.com/save-our-daughters-plight-of-chinese/) - I spent the weekend with my sweet Zoe away from the computer. So I haven't been able to blog all weekend. Which was good, I enjoyed the vacation, but it also gave me the weekend to fume over the way women in China are treated without an outlet. Now, I get it off my chest.
- [New Embroidery at the Hunan Provincial Museum](https://amandarobertswrites.com/new-embroidery-at-hunan-provincial/) - There is an exhibit of new Hunan embroidery at the Hunan Provincial Museum this week and it is only until the 10th of May. The exhibit is small but also free! The exhibits are quite lovely so it is worth the trip down if you have the time. Here are some highlights: You can see
- [Book Review: Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity in Lost on Planet China by J. Maarten Troost](https://amandarobertswrites.com/ugly-foreigners-j-maarten-troost-or/) - When I was first planning our move to China in 2009, I did months of in-depth research from internet forums, books, talking to people who had lived there, and so on. Seth didn't. I tried to teach him Chinese or to get him to join forum groups or something, but he just said "I'll figure
- [First Trip to Hong Kong](https://amandarobertswrites.com/first-trip-to-hong-kong/) - This last weekend we took out first real trip to Hong Kong. We went to Hong Kong briefly when we went home in January, but only just passed through and mainly saw just the airport. This time we went for a few days and with our friend Shaun who is a Hong Kong afficianado and
- [R2Games Teamwork Outing](https://amandarobertswrites.com/r2games-teamwork-outing/) - So last weekend, Seth's company had a "teamwork building" outing. We went to a hotel in the woods and did various activites to help us all learn to work better together. While I did enjoy it more than I thought I would (we were dreading going), I think the outcome was just OK but it
- [Best Video Game Ever!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/best-video-game-ever/) - So since I have a computer and my precious Wii, I don't go to any of the local arcades very often. Remember arcades back in the 80s and early 90s? They are still as popular as ever over here. Those and LAN centers. most teens here can't afford computers or consoles of their own, so
- [Changsha Museum's Tibet Exhibit](https://amandarobertswrites.com/changsha-museums-tibet-exhibit/) - The Changsha Provincial Museum is an interesting source of art and history in Changsha. It is located right next to LieShi GongYuan (Martyr's Park) and you can take buses 131, 301, and 901 to get there (among others). It opened in 1956 after archeologists excavated the Mawangdui Tombs found near by. Many of the items
- [I think hell just froze over - China apologizes for forced abortion](https://amandarobertswrites.com/i-think-hell-just-froze-over-china/) - It is an unfortunate fact of history that most change is born out of great tragedy. It was only after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 that killed 146 young women were fire safety codes issues that prevented any future factory disasters from ever occurring in America again. It was only after the Titanic sank that
- [Adventures in furniture shopping](https://amandarobertswrites.com/adventures-in-furniture-shopping/) - Found this amazing couch while furniture shopping today. It just sings to me.
- [What? They have that there? Democracy in China](https://amandarobertswrites.com/what-they-have-that-there-democracy-in/) - I have made it a habit of reading the Wall Street Journal's China Real Time Report every day. It is based on Hong Kong with feet on the ground in mainland so their reporting is about as accurate as you can get. I highly reccommend it to anyone living in China or abroad to know
- [Suicide in China - Divorce Lowers Risk](https://amandarobertswrites.com/suicide-in-china-divorce-lowers-risk/) - Last month, when my friend Jasmine's apartment was broken into while she was home sleeping, she became a mental wreck. She was terrified and unable to sleep. Even when she left town to stay in the safety of a friend's house, she was still unable to sleep. I asked her if she needed some sleeping
- [Mmmm...fresh baked goodness...](https://amandarobertswrites.com/mmmmfresh-baked-goodness/) - We have made it our Thursday morning routine to go to Bach's Bakery. Bach's Bakery is owned by a lovely German couple. They came to China to work with the deaf community (so not only are they fluent in Chinese, they are fluent in CSL!) and the husband decided to focus more on running a
- [I have a confession to make...](https://amandarobertswrites.com/i-have-confession-to-make/) - I turned 31 this year. For me, that is really hard to admit. But it goes beyond the typical 'women don't talk about their age' stereotype. see, I had a plan, and the fact I'm so far from reaching my goal makes every day a struggle. My dream from my very early 20s has been
- [Update on the Changsha Riots](https://amandarobertswrites.com/update-on-changsha-riots/) - Yes, it's true. The rally in Changsha on Saturday did turn into a full-fledged riot. I already shared my images from the weekend here, but I wanted to give space today to all the amazing pictures and videos taken by my friends throughout the city. Another one from Colin Thanks to Colin for capturing these images.
- [Anti-Japanese Rally Shakes Changsha](https://amandarobertswrites.com/anti-japanese-rally-shakes-changsha/) - This morning, the weather was absolutely gorgeous. Clear and cool, not a cloud in the sky. We had been waiting for a day just like this to visit the Kaifu Temple. While I was getting ready, though, I heard the sounds of cheering and chanting from outside. Unfortunately there is another building in front of
- [Book Review: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See](https://amandarobertswrites.com/snow-flower-and-secret-fan-by-lisa-see/) - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See is about many things: a girl growing up in rural China in the 19th century; foot binding; nushu; arranged marriages; friendship; a woman's place in the world; refection; regret. To try and sum-up what the book is about would not do it justice; to talk about
- [Ugly Foreigners: The USDA](https://amandarobertswrites.com/ugly-foreigners-usda/) - Hunan children were used as guinea pigs for American GM food experiments. Back in 2008, children in Hunan were fed genetically modified rice (known as "Golden Rice") without the knowledge or consent of their families. Even though this happened 4 years ago, it is only just now making the news rounds here in China, and
- [Book Review: Empress Orchid by Anchee Min](https://amandarobertswrites.com/empress-orchid-by-anchee-min-book-review/) - Next year, I am planning to write the biography of a very dear friend of mine from LiXian who has led a fascinating life. To get myself ready, I have decided to start reading more life stories, fiction and non-fiction, of Chinese persons to get more familiar with the writing style. So, since I am reading them, I thought
- [Ugly Foreigners: A Cautionary Tale](https://amandarobertswrites.com/ugly-foreigners-cautionary-tale/) - According to Beijing Cream, an unnamed man of unknown nationality (we only know he is not Chinese) slapped and spat on a woman over a minor traffic accident on Sunday. Of course physically attacking and insulting someone over such a minor incident is completely unacceptable and is an ugly thing to do. However, it is
- [Welcome to Lady Darcy Fluffington](https://amandarobertswrites.com/welcome-to-lady-darcy-fluffington/) - We broke the news on Facebook a couple of weeks ago about the newest addition to our family, but I thought I would make a formal introduction here as we hadn't actually released her name yet. This is Lady Darcy Fluffington. She is a Persian from the Sky Animation Mall. She likes feathers, toes, and chasing
- [Changsha Makes Statement about Cao Ruyi](https://amandarobertswrites.com/changsha-makes-statement-about-cao-ruyi/) - I mentioned over the weekend that there had been no news or updates regarding Cao Ruyi since June. I was browsing the Mayor's Mailbox today, though, and saw this letter written to the mayor about her. I have no idea who the original author is (I promise it wasn't me), but the author actually got
- [Hunan: A Land of Contradictions](https://amandarobertswrites.com/hunan-land-of-contradictions/) - China is constantly a land of contradictions, and I think no place in China exemplifies this more than Hunan. Hunan is home to the earliest forms of civilization in China. It has always been one of the poorest provinces in China. It is the location of many of the stories in the Romance of the
- [Remastered Photos From Old China](https://amandarobertswrites.com/remastered-photos-from-old-china/) - Recently, I wrote about the growing interest in old photos from China. Thanks to my friend Renalto, I was pointed to this amazing photo stream. Ralph Repo (I don't really know anything about him) has put together an amazing collection of photographs and has restored them immaculate clarity. There are too many to post here,
- [Summer Trip to Hong Kong and Disneyland!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/summer-trip-to-hong-kong-and-disneyland/) - This week we took a trip to Hong Kong for Zoe's first trip to the island and everyone's first trip to HK Disneyland! There were ups and downs, rain and shine, but overall we had a good time. Day 1 - Trains, Subways, Bureaucracy, and Typhoons The day started out pretty good. We got to the
- [Fireworks Over Changsha](https://amandarobertswrites.com/fireworks-over-changsha/) - In an effort to make Changsha more impressive on a national scale, the city poors thousands of RMB every week into a spectacular firework show over Orange Island on the Xiangjiang river. We have lived in Changsha for almost a year and had never made it out to see the show before last week. Zoe
- [Changsha's 2012 Cosplay Expo](https://amandarobertswrites.com/changshas-2012-cosplay-expo/) - This weekend was the 2012 Cosplay Expo here in Changsha at the San He Hotel Exhibition Center. Apparently this is an annual event held just after the kids get out of school for the summer. But we also found out that Hunan University had a Cosplay Convention at the end of April, and that is
- [Ugly Foreigners: Our First Kiwi!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/ugly-foreigners-our-first-kiwi/) - I was just lamenting how all the foreigners here in China have been on their best behavior lately and I was not able to make any additions to my Ugly Foreigner series. But we now have our first New Zealander to add to this exclusive group. Apparently, the man (we only have his surname of Phillips),
- [Real Communism and it's Lack of Healthcare](https://amandarobertswrites.com/real-communism-and-its-lack-of/) - I personally, feel the effects of Obama's Affordable Healthcare Act. In 2008, I was diagnosed with endometriosis and was denied coverage by my insurance company even though I purchased insurance before I was diagnosed. Thankfully, the hospital I used for my $12,000 operation had a privately funded program to help low-income families pay their medical
- [Feng Jianmei Update](https://amandarobertswrites.com/feng-jianmei-update/) - Xinhua News Network, the offical news outlet for China's government, announced late last night that one offical has been fired for his role in the forced abortion of Feng Jianmei's 7-month old fetus. However, the article is contradictory in its explanation as to what lead up to that horrible event. The article states that "there
- [If you thought the forced abortion of a 7 month old fetus couldn't get any worse...](https://amandarobertswrites.com/if-you-thought-forced-abortion-of-7/) - Then you should read this article posted over at Beijing Cream. Apparently, for the crime of speaking out about what she endured, Feng Jianmei and her husband have been labeled traitors and have been subject of attacks by their own neighbors. Absolutely tragic and disgusting.
