A review by emjay24
The Cooked Seed: A Memoir by Anchee Min

3.0

This is a memoir about a woman who came to Chicago at 27 from China, not knowing any english and having gotten herself into college there. She grew up in China during the cultural revolution, turning in her teacher to the government, having to work in a work camp, and more, and escapes to the United States to turn around her life. She manages to do it, and even becomes a famous author (even before this book), so in one way this story is inspirational. In another, I just didn't like Anchee Min much as a person, or the way she often did things. But Anchee doesn't need me to like her, because look at all she's accomplished. This book was very interesting for the glimpses of her past in China, as I know next to nothing about that history, as well as for her experiences here in the US. The story flowed well and I would recommend it. This was a book club selection from work, but it's something I might have picked up anyway. It's more of a 3 1/2 stars, but that's not an option here.