"… I can't thank you enough
for sharing the tragedy of your past with us. The way you managed
to be a survivor changed the way I think about life and all of
these decisions we have to make."
-- Margaret
Romero, 8th
grade student of Columbus East, IL
"… (Her speech) makes me appreciate
a lot more things now, and love my family even more…"
-- Bethany
Sierawsky, 7th
grade student of Crone, IL
"… Rarely have we hosted a
speaker who elicited such positive response in voluntary evaluations!
Here is a sampling of comments from her audience at Hawaii Community
College: "Learned so much about China! Moved me to tears!"
"I had no idea (the Cultural Revolution) happened… it is
something everybody should hear about." "stories were
fascinating and most valuable in providing insights about this
period… extremely moving…"
-- Sally
Nhomi, Program
Coordinator, Pacific and Asian Affairs Council
"If she (Ji-li Jiang) is an
effective storyteller in her book, Ms. Jiang is even better speaking
in person before an audience… Her presence gave vitality and validity
to her writing. Her personal warmth, earnestness, grace and inner
beauty radiate. Here is a story that needs to be shared, not only
with young people, her desired principal audience, but adults
as well. Here is an universal story of intelligence, loyalty,
honor, acting on principles and values, love of family, and courage."
-- Lois
T. Mui, President,
Associated Chinese University Women, Inc.
"…After the first few sentences,
dessert forks were laid aside and all eyes were drawn to her bravely
erect form. As she reviewed the main events described in the book,
the hush deepened, and when she completed her remarks, there was
a lump in every throat and an immediate standing ovation from
the floor…"
-- Carol
Chittenden, Past
Chair, New England Children's Bookselling Advisory Council