- [Reverse Culture-shock](https://amandarobertswrites.com/reverse-culture-shock/) - One thing foreigners like to talk about when they go back to their home countries is "reverse culture-shock." Basically reverse culture-shock is what some people experience when they return home from living abroad. They have gotten comfortable in their new lives and life went on without them back home so when they do go home,
- [Protester Crushed by a Steamroller in the Name of Progress](https://amandarobertswrites.com/protester-crushed-by-steamroller-in/) - This is one of the most shocking stories I've come across since I started blogging about China. And, of course, it comes right out of Changsha. A day after the massive, state-supported, anti-Japanese protests rocked Changsha on the 15th, another, one-man protest ended in a grizzly murder by a city official. A man named He Zhi Hua
- [A Trip to the Vet](https://amandarobertswrites.com/a-trip-to-vet/) - It's hard being a pet parent in China. If you live in a "rural" area (meaning anything less than 2,000,000 people), you most likely do not live near a vet. When Vash was only a few months old she ate an entire bottle of gum. This was in the middle of the night and the
- [And There Was Much Rejoicing!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/and-there-was-much-rejoicing/) - This past Thursday was Thanksgiving in America, affectionately known as "Turkey Day" because the whole point of Thanksgiving is, honestly, gorging on the most delicious of fowls, the turkey. Chinese friends and students always take note of the glazed, dreamy look Americans get in their eyes when speaking of this mythical bird of scrumptiousness and wonder what is so amazing
- [Ugly Foreigners: The Shenzhen Epidemic](https://amandarobertswrites.com/ugly-foreigners-shenzhen-epidemic/) - I've had so much material for the Ugly Foreigners series lately that it's been depressing. Just because the 100 days of foreigner crackdowns is over is no reason to go hog-wild with bad behavior, people. Recently there has been a rash of bad behavior in the lawless border town of Shenzhen (Shenzhen isn't really like that.
- [End of China's One Child Policy in Sight?](https://amandarobertswrites.com/end-of-chinas-one-child-policy-in-sight/) - According to a report issued by a government agency and made public through Xinhua, the official news outlet for the Chinese government, it is time to start putting the one child policy to rest in China. A government "think tank" will issue the official report within a couple of weeks (most likely after the National
- [Ugly Foreigners: The Drunk Russian](https://amandarobertswrites.com/ugly-foreigners-drunk-russian/) - It's been a while since we have had to chastise any ugly foreigners (people who give all foreigners in China a bad name) on here, so we were about due. This one really takes the cake. According to Beijing News, the man was a hotel guest and was already intoxicated when he checked in that
- [Book Review: Chinese Lessons by John Pomfret](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-chinese-lessons-by-john/) - Every free minute I have had since I returned to China I have spent with Chinese Lessons by John Pomfret. And, despite the misleading title, it isn't a textbook for learning Chinese. Chinese Lessons is a book I almost didn't buy. While I was in the states, one of the first things I did was order a slew of
- [Book Review: Falling Leaves: The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter by Adeline Yen Mah](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-falling-leaves-memoir-of/) - Falling Leaves: The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter is a sympathetic look at the life of a 5th child and second daughter of a wealthy man in China before and during the communist take-over. Add in a wicked stepmother and the already burdensome child becomes the target of scorn and abuse for most of
- [Halloweekend in Changsha](https://amandarobertswrites.com/halloweekend-in-changsha/) - As much as the Chinese love their horror movies, Halloween is still a rather unobserved in China. But Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the west. Spending is second only to Christmas, still earning retailer s whopping 8 billion dollars in US sales alone. It is also growing in popularity in the UK, with
- [Two Americans in China in the USA](https://amandarobertswrites.com/two-americans-in-china-in-the-usa/) - So I know I haven't posted much since we got back home. We have had a really hard time readjusting our sleep schedules, spent 2 weeks without hot water, and had to dive right into a big project at work. So things have been kind of crazy around here, but nothing really to write home
- [Tips for Traveling in Thailand](https://amandarobertswrites.com/tips-for-traveling-in-thailand/) - Thailand seems to be the hot travel destination this winter, so here are a few travel tips that I picked up. 1) Money. Most places in Thailand do not accept Union Pay. I always ask, but about 90% of the time the answer is "no." However, there are ATMs on every street corner that do
- [Changsha Homeless Shelter Unsafe for Homeless](https://amandarobertswrites.com/changsha-homeless-shelter-unsafe-for/) - I'm pretty ticked off that I have to take time out of my tropical holiday to post about this, but as soon as I read it I knew I had to post. China is currently experiencing the coldest winter in 28 years. Reports of homeless people freezing to death are trickling in, including at least
- [A Visit to a Karen Hilltribe Village](https://amandarobertswrites.com/a-visit-to-karen-hilltribe-village/) - I remember as a kid going to the Ripley's Believe it or Not odditorium in San Antonio and seeing a wax figure of a "Giraffe Woman of Burma." Of all the crazy, odd things to be found in a Ripley's museum, I remember that. I kind of figured that this was something Mr. Ripley was lucky enough
- [Two Americans in China - In Thailand!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/two-americans-in-china-in-thailand/) - Yes, we have finally made it to the land of smiles, Thailand! We haven't see or done too much worth posting about, honestly. Bangkok is a big city, pretty much like every other big city out there. I am looking forward to getting up north to the countryside and really seeing some of the country.
- [Lost in Translation](https://amandarobertswrites.com/lost-in-translation/) - We need a bit of a chuckle, so I thought I would share this anecdote. For some reason, holiday ideas and events fell into my lap when I came to work at the game company. I didn't mind and found it pretty fun. It is one of the best things I have enjoyed about working here.
- [Twin Tragedies: A Cultural Comparison](https://amandarobertswrites.com/twin-tragedies-cultural-comparison/) - China is a place where there is little respect for the lives of individuals. China has the highest female suicide rate in the world, the highest number of abortions, the second-highest rate of automobile-related deaths, and the highest rate of executions. It is a place where 60 million women are missing because of gender-related abortions
- [Book Review: My Splendid Concubine by Lloyd Lofthouse](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-my-splendid-concubine-by/) - Writing a book is hard. As a writer, I know how difficult it is to put the pen to paper and put what you have to say out there for the world to see and then be ripped apart. I try to be fair in my reviews and, even when they aren't very good, look
- [Partial Story of a Missionary Family in Changsha and Hong Kong During WWII](https://amandarobertswrites.com/partial-story-of-missionary-family-in/) - The turmoil of the people of Changsha at the hands of the Japanese (and even Chiang Kai-shek) during WWII/the Second Sino-Japanese War is pretty well documented. But never before have I read anything about that time period by a foreigner who lived in Changsha at the time. Joyce Roberts was the daughter of missionary parents
- [The Temples of Chiang Mai](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-temples-of-chiang-mai/) - No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without a tour of a few of the city's temples. The city actually has over 300 temples (called 'wats' in Thai), but there are four that people are specifically pointed to if you ask which temples are not to miss. Click "read more" for a run down of
- [Book Review: The Feng Shui Detective by Nury Vittachi](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-feng-shui-detective-by-nury/) - The Feng Shui Detective by Nury Vittachi is hilarious. Vittachi has an amazing gift of being able to find humor in language itself. The lead character, Mr. Wong, is a Chinese feng shui master, but lives in Singapore and has dreams of writing a book about feng shui in English. He realizes the need to
- [Tang Hui - That Indelible Thorn in Officials' Sides](https://amandarobertswrites.com/tang-hui-that-indelible-thorn-in/) - If Hunan government officials thought that simply releasing Tang Hui from her labor camp after imprisoning her there for "disturbing social order" when she demanded stricter penalties for the men who kidnapped, raped, and sold her 11-year old daughter into prostitution would be enough to make her go away, they were dead wrong. Last August,
- ["Going Local" Writer Slammed in Expat Rags](https://amandarobertswrites.com/going-local-writer-slammed-in-exat-rags/) - Emily Ford is a European who has been living in Shanghai for 6 months... and has decided that she wasn't living an authentically "Chinese" life, whatever that is.So she decided to change her life for a day try to live like the locals, and she made the mistake of writing about it for a rather popular online
- [Be Aware of the Boob Massage](https://amandarobertswrites.com/be-aware-of-boob-massage/) - This is for all the ladies out there. I have had massages in the states before and the masseuses are pretty aware of their client's sense of privacy. Imagine my surprise, then, the first time I got a massage in China and she massaged my boobs. And my butt. And, you're pretty much naked for
- [Lucky Number 13](https://amandarobertswrites.com/lucky-number-13/) - This post is part of a series for AbsoluteWrite's January 2013 blog chain. The theme is "13" in honor of the new year. In a recent episode of Elementary (the great new Sherlock Holmes series on CBS), Holmes deduces a man was a gambler with a penchant for mahjong because of his obsession with the number 13. He
- [Highlights from Thailand](https://amandarobertswrites.com/highlights-from-thailand/) - Well, hard to believe we are already back home. I didn't get to blog as much as I had hoped while on the trip, but I guess that's a good thing. We were so busy or exhausted during the trip we hardly had any real relax time. So, I thought I would just do a
- [Tang Hui's Day in Court Nears](https://amandarobertswrites.com/tang-huis-day-in-court-nears/) - I'm posting this update because I love giving Tang Hui all the press I can. Back in January, Tang filed a petition against officials in Yangzhuo, Hunan for abuses she suffered at their hands when she protested for justice for her under-aged daughter. Next Friday, Tang will get her day in court. Here's hoping that Tang gets
- [It Doesn't Get Much Uglier Than This](https://amandarobertswrites.com/it-doesnt-get-much-uglier-than-this/) - On Saturday afternoon, drivers in Shanghai got quite an eye-full from 6 Danish tourists who were peeing on the side of a road. I know that when you gotta go, you gotta go, but they apparently even grabbed the driver's steering wheel, forcing the driver to stop in the middle of a busy road instead
- [China's Dead Pig Epidemic Hits Changsha](https://amandarobertswrites.com/chinas-dead-pig-epidemic-hits-changsha/) - Over the last two weeks, a lot of our friends were sent to Shanghai. It's been really tough, but we took solace in the fact that at least we weren't sent to the place that has over 16,000 dead pigs being pulled from the waterways. Just in case you don't know what I'm talking about,
- [Hunan Forest Botanical Garden and Sakura Blooms](https://amandarobertswrites.com/hunan-forest-botanical-garden-and/) - The Hunan Forest Botanical Garden is one of the few tourist attractions here in the 'sha. I've lived here a while, but had never been because 1) it's kind of way out there, 2) kind of expensive, and 3) kind of boring to anyone who doesn't love plants. But this week the cherry blossoms (sakura trees) are
- [Happy International Woman's Day](https://amandarobertswrites.com/happy-international-womans-day/) - Today is Woman's Day (March 8th). Actually, International Woman's Day. But until I moved to China, I had never heard of it. Apparently the day is usually only celebrated in countries with socialist or communist backgrounds. As a bit of an aside, though, in China, it is a bit of a joke that Woman's Day is on
- [Easy Dumpling Recipe](https://amandarobertswrites.com/easy-dumpling-wrapper-recipe/) - I know I've been a bit quiet over here lately, but I've actually been really busy on a new project. I have talked for years about making a cookbook for expats. I had to basically re-learn how to cook when I moved to China and I know many other expats have gone through the same
- [Unbound Feet](https://amandarobertswrites.com/unbound-feet/) - On Monday, I was privileged enough to visit a kindly old woman who lives across the street from Zoe's grandmother in rural Hunan. This is her story. I was born in 1924. I don't remember how old I was when my mother first bound my feet, all I remember was the pain. My mother would force me
