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An incandescent memoir from an astonishing new talent, Beautiful Country puts listeners in the shoes of an undocumented child living in poverty in the richest country in the world.

"Extraordinary.... Consider this remarkable memoir a new classic." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

In Chinese, the word for America, Mei Guo, translates directly to “beautiful country”. Yet when seven-year-old Qian arrives in New York City in 1994 full of curiosity, she is overwhelmed by crushing fear and scarcity. In China, Qian’s parents were professors; in America, her family is “illegal”, and it will require all the determination and small joys they can muster to survive.

In Chinatown, Qian’s parents labor in sweatshops. Instead of laughing at her jokes, they fight constantly, taking out the stress of their new life on one another. Shunned by her classmates and teachers for her limited English, Qian takes refuge in the library and masters the language through books, coming to think of The Berenstain Bears as her first American friends. And where there is delight to be found, Qian relishes it: her first bite of gloriously greasy pizza, weekly “shopping days”, when Qian finds small treasures in the trash lining Brooklyn’s streets, and a magical Christmas visit to Rockefeller Center - confirmation that the New York City she saw in movies does exist after all.

But then Qian’s headstrong Ma Ma collapses, revealing an illness that she has kept secret for months for fear of the cost and scrutiny of a doctor’s visit. As Ba Ba retreats further inward, Qian has little to hold onto beyond his constant refrain: Whatever happens, say that you were born here, that you’ve always lived here.

Inhabiting her childhood perspective with exquisite lyric clarity and unforgettable charm and strength, Qian Julie Wang has penned an essential American story about a family fracturing under the weight of invisibility, and a girl coming of age in the shadows, who never stops seeking the light.

Beautiful Country: A Memoir, by Qian Julie Wang, is a poignant and deeply personal account of the author's journey from her native China to America. Wang paints a vivid picture of her childhood in rural China, where she was raised by her grandmother in a traditional Chinese household. She describes the challenges and joys of growing up in a country undergoing rapid transformation, and the ways in which her family's history and culture shaped her own identity.

As Wang comes of age, she finds herself caught between two worlds. She is drawn to the opportunities and freedoms of America, but she also feels a deep connection to her Chinese heritage. She struggles to reconcile these two parts of herself, and her journey is marked by both triumphs and setbacks.

Ultimately, Wang's story is one of hope and resilience. She finds a new home in America, but she never forgets her roots. She becomes a successful writer and activist, and she uses her platform to speak out against injustice and to promote understanding between China and the United States.

Beautiful Country is a powerful and moving memoir that offers a unique perspective on the Chinese American experience. Wang's writing is lyrical and evocative, and her story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Here are some additional thoughts and reflections on the book:

• Wang's writing style is very engaging and accessible. She has a gift for storytelling, and she draws readers into her world with her vivid descriptions and honest reflections.
• The book provides a fascinating glimpse into Chinese culture and history. Wang does an excellent job of explaining the complex political and social changes that have taken place in China in recent decades.
• Wang's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of family and community. She shows how the bonds we form with our loved ones can help us to overcome even the most difficult challenges.
• The book is a timely and important contribution to the dialogue on immigration and identity. Wang's story highlights the challenges and opportunities that immigrants face, and it reminds us of the importance of welcoming newcomers to our communities.

If you are interested in learning more about the Chinese American experience, or if you are looking for a powerful and moving memoir, I highly recommend Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang.