Biographies & Memoirs

This memoir of Anchee Min's extraordinary life in China offers a deeply personal and emotional glimpse into a tumultuous time. Through her powerful storytelling, she delves into the complexities of navigating a society ruled by strict communist ideals, and the forbidden love affair she formed as a means of escape. With lyrical prose that brings to life the beauty of Chinese culture, Red Azalea is a mesmerizing exploration of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of love in the face of adversity.

Sultana is a Saudi Arabian princess, a woman born to fabulous, uncountable wealth. She has four mansions on three continents, her own private jet, glittering jewels, designer dresses galore. But in reality she lives in a gilded cage. She has no freedom, no control over her own life, no value but as a bearer of sons. Hidden behind her black floor-length veil, she is a prisoner, jailed by her father, her husband, her sons, and her country.Sultana is a member of the Saudi royal family, closely related to the king. For the sake of her daughters, she has decided to take the risk of speaking out about the life of women in her country, regardless of their rank. She must hide her identity for fear that the religious leaders in her country would call for her death to punish her honesty. Only a woman in her position could possibly hope to escape from being revealed and punished, despite her cloak and anonymity. Sultana tells of her own life, from her turbulent childhood to her arranged marriage--a happy one until her husband decided to displace her by taking a second wife--and of the lives of her sisters, her friends and her servants. Although they share affection, confidences and an easy camaraderie within the confines of the women's quarters, they also share a history of appalling oppression, everyday occurrences that in any other culture would be seen as shocking human rights violations; thirteen-year-old girls forced to marry men five times their age, young women killed by drowning, stoning, or isolation in the women's room, a padded, windowless cell where women are confined with neither light nor conversation until death claims them.By speaking out, Sultana risks bringing the wrath of the Saudi establishment upon her head and the heads of her children. But by telling her story to Jean Sasson, Sultana has allowed us to see beyond the veils of this secret society, to the heart of a nation where sex, money, and power reign supreme.

"Live Through This" is a must-read for anyone who has faced challenging situations and struggled to keep their family together. Gwartney's vivid portrayal of the world of American runaways and her experience in searching for her daughters will tug at your heartstrings. The author's introspection and growth throughout the book are truly inspiring, and her relationship with her daughters is a testament to the power of forgiveness and love.

Book by Jennings, Elizabeth

This book is perfect for parents who want to raise their children in a structured and well-mannered environment. The author provides easy-to-follow guidelines on pregnancy, feeding, sleeping, and manners. The best thing about the book is that it has recipes from Paris creches and a practical handbook with 100 tips that are easy to implement. Readers will love how the book is presented in simple and straightforward language.