- [What is Exploitation?](https://amandarobertswrites.com/what-is-exploitation/) - The latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition is getting a lot of heat, and for good reason. The magazine's attempt at making an international issue instead turned out to be a slew of photos using human beings as exotic props. Sports Illustrated Photo The two above photos were both taken in Guangxi, China. The contrast between
- [Kim Lee Wins Divorce Battle With Abusive Husband](https://amandarobertswrites.com/kim-lee-wins-divorce-battle-with/) - The saga of Kim Lee and her abusive, super-star husband Li Yang has finally come to a close with a very satisfying outcome. She was awarded a 12 million RMB divorce settlement, full custody of her children, and a restraining order against her ex-husband (a first for the Beijing court system). Kim Lee has been a driving
- [Update on Tang Hui: Down, But Not Out](https://amandarobertswrites.com/update-on-tang-hui-down-but-not-out/) - Last week Tang Hui finally had her day in court in her lawsuit against government officials who imprisoned her and sent her to a labor camp without trial. The court, unsurprisingly, did not find in her favor. On Tuesday, Tang filed an appeal. Hopefully, the more she appeals and the higher up the court system
- [Book Review: Pearl of China by Anchee Min](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-pearl-of-china-by-anchee-min/) - Min is an excellent writer and always chooses interesting subjects. Pearl of China is no different. Pearl of China is a tricky novel. Min set out to tell the story of Pearl S. Buck, perhaps the most famous and influential writer on China in the 20th century. But Min wanted to tell the story from a Chinese
- [How to Help Those in Need in China](https://amandarobertswrites.com/how-to-help-those-in-need-in-china/) - I was raised doing charity work. From bible ministry, to reading to the blind, collecting toys for tots, doing walks for lupus and MS, charity has always been an important part of my life. Doing charity work is something I really miss doing living in China. While there are some volunteer organizations in China, there
- [Book Review: The Good Women of China by Xinran](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-good-women-of-china-by/) - For nearly 8 years in the late 80s and early 90s, Xinran hosted a radio program in China called Words on the Night Breeze where she invited women to call in and share their stories. Unfortunately, because of strong government censorship, many of the calls could not be shared or the experiences talked about in
- [Stay Healthy in the Face of Avian Flu](https://amandarobertswrites.com/stay-healthy-in-face-of-avian-flu/) - While there is no reason to panic (yet), it is important to at least be aware that there is a new strain of bird flu spreading through the country. While it's not exactly time to lock ourselves in our apartments and break out the face masks, there are practical steps you can take to protect
- [Book Review: Healing, Romance, and Revolution: Letters from an American Nurse in 1926 China by Dennis and Carolyn Buckmaster](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-healing-romance-and/) - I don't use Twitter very much, but when I do I am sure to look for any posts related to "Changsha." That is how I found the book Healing, Romance, and Revolution: Letters from an American Nurse in 1926 China. Harriet Smith was a nurse in Changsha, Hunan, China for several years. This book only
- [Privilege vs. the One Child Policy - Wealth Doesn't Negate Suffering](https://amandarobertswrites.com/privilege-vs-one-child-policy-wealth/) - This week, one of China's Princesses (female children of China's old Party members, similar to Princelings), Li Xiaolin, revealed that her biggest regret in life was that she didn't have a second child. This is nothing new. This is a sentiment that many mothers in China have been feeling for decades and is only one
- [Tang Hui: Revelations and Delays](https://amandarobertswrites.com/tang-hui-revelations-and-delays/) - Tang Hui had another day in court this week. On Tuesday about 200 people gathered outside the Provincial High Court in Changsha for her latest hearing. According to the Global Times, Tang received an apology from the chief of police who sent her to a labor camp back in August of 2012. However, the court
- [A Zoe's Tale: More Reasons to Hate the Gaokao](https://amandarobertswrites.com/a-zoes-tale-more-reasons-to-hate-gaokao/) - I've written before about how much the gaokao, China's college entrance exam, is archaic, unfair, and even sexist. However, at this time in China, if one wants to go to college, one must take the gaokao. While one can hope for improvement in the future, in the meantime one must simply take the test. But
- [Changsha Teacher Arrested on Molestation Charges](https://amandarobertswrites.com/changsha-teacher-arrested-on/) - Here is a list no one wants to be on. A teacher in Changsha, surnamed Xu, has been arrested for molesting children whom he tutored after class hours. The name of school has not been released. In the last month, this brings the number of molestation or rape charges brought about by students against teachers
- [Dead Pigs in My Drinking Water? It's More Likely Than You Think!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/dead-pigs-in-my-drinking-water-its-more/) - While Shanghai made headlines worldwide this winter after farmers dumped over 16,000 dead pigs into the local rivers, a farm in Changsha has decided to create it's own pig-dumping scandal by dumping chemically dissolved pigs into the Xiangjiang river, Hunan's largest river and main water supply. According to the farm, it's practices do no damage
- [The Gaokao: Why Does No One Care It's Unfair?](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-gaokao-why-does-no-one-care-its/) - Next week will be the dreaded gaokao, the nation-wide test administered to high school seniors which will determine their future. 10 years of schooling has lead to this moment and kids will do anything to do well from cheating to taking birth control to prevent any added stress from an ill-timed period. It's the time
- [Book Review: Tales About China and the Chinese by Peter Parley](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-tales-about-china-and/) - The history of the Peter Parley books might be more interesting than the books themselves. Peter Parley was the pseudonym of American author Samuel Griswold Goodrich and was one of the most famous children's writers in the 1800s. He was so popular that a wave of books was published under his name during his life.
- [Changsha's China Joy, 2013](https://amandarobertswrites.com/changshas-china-joy-2013/) - China Joy in Shanghai is the largest anime/gaming convention in China. But China Joy also hosts smaller conventions around the country in preparation for the big one in Shanghai. This weekend was Changsha's China Joy. Changsha's China Joy is always held at the exhibition center at the Sanhe Hotel near Martyr's Park. The event is
- [Finally, A Full Interview With Tang Hui](https://amandarobertswrites.com/finally-full-interview-with-tang-hui/) - Interviewing Tang Hui is something I have been wanting to do for months but my translator isn't around right now. So I'm glad somebody at AFP finally saw the value in interviewing Tang Hui and getting her story out there. I've been writing about her for months, trying to get more attention on her. In
- [Changsha - An International Tourist Destination?](https://amandarobertswrites.com/changsha-international-tourist/) - Changsha's government is hoping to see Changsha as an international vacation destination by 2020. The local officials here feel this lofty goal is reasonable after it hit 1,000,000 tourists in 2013 (whether that is so far or a projection for the year is unclear). Mao Zedong's childhood home I live here. I love living here.
- [In Honor of Mother's Day - How I Learned to Love My Daughter's Mother](https://amandarobertswrites.com/in-honor-of-mothers-day-how-i-learned/) - I did something different with my book review this week. I decided to write about Xinran's Message from an Unknown Chinese Mother: Stories of Loss and Love, but instead of a typical review, I talked about how this book touched me personally. You can read my article "How I Learned to Love My Daughter's Mother"
- [Ugly Foreigners Hits Home: The Changsha Griefer](https://amandarobertswrites.com/ugly-foreigners-hits-home-changsha/) - I actually first heard about this guy a few months ago, but it came across as an isolated incident and everyone seemed to think he would just move on so I pretty much ignored it. What happened was a tall, blond Westerner was caught asking people for money. He even had the gall to ask
- [Court Rules in Favor of Tang Hui!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/court-rules-in-favor-of-tang-hui/) - Finally! In light of the George Zimmerman fiasco in the States and the fact that Changsha courts are under fire for executing a man over the weekend without notifying his family, some good judicial news was highly welcomed (and surprising) today. Tang Hui was suing the Yangzhou Re-education Through Labor Commission for unlawful detention and
- [Safeguards - Astro City #4 and the Expat Experience](https://amandarobertswrites.com/safeguards-astro-city-4-and-expat/) - Stand back! I'm about to do a literary analysis, something I haven't done for a while. This article contains spoilers for Astro City #4 - "Safeguards." I have taken a great interest in comics this last year and am working on one myself. As such I have been reading as many as possible to learn
- [Listening With an Accent](https://amandarobertswrites.com/listening-with-accent/) - A sweet old lady named Mary “Pink” Mullaney died this week. It’s OK if you never heard of her. I hadn’t either until her obituary went viral this week. Pink’s family shared some her wit and wisdom instead of the typical sad and sombre list of accomplishments. While her tips for life are varied and at
- [China's First Jellyfish Pet Shop Opens in Changsha](https://amandarobertswrites.com/chinas-first-jellyfish-pet-shop-opens/) - The outside of the shop. Seth came home tonight and told me something amazing - he saw a jellyfish pet shop behind the Wal-mart on his way home tonight. This was certainly the most interesting thing I had heard in quite a while, so I had to go check it out. Behind the Wal-mart a
- [This Week in Child-Rape News in China](https://amandarobertswrites.com/this-week-in-child-rape-news-in-china/) - It has once again been a bad week for women in China. One step forward and a 50 meter sprint backwards. While in May, the Chinese Supreme Court said that harsher punishments should be handed down for sex offenders against children (not that they stipulated what those punishments should actually be or put in measures
- [China Joy 2013 - Where's the Freakin' Door?!?!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/china-joy-2013-wheres-freakin-door/) - For the last few months, Seth and I have been totally hyped to go to China Joy in Shanghai. Billed as China's E3 and the largest gaming convention in China featuring the "most professional" Cosplay Carnival, we were excited to check it out and get our cos on. Unfortunately, the con was a let-down from
- [Raping a Chaste Woman is More Harmful Than Raping a Bar Girl - The Frightening Truth About China's Legal System](https://amandarobertswrites.com/raping-chaste-woman-is-more-harmful/) - The baby-faced rapist, Li Tianye On Wednesday, Yi Yanyou, a lawyer and law professor, said one of the most mysoginistic things I have heard in recent months (and that is a pretty high bar to reach). He said, via Weibo, “raping a chaste woman is more harmful than raping a bar girl, a dancing girl,
- [It's Not OK To Let Your Kid Poop in Public](https://amandarobertswrites.com/its-not-ok-to-let-your-kid-poop-in/) - I've been wanting to write about this for a while, but didn't come across the right opportunity until now. I received a notice overnight about a child caught pooping in one of the bronze bowls on Changsha's Walking Street with help from his father. Down the center of Walking Street are several bronze statues depicting
- [Beijing College Students Advertise The Vagina Monologues With Their Vaginas](https://amandarobertswrites.com/beijing-college-students-advertise/) - What the Vagina say? According to female students from Beijing Foreign Studies University, many things. To promote their upcoming performance of The Vagina Monologues (which EVERYONE should see!), the girls took pictures of themselves holding signs with phrases like "my vagina says: I can be sexy, but you can't harass me," and "my vagina says, "someone can
- [Why I Love Fast Trains, And You Should, Too!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/why-i-love-fast-trains-and-you-should/) - There have been several articles lately talking about the boom in fast train (aka, high speed trains) usage over the last few years in China. They talk about how the fast trains are environmentally friendly, safe, and, of course, fast. But all of these articles seem to miss the human element, the real experience, of
- [When Celebrities Change Their Faces, Literally - Julie Chen and the Eye Surgery Discussion](https://amandarobertswrites.com/when-celebrities-change-their-faces/) - Back in April I wrote an article about China's obsession with white skin and wide eyes for iPinion. Feel free to check it out and refresh your memory, but basically I said that I don't want my goddaughter, or any Chinese woman, to set a standard of beauty for herself based on another race. I
