Customer Reviews

The Ch'i-lin Purse: A Collection of Ancient Chinese Stories

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This past year, it was suggested to me my the publisher of our 6th grade social studies textbook to have the students read the Ch'I-Lin purse in conjunction with our chapter on Ancient China. I cannot tell you how much my students loved this book. They are just wonderful. Of particular interest to my 6th grade girls was the story of the carp fish who gives up her immortality for love. I also have to confess, I really enjoyed this book myself and plan that in years to come, should I have a daughter, I will be reading this book to her.

This book was given to my son as a Christmas gift last year and he didn't bother to read it at first. But once he started he couldn't put it down! The stories are very interesting and a Chinese friend told me these are the authentic Chinese stories, unlike some that were Americanized, she herself heard of these stories when she grew up.

Absolutely a good book for young adults.

As the mother of a daughter adopted from China I struggle with keeping her background alive in her day to day life. This is just one of many books I read to her at night to celebrate her homeland. Its very well written and easy to understand. She was adopted at three, so often she corrects my pronunciation, and it warms my heart !! I recomend this book to all families of chinese adoptees.

This book is wonderful. It is a collection of Chinese folktales, as told by Linda Fang, a Chinese story teller. The stories are interesting and thought provoking. The main characters are varied. One is a doctor, one is a clever ambassador, one is a woman who had been disguised as a man, one is a rich woman who falls on hard times, etc. The plots of the stories are as varied as the characters. I recommend this book to anyone.

This collection is fantastic for reading to children, or for letting middle-schoolers read. It give a clear, readable form of each story, including Chinese terms to keep the Chinese flavor. I really loved it- and so do my little guys!

I certainly agree with the mother who is letting her adopted child know about her heritage, and I too can not wait for my daughter to be old enough to hear these short stories. My favorites where Dog Steals & Rooster Crows, Clever Magistrate and Mr . Yeh's New Year.

Also what I would like to tell all readers is to be aware of the pronounciation guide, Glossary and the Source Guide as you read each story. They will help you with Chinese words you are unfamiliar with.

Thank you, Linda!!! These stories are authentic and reminded me of similar fables I heard growing up in Hong Kong. For once, there is no attempt to write in that horrible "Anglo Oriental" style that plagues so many Chinese stories written in English. Hello, Amy Tan, are you listening???!!!! Stop embarrassing your fellow Chinese. Write like Linda, and not like Hollywood. Thank you again, Linda, I finally have a few stories to share with my children.

As a teacher of Chinese Mythology and Taoism (to adults) I have found this title to be useful for all ages.

It offers a good range of stories from different parts of China, including some of the more fantastical tales and philosophical spins.

The author/editor seems to have changed Chinese words and names with only a little bit of consistency, but that's OK. It works for the age group it's targeted at, and it's quite enjoyable for adults as well. It keeps the unacquainted from tripping over Chinese words.

I highly recommend this text.

This little book is wonderful. It has a glossary,pronunciation,sources,and it is funny, wise stories that shows what storytelling is all about. Like a Jewel in your hand.

This is a delightful book. Other reviewers have said it is for children, but adults will also enjoy it. Each story has a wonderful ending showing the good that comes to you when you think of others. The book includes a pronunciation guide, glossary of terms, and information on the source of each story.