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Molly Cowan-Johnson.
AnonymousI was a little surprised this book was written by a man. Then I read the translator's note (Jakob Haarhuis or Arnold Rusoff Professor of Japanese History New York Univerersity ) inside and felt more comfortable that he explained that the geisha this book is about, Sayuri, met with him many times and that they had built a relationship of trust. However, I then wondered how the author listed on the book, Arthur Golden, changed or edited her story.
This story was told quite elegantly. Sayuri's analagy or descritions and feelings tell the reader what a creative mind she has. I wish I could see things the way she describes them. I read Liza Dalby's book as well which picked many of the same part of the geisha culture to describe and explain. Dalby had done a good job writing it in a way to inform non Japanese of the geisha culture. However, there is nothing like hearing someone's perspective and feelings who actually was sold to a geisha house and grew up to become a geisha. The version of the book I read was 428 pages, but I always wanted to keep reading. Her story will tell you more than you will ever imagine of the life of a geisha. I especially liked the relationship she had with her gisha sister Mameha. Both Sayuri and her older sister (there is a special ceremony bonding them qa sisiters even though they are not blood sisters) were both famous or legend geisha. The things that make them legends are quite intriguing.
If you have seen the movie, it might be hard to go back and read the book niow, but I highly reccomend it. It is worth the read.
AnonymousI recently read a book by an author with whom I was unacquainted, Lisa See. The book was entitled The Fan, although I think there was more to the title. This book only took me a day to read. It was utterly phenomenal. Lisa See is an outstanding writer. She uses perfect prose to transport her readers to the 18th Century. Without even picking-up a history book, I gleaned a ton of information about China during this time period. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in 18th Century China, or to a teacher of World Cultures or World Literature. [Edit by="michellejones on Sep 13, 10:23:57 AM"][/Edit]
AnonymousThis book sounds very interesting. I recently read a book that illustrated and discussed the entire process of foot-binding. I would like to read the book you discussed. Did you find this book at a typical book store, or at a university book store?
Michele Jones
AnonymousDo Drunken Master and Ameoba Records have web sites where they sell movies? I do not live anywhere near L.A. Also, are the prices reasonable for the Asian movies? I am trying to locate a couple of movies for a reasonable price-Quitting and another one. Thanks!
AnonymousWhere were you able to see this movie? Did you rent it at a local movie rental? Or was it something at a film festival? This movie sounds very interesting. I would like find it so that I may rent it. Thanks for the info!
AnonymousHow long is this video? Does is have closed captioning and the choice of languages?
AnonymousRecently, I read the book, The Chinese Helped Build America. This book is a bit older than some, it was published in 1972. Despite it being a bit older than some books, it was very well written, and very thorough. The story begins with a young Chinese man and his mother discussing what they were going to do because there was a terrible drought, and they had been unable to grow anything in their fields. From there, the young man, Ah Wah, travels with his mother to Canton, from there to Hong Kong, and finally, to San Francisco. The author describes in great succinctness the trip, and the subsequent arrival of Ah Wah. Following that, we read of Ah Wah's search for gold, how he helped build the Transcontinental Railroad, how he dealt with the issue of not returning home after the construction of the railroad, obtaining a wife, everyday life, etc. Finally, the last chapter describes the achievements of several Chinese Americans.
This is a very good book. It was written using simple language. So, if you have a 10th grade world history class or an 11th grade United States history class and are looking for a book to read regarding Chinese contributions in American History, this is the book. The book is 90 pages long, and makes for easy, comprehensible reading. I really enjoyed this book!
AnonymousI was recently relocated to another school. One afternoon, I took time to look at my new school's library, and their collection of books on Asia. One of the books I found was on "Making Chinese Papercuts". At first, I didn't give it a second glance. But later I went back to that book and checked it out of the library.
This book describes the history behind papercuts, the types of papercuts which people make, how to add color, patterns for people who want to try, etc. For anyone teaching art, this is a great book. It could also be used for 7th grade Humanities classes, when covering China.
I really enjoyed this book. One of the things it discusses is what types of cuts are made-flowers and birds, trees, camels, people, characters from the Peking Opera, and so forth. Every year for New Year's, the Chinese change the "paper" in their windows and on their walls. When they change the paper, they add papercuts such as flowers, gardens and magpies. During the day, the light shines through the paper windows, illuminating the papercuts. At night, the light from inside the homes shows the shape of the papercuts to those outside. Either way, everyone gets to enjoy them!
I am contemplating incorporating a couple of days on Chinese papercuts into my curriculum. [Edit by="michellejones on Sep 13, 12:50:05 PM"][/Edit]
AnonymousFor the third day of school this year, I attempted to incorporate a lesson on Origami. This became a bit more complicated than I had originally intended. However, I found a book at the thrift store on Origami.
This book was very straight-forward. Each page contained a black-lined master of a specific Origami pattern. I made multiple copies of each page so that the students in each of my classes could choose the pattern they wanted (after we attempted cranes).
This book helped the students by showing them step-by-step how to make a specific creature-frogs, crows, a hen, etc. This was better than me standing at the front of the class modeling how to make a crane.
The book is called "Easy Origami" and is published by Puffin Books. If you ever want to teach your students basic or advanced Origami, this is the book!
AnonymousThe movie that I recently enjoyed was that of "The Grave of the Fireflies". This movie is a must own if you teach world history. I showed it to my students when discussing the Pacific Theater of WWII. I do this to show the Japanese suffering during WWII. The story is one of two brothers that have to learn to live on their own after their mother tragically dies. I was amazed at my student's response at the movie - they were quiet and looked forward to seeing the movie everyday. I forgot to mention that the movie is an anime film, which just adds to the curiosity of students who love anime.
Here's a link to the movie on
Amazon.com[Edit by="xsantibanez on Sep 19, 4:38:43 PM"][/Edit]
AnonymousThis is a pretty good web-site to buy DVDs - can't beat most of their prices...
AnonymousHi, I know that you mentioned that this is required reading for your class... how do you use that in your curriculum? Do you teach social studies?
x
AnonymousAnonymousfor High School. One of our teachers uses it in his Ethnic Studies course and it is an easy read as a project for Modern World History students. I read it a couple of years ago and it reminded me of Nien Cheng's Life and Death in Shanghai, only more suited to High School students. It would also be a good book for my PAVE class to read as a class to learn about cultures other than their own and the strugggles that people faced in the Great Cultural Revolution.
AnonymousI recently saw an Indian movie (with English subtitles) called as "Umrao Jaan" which tells a story about the abduction and nurturing of a young village girl as a courtesan in 19th. century India. I could not but think that the movie has quite a few similarities with "Memoirs of a Geisha". Though it is a long movie (about 3hrs.20min), it can make for a very good comparision with 'Geisha'. Check the movie theatre website http://www.naz8.com for directions and show timings.
Vimal