- [Book Review: Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-women-of-silk-by-gail/) - Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama is a novel about women who worked in a silk factory in rural southern China from the 1920s to the beginnings of the Japanese invasion in the mid-1930s. I picked up this book because I am very interested in the way silk was processed in China in pre-industrial
- [Officials Express Concern for Rural Wives; That's Magazine Thinks it's a Joke](https://amandarobertswrites.com/officials-express-concern-for-rural/) - The Global Times ran a piece recently about how Chinese officials have expressed concerned for the rural wives of migrant workers. That's Magazine, a popular group of English magazines ran a crass piece regurgitating the original article with the title "Official Concerned that Rural Women Aren't Getting Laid Enough." I'm not going to link it
- [The Chinese Government Wants More Foreign Workers; Misses Irony](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-chinese-government-wants-more/) - The China Daily reported today that "China will speed up the exploration of immigration policies this year to attract skilled foreign workers." The funny thing is that the article doesn't mention why China, one of the most populous nations on earth, is suffering a worker shortage other than an "aging population." China has dug itself
- [What I think about what Beijingers think about feminism](https://amandarobertswrites.com/what-i-think-about-what-beijingers/) - The following video "Beijingers on Feminism" was uploaded by the Shanghaiist earlier today*. It's really interesting and I think everyone should watch it. So what is my take on it? First of all, it is unfortunate that the word "feminism" has such a bad rap here in China. It's almost as bad as its reputation
- [Women's History Month - Awesome Chinese Women You Never Heard Of](https://amandarobertswrites.com/womens-history-month-awesome-chinese/) - To celebrate Women's History Month, I had a small piece published in the Shenzhen Daily today featuring three amazing, historical Chinese women you probably never heard of. Because of space and reasons, though, the article is pretty short and doesn't do these women justice. After reading the article, I hope you will look up Mary
- [Why Guangzhou Closing Its Baby Hatch Changes Nothing](https://amandarobertswrites.com/why-guangzhou-closing-its-baby-hatch/) - Within hours of my article "Postponing of Baby Hatch Disgraces Shenzhen" being published, news broke that Guangzhou was temporarily closing its baby hatch ("baby hatch" is the unfortunate term used to describe small buildings where parents can safely abandon their children). According to authorities, the Guangzhou baby hatch had received so many children, the Social
- [Crazy Dumpling Cinnamon Roll](https://amandarobertswrites.com/crazy-dumpling-cinnamon-roll/) - Today, I entered one of my dumpling recipes into the Spoonful My Take Winter Kitchen Contest sponsored by Disney. The challenge was to choose a recipe from eight winter recipes provided and make my own special version of it. Of course, I jumped at the chance to make a Disney dumpling. In fact, I recently
- [Postponing of baby hatch disgraces SZ](https://amandarobertswrites.com/postponing-of-baby-hatch-disgraces-sz/) - SHENZHEN officials recently announced that the opening of the city’s first baby hatch — a small facility where abandoned newborns can be safely dropped off — has been postponed indefinitely. This is unacceptable. While it’s important for the baby hatch to have functional equipment — authorities claim the delay is to allow further testing on
- [Why China Needs Feminism - So All People Can be Held Responsible for Their Actions](https://amandarobertswrites.com/why-china-needs-feminism-so-all-people-can-be-held-responsible-for-their-actions/) - I just read an article in the Shenzhen Daily that has me fuming. A 16-year old girl gave birth to twins on Sunday. Her 20-year old boyfriend is denying paternity and avoiding her calls, refusing to take responsibility for the children. Already, there are two problems with this story. 1) The man is not being
- [A Dead Antelope At the Shenzhen Museum](https://amandarobertswrites.com/dead-antelope-shenzhen-museum/) - I visited the Shenzhen Museum yesterday morning. I'll write more about that later when I can get to my camera, but in the afternoon I went to a poetry workshop with the Shenzhen Writers Circle. For some reason, when I was told to just start writing, I wrote about this... A Dead Antelope at the
- [Cloning pets — love or lunacy?](https://amandarobertswrites.com/cloning-pets-love-lunacy/) - MOST people love their pets. Indeed, many people consider their pets to be members of the family. The death of a beloved pet can be truly devastating. But how far would you go to keep your little Fido with you forever? My Friend Again, a company in South Korea, is pioneering pet cloning. For some
- [Book Review: The Last Empress by Anchee Min](https://amandarobertswrites.com/review-the-last-empress-anchee-min/) - I like Anchee Min; I've read and reviewed several of her books and I own most of them, which I will read in the future. However, The Last Empress is possibly her worst book and I would not recommend it. I'm not sure what happened here. I really enjoyed Empress Orchid, and The Last Empress is
- [Mothers and Daughters in Tan's "The Valley of Amazement"](https://amandarobertswrites.com/tan-the-valley-of-amazement/) - EVER since “The Joy Luck Club” burst onto the literary scene in 1989, Amy Tan’s name has been synonymous with Asian literature. Even though many other authors such as Anchee Min and Lisa See have also found massive audiences, success in the Asian literature market wouldn’t have been possible without Tan. Tan is possibly the
- [Why China Needs Bloggers](https://amandarobertswrites.com/china-needs-bloggers/) - The bad thing about working for a Chinese newspaper is having to sometimes proof articles that are are so blatantly propagandist or that so closely toe the party line, they make my eyes hurt. I love my job (a lot, seriously), but the amount of articles that I have to read regarding how much China
- [How to Steep the Perfect Cup of Tea](https://amandarobertswrites.com/how-to-steep-tea/) - I have been experimenting a lot with tea lately. I found a great tea shop on our last trip to Changsha, so I forced myself to finally learn how to steep tea. I'm still not an expert, but I have been having a lot of fun learning about tea. I don't think I'm the only
- [Cultural understanding, or — everything you ever knew is wrong!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/cultural-understanding-everything-ever-knew-wrong/) - Many years before I ever imagined I would be living in China, I remember having a conversation with a woman at church who owned rental properties. This woman is one of the most hateful people I have ever met in my life, so what she said probably shouldn’t have made an impression, but it was
- [Book Review: Empress Dowager Cixi by Jung Chang](https://amandarobertswrites.com/review-empress-dowager-cixi/) - Earlier this month, I was pretty harsh on Anchee Min's The Last Empress. And rightly so. Her boring, flat characterization of one of China's most controversial leaders was hugely disappointing. Jung Chang succeeds where Min failed. Even though Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China is a non-fiction account, the story of Cixi's
- [Vegetarian Thai Peanut Stir Fry Dumplings](https://amandarobertswrites.com/vegetarian-thai-dumplings/) - These were made for Kickstarter backer Jay Haney, who wanted something peanutty and vegetarian. My husband declared them "pretty good for vegetarian." This recipe is really versatile. You can use whatever veggies you like; the ones listed here are just examples. You could even use frozen mixed vegetables and just mash them or chop them
- [Penny Dreadful is Pretty Dreadful - Part 1](https://amandarobertswrites.com/penny-dreadful-pretty-dreadful-1/) - (It was after I started writing this that I realised just how long this post was, so I decided to break it up into two parts. Today's post focuses on women in the show Penny Dreadful; tomorrow's post will focus on people of color, specifically Chinese characters, in the show.) I know a lot of
- [Penny Dreadful is Pretty Dreadful – Part 2](https://amandarobertswrites.com/penny-dreadful-pretty-dreadful-2/) - (It was after I started writing this that I realised just how long this post was, so I decided to break it up into two parts. Yesterday's post focused on women in the show Penny Dreadful; today's post focuses on people of color, specifically Chinese characters, in the show.) People of Color To begin with,
- [Not so different - China and America's Treatment of Teachers](https://amandarobertswrites.com/different-china-americas-treatment-teachers/) - In the past, I have talked to different public school teachers here in China about how much money they make. The Chinese are always fascinated by how much more expat employees are paid than locals, and I am usually equally mystified by how little locals are paid. I truly do not know how some people
- [Imperial Woman by Pearl S. Buck - Book Review](https://amandarobertswrites.com/imperial-woman-pearl-s-buck-book-review/) - Why, yes, this is my fourth review of a book about Cixi. I'm a little obsessed. (You can read my take on Anchee Min's books here and here and Jung Chang's here.) When I saw that Pearl S. Buck had a novel about Cixi, I just had to read her version of this fascinating woman. While
- [What's in a name? Surnames, China, and Feminism](https://amandarobertswrites.com/whats-name-surnames-china-feminism/) - My surname is not my husband's surname. My surname is not the surname I was born with. My surname I took from my first husband. I kept it after the divorce because by that time the name was mine. I went to university as Amanda Roberts. All of my years of hard work were under
- [Book Discussion - Unnatural Selection: Choosing Boys Over Girls, and the Consequences of a World Full of Men](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-discussion-unnatural-selection-choosing-boys-girls-consequences-world-full-men/) - Mara Hvistendhal’s book Unnatural Selection – Choosing Boys over Girls, and the Consequences of a World Full of Men was quite eye opening for me. Several months ago, American-based websites and blogs that write about feminist and AAPI issues were livid over lawmakers trying to pass legislation against sex-selective abortions in America. Most decried the laws as
- [Naked Officials: Criminals or Victims?](https://amandarobertswrites.com/naked-officials-criminals-victims/) - Ever since President Xi Jinping came into office and declared a “war on graft,” there has been much publicity surrounding punishments of corrupt officials. Many view the punishment of these people as a good thing, proof that the war is effective. But there is one group of people who seem to be unfairly caught in
- [Why China Needs Feminism - So Male Rape Will Be Recognized](https://amandarobertswrites.com/china-needs-feminism-male-rape-will-recognized/) - There was a disturbing story today about how a man's rapist was basically given a get-out-of-jail-free card on a technicality. That technicality? The fact that male-on-male rape is not considered a crime in China. Rape is one of the most common crimes in China, but it is also one of the most under-reported. China also has
- [Surprise, Bustle, breastfeeding isn't shamed in China](https://amandarobertswrites.com/surprise-bustle-breastfeeding-isnt-shamed-china/) - I've been casually following the debates surrounding the topic of mothers breastfeeding in public in the U.S. I say casually because it isn't something that affects me personally, but is a frequent topic on websites that center around women and feminism, so I read the stories but don't generally get worked up about it. But
- [Hong Kong needs support, not White Knights](https://amandarobertswrites.com/hong-kong-needs-support-white-knights/) - I’ve been posting as much as I can about the Hong Kong protests both to my personal Facebook page and to my official Two Americans in China account. I also changed my profile pic to one that shows support for the protesters. I’ve written about it in my newsletter. I’ve been talking to my goddaughter about why
- [Erotic, Antique Chinese Art (NSFW)](https://amandarobertswrites.com/erotic-antique-chinese-art-nsfw/) - Over the National Day Holiday, Seth, Zoe and I went to Macau for a day. We originally planned to go to Disneyland, but there was a mix-up with Zoe's visa and she ended up with one for Macau ("Hong Kong is China" my ass if Chinese citizens need a visa to go there). But we
- [Sex, Guns, and Video Games - Anita Sarkeesian Takes on Misogynist Hate Group GamerGate](https://amandarobertswrites.com/sex-guns-video-games-anita-sarkeesian-takes-misogynist-hate-group-gamergate/) - My husband and I are gamers. It's how we met. We have also both worked in the gaming industry here in China. So we have been following GamerGate pretty much since the beginning. If you don't know what GamerGate is, lucky you, but keep reading to find out all about it. I wrote about it
