Lexile = 800
Sometimes books are assigned to ME to read! The Bonesetter's Daughter is a choice for Mr. Scott's 10th grade class right now. I was to present a book talk on all the choices, and I haven't read this one before! Scott's class is assigned to read a "world lit" book, so this supposed to provide a perspective on China. I have read The Joy Luck Club by this author, so I was looking forward to Bonesetter's.
My initial reaction is "Why would a high school student read this?" The plot centers around a middle-aged Chinese American woman whose mother needs to be placed in an assisted living facility. Now, the plot appealed to me somewhat, but I can't imagine a student finding anything there to connect with. Nearly half-way through the novel, the story shifts and becomes the story of the aging mother, back when she lived in China. Here is the "World Lit" connection!
LuLing (the old mother) has been raised by her "precious Auntie" in a small village in China. LuLing refuses a marriage offer which causes her extended family to spiral into ruin. Secrets are revealed.... eventually. This part of the story is very interesting, but it took a while to get there.
This novel was made into an OPERA!!!! Watch a short clip HERE.
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