I read something!

My awesome cousin Jaime lent me a novel called Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. Ohhh, about 6 months ago. I got pretty into it, optimistically took it camping about a month later, and then somehow lost track of its whereabouts.

Fast forward to Book Club last month. It's my turn to pick the next book (and to host, and provide dinner; it is so much better now that we alternate duties instead of all trying to chip in every time). Being a realist, I figure I better pick something I'm already reading—and liking, of course. Snow Flower it is.

If only I could find it.

Thank God for the wonderful Santa Monica Public Library. I look it up online—yep, got it. Take Bubs and he loves the big open space with all the natural light streaming in and books, books everywhere. Yay, he is my kid. Find it on the shelf in no time. Oops, that's an autographed copy—again, the realist kicks in and decides we're always in danger of spilling or puking or pooping on something, so I grab another. Bring it home and can't put it down (again).

It's a story of two girls growing up in 19th Century China, complete with tales of foot binding and secret women's writing. I love all the historical details.

But at its essence, it's a story of friendship. Of what it means to be a true friend in hard times as well as good. Of how a friendship needs to grow and adapt as our circumstances and sometimes even personalities change.

This book is still stuck in my craw, making me wonder if I distance myself or resort to the "proper" thing to say when I am frustrated by my inability to make things better for the ones I love. It's pushing me to be a better friend to those who have stood by my side as I transformed from an awkward, self-righteous teenager to a mellower woman, wife, mother, writer.

The best teachers make learning fun. This book taught me something about history and about myself, and I didn't even realize it at the time.





Jaime, I promise I will find your book or buy you another copy.