- [Planning the Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner While Living Abroad - The Turkey](https://amandarobertswrites.com/planning-perfect-thanksgiving-dinner-living-abroad/) - FOOD. It’s pretty much the main topic of conversation among expats and never more so than around Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is one of the worst times to be away from home, so many Americans do their best to recreate a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for their new friends and family overseas. But cooking while living in a
- [Planning the Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner While Living Abroad - The Stuffing](https://amandarobertswrites.com/thanksgiving-abroad-stuffing/) - Hi everyone. Welcome to my second post dedicated to helping you plan the perfect Thanksgiving dinner while living abroad. Last time, I wrote about making sure you have all the right utensils and about how to prepare the all-important turkey. Today, I'm going to talk about your turkey's main squeeze, the stuffing! The Stuffing The
- [Planning the Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner While Living Abroad – The Gravy](https://amandarobertswrites.com/thanksgiving-abroad-gravy/) - Hi everyone. Welcome to my third post dedicated to helping you plan the perfect Thanksgiving dinner while living abroad. I first wrote about making sure you have all the right utensils and about how to prepare the all-important turkey. I followed up with how to make stuffing from scratch. Today, I’m going to explain how
- [Occupy Everything!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/occupy-everything/) - While Seth and I were in Hong Kong for Halloween, we took the opportunity to stop by the Occupy Central protests. It was an amazing experience. If you get a chance to go to Hong Kong, go see the protesters. The area is clean, orderly, and safe. The protesters are pretty much just down there
- [Planning the Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner While Living Abroad – The Mashed Potatoes](https://amandarobertswrites.com/thanksgiving-abroad-potatoes/) - Hi everyone. Welcome to my fourth post dedicated to helping you plan the perfect Thanksgiving dinner while living abroad. I first wrote about making sure you have all the right utensils and about how to prepare the all-important turkey. I followed up with how to make stuffing from scratch and how to make a delicious river
- [Planning the Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner While Living Abroad – The Biscuits](https://amandarobertswrites.com/thanksgiving-abroad-biscuits/) - Hi everyone. Welcome to my fifth post dedicated to helping you plan the perfect Thanksgiving dinner while living abroad. I can't believe how close Thanksgiving is getting! I'm going to have to move up the frequency of these posts to get done in time for the big day! I first wrote about making sure you
- [Planning the Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner While Living Abroad – The Pumpkin Pie](https://amandarobertswrites.com/thanksgiving-abroad-pumpkin-pie/) - Hi everyone. Welcome to my sixth post dedicated to helping you plan the perfect Thanksgiving dinner while living abroad. I first wrote about making sure you have all the right utensils and about how to prepare the all-important turkey. I followed up with how to make stuffing from scratch, how to make a delicious river
- [World AIDS Day - AIDS in China](https://amandarobertswrites.com/world-aids-day-aids-china/) - Today is World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day "is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died." While many developed countries are seeing infection rates drop and have increased
- [Anything Goes!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/anything-goes/) - http://youtu.be/N1H9eKWPGRo I grew up watching the Indiana Jones movies pretty much on a constant loop, and my favorite was The Temple of Doom! I always loved the opening scene where Willie Scott (played by Kate Capshaw) sang Anything Goes in Chinese. My youngest sister always had a ear for picking up songs and could sing
- [Throwback Thursday - Deadly Snowflakes](https://amandarobertswrites.com/tbt-deadly-snowflakes/) - When my husband and I first came to China in 2010, the plan was to stay two years. Well, we are now going on our fifth year, and we don't have any plans to leave. It's hard to believe that we have been here long enough to start doing Throwback Thursday posts, but we have.
- [Netflix's Marco Polo - Review](https://amandarobertswrites.com/netflixs-marco-polo-review/) - My husband and I spent the last week binge watching Marco Polo, Netflix's answer to HBO's Game of Thrones and Starz' Outlander. Marco Polo is about the son of an Italian merchant, trader, and explorer who was left at the court of Kublai Khan (the Emperor of the Mongols) around 1273. Marco Polo was the most expensive
- [Throwback Thursday - Our First Christmas](https://amandarobertswrites.com/throwback-thursday-christmas/) - Happy Holidays, Dear Readers! I thought an appropriate Throwback Thursday post would be a picture of our first Christmas in China. Christmas is not very popular here, and it is even more rare the more rural you get. In Lixian, the Christmas hats we are wearing are about all the Christmas things we could find.
- [The Housekeeper from Hell - Beware of Annie Law](https://amandarobertswrites.com/housekeeper-hell-annie-law/) - This has been an extremely traumatic week, and I never thought such terrors would come from my housekeeper. In China, it is common practice for anyone middle-class or higher to have a housekeeper (or "ayi" as they are known here). Many ayis also work as nannies, even in expat homes. Usually, you will give a
- [Top 10 Posts of 2014](https://amandarobertswrites.com/top-posts-2014/) - Well, I for one am happy to see the back of 2014. As much as I love living in Shenzhen, it is so much better than living in Changsha, 2014 was one nightmare of a year. But the blog and my writing career are doing much better, which is awesome. So, in case you missed
- [Throwback Thursday - Learning to Cook](https://amandarobertswrites.com/throwback-thursday-learning-to-cook/) - As I've mentioned before on this blog and in my book, moving to China (especially to a rural area) meant having to relearn how to cook. At our first school, Lanjiang Zhizhong, three of our best students, Zoe, Arlene, and Jack, came over one night to help give me a crash course. Even 4 years
- [Conversations on Adoption in China](https://amandarobertswrites.com/conversations-on-adoption/) - While walking to the subway with two of my coworkers yesterday, I had the following conversation: Sarah: Why do you live in China instead of Thailand? Me: Well, my husband and I are planning on adopting here in China. Sarah: Oh, is that very difficult for foreigners? Me: Yes. It is very difficult. It takes
- [Conversations on Adoption - Unwanted Advice](https://amandarobertswrites.com/conversations-adoption-advice/) - My boss was kind enough to surprise me and the other American copy editor at the newspaper with a Christmas lunch a couple of weeks ago. As usual, I get asked why I don't have kids. The question "why don't you have kids" is something I am asked almost daily in China. In China, it
- [Throwback Thursday - On the Li River](https://amandarobertswrites.com/throwback-thursday-on-the-li-river/) - Yangshuo, Guangxi Autonomous Region, about an hour from Guilin, is one of the most beautiful towns in China. We spent about a week there when we first came to China since that is where the Buckland Training Center is located. We've been there twice since. There are so many beautiful and interesting places to visit
- [I Am Not Charlie](https://amandarobertswrites.com/i-am-not-charlie/) - Last week, the opinion page editor sent me an opinion article and asked me "should we print this?" I thought it was a strange request since what the paper does and doesn't print isn't up to me. However, when I discovered that the article was basically about how Americans are hypocritical in how they use
- [Chinese-Americans vs. American-Born Chinese](https://amandarobertswrites.com/chinese-americans-vs-american-born-chinese/) - If you've never been to China, you probably haven't heard the term "American-Born Chinese." It is a uniquely Chinese phrase used to identify people who live in China of Chinese ethnicity but were born abroad, often truncated as ABC (or BBC for British-born Chinese or CBC for Canadian-born Chinese, and so on). In America, we
- [An Open Letter to Victoria Thompson, Author of the Gaslight Mystery Series](https://amandarobertswrites.com/an-open-letter-to-victoria-thompson/) - Dear Ms. Thompson, Every day, women are told that they can only ever be truly happy if they give birth to a child. It is everywhere – from our own mothers, to politicians, to religious leaders, to books, movies, and TV shows. No matter what else a woman has in her life, no matter how
- [Frog by Mo Yan - Book Review](https://amandarobertswrites.com/frog-mo-yan-book-review/) - Talk about disappointing. Two years ago, when Mo Yan won the Nobel Prize for literature for Frog, Westerners and Chinese were shocked and elated. The Chinese were ecstatic that a Chinese writer won the honor at all (he's the only Chinese writer who lives in China to have ever won the prize) and Westerners were
- [China - Not As Safe As You Think](https://amandarobertswrites.com/china-not-as-safe-as-you-think/) - In the past, when people have asked me "is China safe?" I have answered "yes." And most people would agree. In fact, if you Google "is China safe?" you will find plenty of forums that tout the safety of China, even for women. Yet I have been seeing more and more incidents of Western women
- [Two Americans in China in San Francisco](https://amandarobertswrites.com/two-americans-in-china-in-san-francisco/) - Ack! I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted! I planned on doing posts while I was on vacation, but time just got away from me and the Internet at my in-laws' house was terrible, so I hardly spent any time online. Anyway, here is how we spent our Chinese New
- [Two Americans in China in Chinatown](https://amandarobertswrites.com/two-americans-in-china-in-chinatown/) - One of the main reasons we wanted to visit San Francisco was to visit Chinatown. I know, we live in China and we wanted to go to Chinatown? Why not? We love Chinese people and Chinese culture no matter where in the world it is, and we thought it would be interesting to learn more
- [Care for comfort women begins at home](https://amandarobertswrites.com/care-for-comfort-women-begins-at-home/) - HARDLY a week goes by that the Chinese Government does not criticize the Japanese Government for refusing to acknowledge and apologize for its crimes in China during World War II. Since 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the 2nd Sino-Japanese War, the outcry against Japan and calls to remember the Rape of
- [Step 1 of probably 100 million](https://amandarobertswrites.com/step-1-of-probably-100-million/) - As any reader of this blog or anyone who has ever met us knows, our dream is to adopt a baby here in China. We finally took that first step and submitted our initial application, which was approved last week! Yay! That was probably the easiest step, though. I was immediately given about 50 more
- [Shenzhen Man Spends 30 Years Raping Mentally Ill Woman, Hailed as "Responsible"](https://amandarobertswrites.com/shenzhen-man-spends-30-years-raping-mentally-ill-woman-hailed-as-responsible/) - Over 30 years ago, a young woman named Adi in her early 20s was in a tragic accident that left her with the mind of an infant. Even though she had the body of an adult, she couldn't care for herself or even express herself to those around her. One day, a 'barefoot' doctor came
- [Give the Dog a Bone - Let Guide Dogs in China Help the Visually Impaired!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/give-the-dog-a-bone/) - Last week, when Beijing announced that seeing eye dogs would be allowed on the Beijing metro, my first thought wasn’t “wow, this is a great move on Beijing’s part.” Instead, my first thought was “seeing eye dogs weren’t already allowed on Beijing subways?” followed by “seeing eye dogs aren’t already allowed on all of China’s
- [Zoe in America – First Stop: San Francisco!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/zoe-in-america-first-stop-san-francisco/) - I had been excited for over 6 months about my trip to America since my godparents told me they were going to take me there for Chinese New Year, but from the very beginning, I barely knew anything about our plans. My mom decided this would be a surprise trip for me and she did
- [Living with Epilepsy in China](https://amandarobertswrites.com/living-with-epilepsy-in-china/) - Recently, a man in Hubei was sentenced to life in prison for causing the deaths of four people when he crashed into a group of pedestrians after suffering from an epileptic seizure. Most of the comments in response to the article have centered around how stupid it was of the man to keep his illness
- [The Big Con - Our Nightmare Saturday at the Guangzhou Comic Con *UPDATES at the end*](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-big-con-nightmare-guangzhou-comic-con/) - My husband Seth and I are big geeks, as everyone who knows us or has read this blog knows. We have gone to great lengths to recapture some of the geeky atmosphere we left behind in our old country. This has including visiting some pretty lame and poorly organized gaming and anime conventions around China.
- [Rachel Dolezal's Appropriation of Adoption Language](https://amandarobertswrites.com/rachel-dolezal-appropriation-of-adoption-language/) - If you haven't heard of Rachel Dolezal, then you are one lucky duck. Dolezal made international headlines last week when it was revealed that she, a White woman, had spent the better part of a decade masquerading as a Black person and was even the chapter president of the Spokane, Washington branch of the NAACP. What
- [How I Met Your Father – Love in 1990s China](https://amandarobertswrites.com/how-i-met-your-father-love-in-1990s-china/) - While watching the American TV show “How I Met Your Mother,” I asked my mom how she met my father. “Why do you want to know that? It is not romantic at all,” she asked. “Oh, come on, I just want to hear your story,” I replied. “I grew up in a family without much
- [Buying (Banned) Books and Getting Published at the Hong Kong Book Fair](https://amandarobertswrites.com/buying-banned-books-and-getting-published-at-the-hong-kong-book-fair/) - This past weekend, Seth, Zoe, and I made our way to the Hong Kong Book Fair. The Hong Kong Book Fair is the largest book show in Asia, with over 500 vendors from over 30 countries and over 1 million guests. We had two purposes for our trip: finding a publisher and buying banned books.
- [Book Review: The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-the-ghost-bride-by-yangsze-choo/) - I recently finished reading The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo. It is a really fascinating book that I highly enjoyed and would recommend. The book's description does not do the book justice. According to Amazon: Li Lan, the daughter of a respectable Chinese family in colonial Malaysia, hopes for a favorable marriage, but her father has
- [It is Legal to Buy a Kidnapped Child in China](https://amandarobertswrites.com/it-is-legal-to-buy-a-kidnapped-child-in-china/) - I had only been in China for a few months the first time someone told me I could buy a baby in China. I had told one of my new friends at our school in rural, northern Hunan about my dream of adopting a child in China. "Why bother with that?" she asked. "Just go
- [Book Review - The Incarnations by Susan Barker](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-the-incarnations-by-susan-barker/) - When I was at the HK Book Fair a couple of weeks ago, I picked up a copy of Susan Barker's The Incarnations. The description reads: Beijing, 2008, the Olympics are coming, but as taxi driver Wang circles the city's congested streets, he feels barely alive. His daily grind is suddenly interrupted when he finds
- [Book Review: The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel by Maureen Lindley](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-the-private-papers-of-eastern-jewel-by-maureen-lindley/) - The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel is a novelization of the life of Japanese spy Yoshiko Kawashima, who was also known as Eastern Jewel. While the book was interesting, it focused far too much on Yoshiko's sexuality. The book's description says: Peking, 1914. When the eight-year-old princess Eastern Jewel is caught spying on her father’s liaison
- [A Chinese Valentine’s Story](https://amandarobertswrites.com/a-chinese-valentines-story/) - Happy Qixi Festival Everyone! I wrote the following a couple of months ago but thought it was appropriate to share today, on Chinese Valentine's Day! The Chinese equivalent of Valentine’s Day is known as Qixi Festival, which is held of the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. Qixi celebrates the story of the cowherd
- [Liu Cixin's Big Hugo Win That Almost Wasn't](https://amandarobertswrites.com/liu-cixins-big-hugo-win-that-almost-wasnt/) - By now, almost everyone in China has heard that Liu Cixin was the big winner at the 2015 Hugo Awards, becoming the first Chinese novelist to win science fiction’s highest honor of best novel for his book “The Three-Body Problem.” What many have not heard, however, is about how Liu almost didn’t win thanks to a
- [Happy Halloween from Two Americans in China!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/happy-halloween-from-two-americans-in-china/) - I can't believe it has been nearly two months since I last posted! Ugh! I can't believe I let it go this long. I have just been so busy, I kind of had to let a few things go for a while. But I have some great posts planned! Starting today! Happy Halloween from China!
- [Interview with Kay Bratt - Author of The Palest Ink](https://amandarobertswrites.com/interview-with-kay-bratt-author-of-the-palest-ink/) - Today I'm happy to have talked to Kay Bratt, the author of The Palest Ink. Kay Bratt is a child advocate and author of the series Tales of the Scavenger's Daughters and the acclaimed memoir of the years she spent working in Chinese orphanages, Silent Tears: A Journey of Hope in a Chinese Orphanage. After
- [Book Review: The Palest Ink by Kay Bratt](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-the-palest-ink-by-kay-bratt/) - Check out my interview with Kay Bratt here. Be sure to read all the way to the end for a chance to win a copy of The Palest Ink. About The Palest Ink A sheltered son from an intellectual family in Shanghai, Benfu spends 1966 anticipating a promising violinist career and an arranged marriage. On
- [China's Family Planning Policies Still Firmly in Place](https://amandarobertswrites.com/chinas-family-planning-policies-still-firmly-in-place/) - Don't worry, everyone. China still has the most brutal and backward family planning policies in the world. I work at a newspaper, but the biggest news in weeks broke while I was on my way home for the weekend Thursday night. In the 45-minutes it took to get from my office to my home, my
- [Be A Good Landlord](https://amandarobertswrites.com/be-a-good-landlord/) - The following was originally published by the Shenzhen Daily. Two weekends ago, I spent a couple of days helping a friend look for an apartment. She is a young professional whose company relocated from Shanghai to Shenzhen. However, our excitement over her move quickly gave way to despair after looking at over a dozen apartments
- [Interview With Annie K. Wong, Author of Children of Lightning](https://amandarobertswrites.com/interview-with-annie-k-wong-author-of-children-of-lightning/) - Annie K. Wong is the author of fantasy adventure Children of Lightning! The Chinese-Canadian writer agreed to stop by and tell us more about her book. Be sure to check out the giveaway at the bottom of the page! About Children of Lightning childreSecrets beget secrets. The curse that befell the Hollows clan has left
- [Dozens of SZ Expats Swindled in United Airlines Flight Scam](https://amandarobertswrites.com/shenzhen-expats-swindled-united-airlines-scam/) - The following was originally published in the Shenzhen Daily. I have added a little more information for clarity and an analysis to the end. DOZENS of expats in Shenzhen have been swindled out of tens of thousands of yuan in a United Airlines fraud case allegedly perpetuated by a well-known Shenzhen international student, an investigation
- [Interview With Lisa See, Author of The Red Princess Mysteries](https://amandarobertswrites.com/interview-with-lisa-see-author-of-the-red-princess-mysteries/) - Lisa See is best known for her historical novels, especially Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, which I reviewed here. But she also wrote a fabulous mystery series back in 1997. I recently read all three of the Red Princess mystery books and really enjoyed them. Lisa was kind enough to answer a few questions
- [Two Americans in China in Bali](https://amandarobertswrites.com/two-americans-in-china-in-bali/) - This year, for the one week national holiday, Seth and I went to Bali, Indonesia. While we didn't get to stay as long as we wanted and didn't see nearly all the island has to offer, we had a great time and would love to go back. We mainly stayed in Ubud. Ubud is in
- [Interview with Xinran, the Author of Buy Me The Sky](https://amandarobertswrites.com/interview-with-xinran-the-author-of-buy-me-the-sky/) - Most readers of this blog know that I am a huge fan of the author Xinran. I reviewed her book "The Good Women of China" here and wrote about her book "Letters From an Unknown Chinese Mother" here. Her latest book "Buy Me The Sky: The remarkable truth of China's one-child generations" talks about the children
- [Book Review - The Red Princess Mysteries by Lisa See](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-the-red-princess-mysteries-by-lisa-see/) - I read a lot of historical mystery books, but I got really tired of the same protagonist - a white widow of means. So when looking for a mystery with a non-white heroine, I came across Lisa See's Red Princess Mysteries. While it isn't exactly a historical series, the Red Princess Mysteries is a solid
- [Book Review - Buy Me The Sky by Xinran](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-buy-me-the-sky-by-xinran/) - I am a big fan of Xinran's books. It is still difficult to find female Chinese writers writing about women's issues in China in English. While more Chinese women are taking up the pen regarding these issues, Xinran was one of the first. She was in China collecting women's stories when many people in China
- [Book Review - Soundless by Richelle Mead](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-soundless-by-richelle-mead/) - Richelle Mead, the hugely successful author behind the Vampire Academy series, stepped into new territory this year with Soundless, a fantasy novel set an a China-inspired world. About Soundless For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village, where rocky terrain and frequent avalanches prevent residents from self-sustaining. Fei
- [Book Review: The Moon in the Palace by Weina Dai Randel](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-the-moon-in-the-palace-by-weina-dai-randel/) - I have been looking for a novelization about Empress Wu Zetian for a while. I gave Empress by Shan Sa a try, but it was god-awful. So I was very excited to come across The Moon in the Palace by Weina Dai Randel. About The Moon in the Palace There is no easy path for a
- [China Should Accept Syrian Refugees](https://amandarobertswrites.com/china-should-accept-syrian-refugees/) - In the 1930s and 40s, America turned its back on Jewish refugees. Otto Frank, the father of perhaps the most famous Jewish victim of the Holocaust Anne Frank, applied for American visas to get his family to safety, but the family, and thousands of others, were denied, left to be crushed under a wave of
- [Book Review: Vermilion by Molly Tanzer](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-vermilion-by-molly-tanzer/) - Vermilion by Molly Tanzer is an amazing book. It was the one I have spent years looking for. I read a crazy amount of mystery novels, but as I mentioned in my review of the Red Princess Mysteries by Lisa See, when it comes to historical mysteries, the protagonist is always the same - a white
- [China's New Domestic Violence Law - The Good, The Bad, and the Vague](https://amandarobertswrites.com/chinas-new-domestic-violence-law-good-bad-vague/) - On Sunday, China passed its first law prohibiting domestic violence and offering protection for victims of domestic abuse. It might be hard to believe, but before Sunday, there was no law prohibiting domestic violence in China. As far as authorities were concerned, a husband beating his wife was not breaking the law. Women who did
- [Sweet and Spicy Salmon Dumpling Recipe](https://amandarobertswrites.com/sweet-and-spicy-salmon-dumpling-recipe/) - Hi everyone! Today I want to share a really yummy dumpling recipe with you! I already shared this with my backers on Kickstarter, so if you want to get a hundred more dumpling recipes, be sure to check out the campaign! You can find the dumpling wrapper recipe here. This flavorful recipe is sweet with
- [Chinese Company Now Owns Rights to Iconic Tiananmen Square Photos](https://amandarobertswrites.com/chinese-company-now-owns-rights-to-iconic-tiananmen-square-photos/) - When I read this, I thought it must have been an Onion article, but apparently not. Bill Gates recently sold the rights to countless images, including dozens of images from the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre to a Chinese company, Visual China Group. “The transaction strengthens our dominant position in China’s image industry, enhances
