Books about China keep grabbing my attention. None more so than "The Original Daughter". First I have read by this author and was surprised how much I enjoyed it. The characters changed personalities from one being shy, withdrawn into an outgoing, in charge person. The other, from the person who did everything right into someone who had no path to travel.

Very different family story. Even in China we see the parents opting out of their responsibilities. The narrative paints a picture of life in China from the ordinary persons point of view.

Banyan Moon is a unusual story. Small list of characters keep this storyline on track. Three women of Asian lineage lives become intwined. The house handed down through the generations is a character. Decisions made effect all lives. Marriages, abuse, birth, and recovery are all themes. Wonderful read for those who enjoy different books.

Margot, by Wendell Steavenson, was a delightful read. A bit of intrigue was accomplished by old family secrets being revealed. Social issues covered were premarital sex, which was discouraged at this time; gun violence, by the deaths of the Kennedy brothers and Martin Luther King, Jr.; mental illness, the mother; addiction, a family friend; abortion, a school mate.
Unexpected events happened such as old friends entering and leaving the narrative. Exceptional characters grew and developed in the progression of the story. Descriptions of everyday were such that one could visualize the scene.
I enjoyed the lovely lyrical writing. Striking was the phrase "hallow spaces in the self".
Although the study of science was the base of the story along with a young ladies early experiences, the book was a delight to read.