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We speak with author Anchee Min, who has won acclaim for her memoir of growing up in Mao Zedong's China. She's also written several works of fiction in which she explores the human hunger to survive against extreme social brutality in imperial China and under 20th century Communism. We'll explore what Anchee Min learned about the human spirit in the forced labor camp in which she spent her teenage years — and how she's found healing in America.

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Program Particulars Links + Resources Book + Music Lists Submit Reflection: What stories of Anchee Min inspired or surprised you?

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What stories of Anchee Min inspired or surprised you?
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A Person Alive in Her Emotions (June 26, 2004)
What I especially liked about Anchee Min was her ability to speak intelligently, with deep emotion, about the terrible sufferings under Mao, without venting anger or bitterness. She conveyed a wonderful quality of simplicity in her speech and thought, revealing to us the gentle, strong, and feeling woman that she is.

Bob Salmon
Cranford, NJ (WNYC, 820 AM)


Waiting for My Daughter (June 21, 2004)
As a Chinese born in 1970's, I feel fortunate that I did not have to live through the Cultural Revolution. But I feel my experience of moving to the United States from China is the same as Anchee Min: I feel more about my Chinese identity in the United States than the time when I was in China.

I lived in Japan for 5 years; I felt I was turning more and more like a Japanese there; but here in the U.S. I feel I am encouraged to pursue my culture and roots. I think this is the very true American value that have attracted us to here. I pray this will still be true for our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Sometimes, when I look at my three-year-old daughter, who claims that she is a Chinese American, with her big green-eyes open, I am just as proud as I can be. Thanks NPR for this wonderful program. And thanks to Anchee Min for sharing her story with us.

Jing Yang
Marietta, GA (WABE, 90.1 FM)


Waiting for My Daughter (June 21, 2004)
I met Anchee Min on her book tour for Empress Orchid — the meeting was particularly special as it was hosted by/for families who have adopted children (mostly daughters) from China. Anchee Min especially wanted children to attend — and as a waiting parent, this instantly warmed my heart.

While the program expanded my understanding of Anchee Min's life experiences, additionally my organic-level understanding of what it means to be Chinese also grew. And on a personal level, the program allowed me an opportunity to consider the depth and breadth of my own faith.

Thanks for providing another stepping stone on the faith journey.

Christine Romboletti
Washington DC (WETA, 90.9 FM)


A Moving Program (June 20, 2004)
I happened to be driving in to work early this morning and heard a piece of the interview with Anchee Min. It was a very moving program. I had not heard of this program before but will now listen on Sunday mornings. Thank you.

Ingrid Halling
Flint, MI (WUOM, 90.9 FM)