- [Adoptive Families Need Parental Leave Too](https://amandarobertswrites.com/adoptive-families-need-parental-leave-too/) - The following was originally published in the Shenzhen Daily. One day, your parents are gone. Your home is gone. You don’t know where you are. You are in a new, strange place. There are other people around you who seem nice, but they are not your parents. There are other children in this place. You
- [How a Cosmetics Company is Subverting the Chinese State](https://amandarobertswrites.com/how-a-cosmetics-company-is-subverting-the-chinese-state/) - An ad by cosmetics company SK-II recently went viral in China. The ad tackles the topic of "leftover women," women in China who are not married by age 25. Watch the ad below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irfd74z52Cw The ad has had millions of views and has sparked debate and discussion around the country. Some people believe the ad
- [Threads of Silk - Now Available for Pre-order!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/threads-of-silk-now-available-for-pre-order/) - I am so excited to announce that my first novel is now available for pre-order! I first started writing Threads of Silk back when we lived in Hunan, and a lot of it was inspired by the people and things I came across while living there, especially Hunan embroidery. The book will be published by Red
- [Two Americans in China in Vietnam](https://amandarobertswrites.com/two-americans-in-china-in-vietnam/) - For Chinese New Year back in February, we went to Vietnam. I can't believe how long it has taken me to post this (well, actually I can, it has been a crazy busy year!), but better late than never! We have been traveling around Southeast Asia quite a bit recently since we live so close
- [We Found Her! Finally Getting Our Match](https://amandarobertswrites.com/we-found-her-finally-getting-our-match/) - We finally found our daughter! Anyone who knows us or follows this blog knows that our adoption journey has been a long and difficult one. But we are so happy to finally announce that we have found our daughter! Meet little Zofia! As a blogger and now a mommy blogger, I am still wrestling with
- [Two Americans in China in Japan - Foodie Fun!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/two-americans-in-china-in-japan-foodie-fun/) - As our last hurrah before the baby comes, we went to Japan for the National Day holiday. We went to the Kansai area - Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe. It was amazing. I'm going to have to break up the trip report into different posts because there is just so much to talk about. The first thing
- [Two Americans in China And Growing!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/two-americans-in-china-and-growing/) - We finally have our little girl home! She came home a week before Christmas, so we did the obligatory Christmas pictures. People keep asking me how I feel, if I feel different somehow. Other than having issues balancing taking care of a kid and working from home, Seth and I don't really feel different. I
- [A Weekend in Yangshuo!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/a-weekend-in-yangshuo/) - This last weekend we went to Yangshuo in Guangxi Province. For longtime readers of this blog, you might recall that we began our China journey in Yangshuo almost seven years ago. Yangshuo was where we went for our TESOL training before we were sent to Lixian for our first teaching assignment. We have been in
- [Guest Post - Beijing with the Family by Melissa Addey](https://amandarobertswrites.com/guest-post-beijing-family-melissa-addey/) - Today's guest post is by Author Melissa Addey! She recently came to China on a research trip for her next novel, and she was gracious enough to share some highlights from her trip and some tips for your own trip to Beijing! I recently made a long-awaited and eagerly anticipated research trip to Beijing. It
- [Happy Mother's Day!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/happy-mothers-day/) - Today I get to celebrate my first official Mother's Day! Even though my sweet Zoe always wishes me a Happy Mother's Day, it certainly has more meaning this year. I'm celebrating by spending the afternoon away from the baby hahaha! Zoe is taking me to fancy high tea and then to get a massage while
- [Hiring a Housekeeper in China](https://amandarobertswrites.com/hiring-housekeeper-china/) - Long time readers of this blog might remember one of my more popular posts from a couple of years ago about my Housekeeper from Hell, Annie. Long story short, Annie came across some very personal photos of mine while cleaning and shared them on WeChat, China's most popular social network, and called me a prostitute.
- [Home Six Months!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/home-six-months/) - It's hard to believe that six months ago, we were still just a couple. But Monday will be the sixth month anniversary of bringing our kiddo home! This is typically a time when parents post before and after photos of their kids to show how much children can improve in such a short period of
- [A Chat with Cherith Vaughan, Cover Designer for Murder in the Forbidden City](https://amandarobertswrites.com/a-chat-with-cherith-vaughan-cover-designer-for-murder-in-the-forbidden-city/) - Today I am so excited to share the cover for my new novel Murder in the Forbidden City! Aren't they just gorgeous! I am so excited for this novel. Check out the blurb: Peking, 1867 When one of the Empress’s ladies-in-waiting is killed in the Forbidden City, she orders Inspector Gong to find the killer.
- [There and Back Again - Going Full Circle](https://amandarobertswrites.com/there-and-back-again-going-full-circle/) - I mentioned in a previous post that big changes were coming (as if bringing our daughter home only six months ago wasn't a big enough change!). So today I can finally announce that... We are moving to Yangshuo! Our China journey began nearly seven years ago in Yangshuo in Guangxi province. We came to China
- [3 Defectors - Memoirs from North Korea](https://amandarobertswrites.com/3-defectors-memoirs-north-korea/) - Even though my main focus is China, I'm also very interested in what is going on in North Korea. I know that for most Americans, North Korea isn't really on their radar, but here in China, the "hermit kingdom" can't be ignored. Even though I mostly review books on this site that specifically deal with
- [Threads of Silk Now Available As An Audiobook!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/threads-silk-now-available-audiobook/) - I'm excited to announce that Threads of Silk is now available as an audiobook! The book was narrated by Leanne Yau. You can download the book from Amazon here. You can open a free 30-day trial account and get a copy of my book for FREE by going to http://www.audible.com/offers/30free?asin=B074F3SDW1 This feels like a big step
- [Behind the Story - Empress Cixi](https://amandarobertswrites.com/behind-story-empress-cixi/) - If you have read any of my books, it's pretty easy to see that China's last empress, the Dowager Empress Cixi, is a recurring character. Who was Empress Cixi and why do I write about her? Empress Cixi was born in 1835 to a poor and unimportant Manchu family, but she didn't remain in obscurity for
- [Hostel Review - Mountain Escape Yangshuo](https://amandarobertswrites.com/hostel-review-mountain-escape-yangshuo/) - My family was recently invited to stay the night at Mountain Escape Yangshuo. The property was amazing and we would highly recommend staying here. Mountain Escape is a refurbished countryside house about 20 minutes by car outside of Yangshuo town. The family who owns it (Gary and Fiona) spared no expense in the renovations, but
- [Two Americans in China in Hurricane Irma!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/two-americans-china-hurricane-irma/) - When we go back to the States, our home base is in Florida. We arrived at the beginning of September, the height of hurricane season! And we quickly found ourselves in the path of three hurricanes: Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Jose, and Hurricane Maria. Irma was the biggest and baddest one headed our way. Irma was
- [The Racist Reason You Think MSG Is Bad For You](https://amandarobertswrites.com/racist-reason-think-msg-bad/) - When you think of MSG, what are the first thoughts that come to mind? Probably that MSG is bad for you and that it is used in Chinese food. But have you ever wondered where this belief came from? Have you ever really researched MSG and its relation to Chinese food? A recent episode of
- [Where The Past Begins - A Conversation With Amy Tan](https://amandarobertswrites.com/past-begins-conversation-amy-tan/) - I was so excited for the chance to meet Amy Tan last week at the Hong Kong Literary Festival! It really was a dream come true. She has such an elegant presence. As soon as she walks into a room, you know she is someone worth listening to. The moderator at the gala dinner said,
- [Who Writes History - Conversations With Jung Chang](https://amandarobertswrites.com/jung-chang-hk-lit-fest/) - I have written and spoken many times about how wonderful her book is, but I am often met with skepticism. Cixi has a reputation, in the East and the West, of being a controlling, manipulative, traditionalist who held China back and is blamed for many of China's problems during the 19th century. Yet in Empress
- [Christmas With Chinese Characteristics](https://amandarobertswrites.com/christmas-chinese-characteristics/) - Last year at this time, we were only focused on bringing our little girl home, and we've never been big Christmas people, so we had just a pitiful little tree and bought some gifts for our little girl at the last minute. So this year I decided to put a lot more effort into the holiday to
- [One Year of Baby Daze](https://amandarobertswrites.com/one-year-baby-daze/) - Last week was the one year anniversary of the day we met our little girl. It has been an amazing year. Our adoption journey was so long, and there were times I doubted I'd ever become a mother. But now, I can't hardly imagine a time when our little girl wasn't with us. She has
- [Chatting With A Fortune Teller In Hong Kong](https://amandarobertswrites.com/chatting-fortune-teller-hong-kong/) - I recently went to Hong Kong by myself for a few days (for the Hong Kong Literary Festival) and had some extra time on my hands, so I got to play the tourist a bit, something I haven't done in years even though I lived only half an hour from the city for three years
- [Yes, That CCTV Gala Sketch Was Racist](https://amandarobertswrites.com/yes-cctv-gala-sketch-racist/) - Like most families in China, we always spend part of our Chinese New Year's Eve watching the CCTV Gala, one of the most watched annual events in all of television with an annual viewership of about 400 million people. (By contrast, the Superbowl is watched by about 100 million people). This year, though, we had
- [Separating Children From Their Parents Is Wrong](https://amandarobertswrites.com/separating-children-from-their-parents-is-wrong/) - The focus of this blog is usually politics and social issues here in China, since that is where we live. But we are also Americans, and we very actively follow politics back home. This is not just because we are interested in what is going on back in the States, but because as American citizens,
- [Interview With Alexa Kang, Author of Shanghai Story](https://amandarobertswrites.com/interview-with-alexa-kang-author-of-shanghai-story/) - Alexa Kang is the author of the amazing new book Shanghai Story, and I am so thrilled that she agreed to answer a few questions for me. I hope you enjoy this interview and will check out her book. A WWII saga in the heart of the world's most decadent city in 1936. Enter the
- [The Children Everyone Wants](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-children-everyone-wants/) - "Why do you want to adopt a baby no one else wants?" This is one of the most common and offensive questions when it comes to adoption. Many people are genuinely curious about the adoption process, which is understandable, and I'm happy to help educate people about the joys of building their family through adoption.
- [100 Things I Love About China](https://amandarobertswrites.com/100-things-i-love-about-china/) - I usually look forward to the 4th of July, but I don't think America deserves to be celebrated right now. And while there is plenty to criticize China about, there is a lot to love about this country too. So here is a list of 100 things I love about China - in no particular
- [Two Americans in China in Malaysia!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/two-americans-china-malaysia/) - This week we took a quick little jaunt to Kuala Lumpur. We were really only there for two days, but it was a lot of fun and we look forward to going back. Our hotel was within walking distance to the Petronas Towers, which were the tallest buildings in the world until 2004 (they are
- [The Blessings and Curses of Working From Home](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-blessings-and-curses-of-working-from-home/) - Working from home is great. I roll out of bed and can get right to work. I don't have to worry about wearing "work" clothes, doing my makeup, or even brushing my hair. I have access to my tea, my snacks, and my dog. When my daughter comes home from school, I'm here for a
- [Saving My Sanity With ASMR](https://amandarobertswrites.com/saving-my-sanity-with-asmr/) - A little over a year ago, I was teaching a writing class for an alternative healthcare university and one of my students wrote a paper about ASMR. I didn't really understand what she was talking about and I had never heard of it before, so I did a quick YouTube search - and I was
- [Interview With Amanda Hughes, Author of The House of Five Fortunes](https://amandarobertswrites.com/interview-with-amanda-hughes-author-of-the-house-of-five-fortunes/) - While Xiu peddled pipe dreams, a nightmare was waiting. Sensual and exotic, San Francisco’s Chinatown in the 1870's was filled with temptation and greed. Raised in this quagmire of vice, Xiu Jung caters to wealthy thrill-seekers with her elegant opium den, The House of Five Fortunes. With the help of Madison Hayes, the illustrious actor,
- [Interview with Laila Ibrahim, Author of Paper Wife](https://amandarobertswrites.com/interview-with-laila-ibrahim-author-of-paper-wife/) - As soon as I read the description for Paper Wife, I knew it was exactly the kind of book I would love to read. It isn't going to be released until the end of October, but author Laila Ibrahim was kind enough to do an author interview with me now. Read what she had to say
- [Accessing Education for Children With Special Needs in China](https://amandarobertswrites.com/accessing-education-for-children-with-special-needs-in-china/) - Many children with special needs in China are denied educational opportunities because China's public schools are literally inaccessible to children with physical disabilities and they don't have the resources to support children with mental disabilities. It is an unfortunate fact that many Chinese families view their children as their support network as they age. If
- [Film Review: Crazy Rich Asians](https://amandarobertswrites.com/film-review-crazy-rich-asians/) - Crazy Rich Asians, starring Constance Wu and Henry Golding, finally opened here in China on Friday, so my husband I saw it for our weekly date night. We loved it! It was so sweet and funny. I haven't read the book by Kevin Kwan, but I really want to now. I wasn't sure how much
- [Book Review - In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-in-order-to-live-by-yeonmi-park/) - I have been wanting to read Yeonmi Park's memoir In Order to Live ever since I saw her speech about her escape from North Korea in 2014. Even though China is the main focus of my life and work, I have written before about how closely entwined the history of North Korea and China are. And, come to
- [The Man in the Dragon Mask Trailer Premier!](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-man-in-the-dragon-mask-trailer-premier/) - I've never commissioned a book trailer before, but The Man in the Dragon Mask is the most ambitious book I've ever written, so I felt it deserved one. I am so grateful to Cherith Vaughan for her incedible trailer and beautiful book cover. She also did all the promotional materials for me. If you need
- [Empress in Danger: Empress in Disguise Book 3](https://amandarobertswrites.com/empress-in-danger-empress-in-disguise-book-3/) - She thought that fate was finished with her. But it was only beginning… After being banished to a remote abbey, Daiyu thinks the machinations of the inner court can no longer hurt her. But she is wrong. A ghost from the past emerges and threatens everything Daiyu has worked so hard to build for herself.
- [Book Review - Paper Wife by Laila Ibrahim](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-review-paper-wife-by-laila-ibrahim/) - I recently did an interview with Laila Ibrahim, the author of Paper Wife, and she was kind enough to send me a copy of her novel to review. Be sure to check out her interview here! About the novel: Southern China, 1923. Desperate to secure her future, Mei Ling’s parents arrange a marriage to a
- [Empress in Hiding: Empress in Disguise Book 2](https://amandarobertswrites.com/empress-in-hiding-empress-in-disguise-book-2/) - She thought that the favor of the emperor would keep her safe. She was wrong. At the center of power and privilege, Daiyu is now in more danger than she ever imagined. No longer able to hide among the countless palace ladies, as empress, Daiyu cannot escape the jealousy and scheming of the other women
- [Mulan 2020: We Haven't Come A Long Way, Baby](https://amandarobertswrites.com/mulan-2020-we-havent-come-a-long-way-baby/) - This post contains SPOILERS for the Disney live-action version of Mulan. Don't scroll past Mushu if you don't want to be spoiled. In 1978, Edward Said wrote the book on Orientalism, which is the racist, simplistic, and inaccurate view of Eastern cultures in the West, especially in Western pop culture. My go-to example of Orientalism
- [Empress in Disguise: Empress in Disguise Book 1](https://amandarobertswrites.com/empress-in-disguise-empress-in-disguise-book-1/) - To save her family, one girl will sacrifice her very identity. Living in poverty in the shadow of the Forbidden City, Daiyu never imagined that the life of the emperor would impact her own. But a chance meeting with a girl who looks exactly like her changes everything. Daiyu's family is offered enough money to
- [Obligatory Why We Left China Post](https://amandarobertswrites.com/obligatory-why-we-left-china-post/) - I know it has been a long, long time since I posted, but it has also been a really long three years. While most of the world moved into a state of "living with COVID" by 2021, China refused. It was as if we were stuck in the worst months of 2020 for three years.

## Pages

- [Home](https://amandarobertswrites.com/) - Hello! My name is Amanda Roberts. I am a USA TODAY bestselling American author who lived in China for more than a decade. I write historical fiction centered on forgotten women, Chinese history, and emotional, powerful storytelling. To learn more about me, my books, and my life, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on
- [Free Qing Dynasty Mysteries](https://amandarobertswrites.com/free-qing-dynasty-mysteries/) - Download Your Two Free Qing Dynasty Mysteries Below DOWNLOAD Before Murder in the Forbidden City, there was a mirror... and a widow who refused to be forgotten. In this prequel novella to the acclaimed Qing Dynasty Mystery Series, Lady Li-recently widowed and quietly fading from court memory-is summoned to help a family of status recover
- [Book Clubs](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-clubs/) - I would love to join your book club to talk about any of my books via skype or in person if I am in the area. Please send me a request at amanda @ amandarobertswrites.com and include the date, time, and time zone of your book club meeting. Download my free reading guides below.
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- [Book Recommendations](https://amandarobertswrites.com/book-recommendations/) - Fiction Non-Fiction Search for Books Popular Categories Historical Fiction Fantasy North Korean Defector Memoirs WWII Literature Popular Authors Amy Tan Lisa See Weina Dai Randel Chloe Gong
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- [My Books](https://amandarobertswrites.com/books/)
- [Qing Dynasty Mysteries](https://amandarobertswrites.com/qing-dynasty-mysteries/) - Murder in the Forbidden City: The Qing Dynasty Mysteries Book 1 When one of the Empress's ladies-in-waiting is killed in the Forbidden City, she orders Inspector Gong to find the killer. Unfortunately, as a man, he is forbidden from entering the Inner Court. How is he supposed to solve a murder when he cannot visit
- [The Other Empress](https://amandarobertswrites.com/the-other-empress/) - History books may tell about the fall of the Qing Dynasty. But they haven't told my story... In this exciting novel from USA Today best-selling author Amanda Roberts, the story of the slow march toward the fall of the Qing Dynasty comes to life in vivid detail, revealing a world of love, sex, ambition, and
- [Empress in Disguise Trilogy](https://amandarobertswrites.com/empress-in-disguise-trilogy/) - Empress in Disguise: Empress in Disguise Book 1 Living in poverty in the shadow of the Forbidden City, Daiyu never imagined that the life of the emperor would impact her own. But a chance meeting with a girl who looks exactly like her changes everything. Daiyu's family is offered enough money to support them for
- [Books in Other Languages](https://amandarobertswrites.com/books-in-other-languages/)
- [Empress in Disguise](https://amandarobertswrites.com/empress-in-disguise/) - Newsletter Sign-up Use this form to never miss a new release! Name Email Subscribe Thank you! You have successfully joined our subscriber list.
- [The Touching Time Trilogy](https://amandarobertswrites.com/touching-time/) - As the Chinese empire crumbles, the one person who could save it is a palace slave. The Emperor’s Seal – the divine symbol of the Emperor on earth – is missing. The Empress will do whatever it takes to get it back. Jiayi has a gift – she can travel through time just by touching
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- [The Man in the Dragon Mask](https://amandarobertswrites.com/dragonmask/) - One Face Two Men And A Secret That Could Destroy An Empire At the dawn of the Ming Dynasty, the emperor will do anything to ensure the future of his empire. Building the Forbidden City in fulfillment of his father's dreams is only the beginning. But few people share the emperor's vision. When a consort's
- [Crazy Dumplings](https://amandarobertswrites.com/crazy-dumplings/) - Crazy Dumplings Dumplings. Wontons. Jiaozi. This remarkably simple food is found throughout Asia and in Chinese restaurants and kitchens around the world, but have you ever filled a dumpling wrapper with chicken? Lobster? North American Plains Bison? Hardly anyone has! The Crazy Dumplings Cookbook features over 100 recipes with some of the craziest and most
- [Threads of Silk](https://amandarobertswrites.com/threads-of-silk/) - When I was a child, I thought my destiny was to live and die on the banks of the Xiangjiang River as my family had done for generations. I never imagined that my life would lead me to the Forbidden City and the court of China’s last Empress. Born in the middle of nowhere, Yaqian,
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- [Editing Services](https://amandarobertswrites.com/editing/) - I have been editing for nearly a decade and have worked for indie authors and large publishing houses. I am currently available for editing on a freelance basis. You will find the sorts of editing and my rates below. Line Editing After you complete your manuscript, this is the first phase of editing your book
- [Submissions](https://amandarobertswrites.com/submissions/) - I happily provide book reviews and accept guest posts. If you would like me to review your book, please send an email to Amanda@AmandaRobertsWrites.com. The book must have some connection to China, Chinese culture, or Chinese people. I accept very few books for review. However, guest posts by authors and author interviews are always welcome. Contact me

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