A Storytelling World magazine award winner

In turns funny, poignant, and wise, these nine lively stories are peopled with an array of unusual characters, including a young woman raised as a boy who is then faced with the complicated business of marriage; a carp-fish spirit who changes herself into a young woman for love's sake; a Miracle Doctor who can cure all illnesses except one; and a shopkeeper who learns the hard way the true meaning of justice.

Suggested Book Club Questions for The Ch'i-lin Purse: A Collection of Ancient Chinese Stories (Sunburst Book) (Fiction)

The following book club questions provide a starting point for creating a reading group discussion on The Ch'i-lin Purse:

• Did Linda Fang emphasize any specific themes throughout The Ch'i-lin Purse? What do you think Linda Fang is trying to explain with this theme?
• What was unique about the setting of The Ch'i-lin Purse and how did it affect the storyline?
• Could you relate to any of the characters? If so, which ones and why?
• How do characters change or learn throughout The Ch'i-lin Purse? What events caused these changes? Have you or someone you know experienced the same thing?
• How does The Ch'i-lin Purse reveal Linda Fang's own perspectives about people and the world? For a lively discussion, describe why you think Linda Fang is liberal or conservative.
• Did certain parts of The Ch'i-lin Purse affect you emotionally? Why did it evoke those emotions?
• Did Linda Fang's point of view on things lend new perspective to your own view of the world?

Suggested Book Club Questions for The Ch'i-lin Purse: A Collection of Ancient Chinese Stories (Sunburst Book) (Non-fiction)

The following book club questions provide a starting point for creating a reading group discussion on The Ch'i-lin Purse:

• Did Linda Fang make persuasive arguments in The Ch'i-lin Purse? Did The Ch'i-lin Purse change or reinforce your opinion on the subject?
• What did you learn from The Ch'i-lin Purse?
• How does Linda Fang present the information and did you enjoy it?
• How is Linda Fang biased within The Ch'i-lin Purse? Is there a political slant to what is being discussed and how does it impact the book?
• What, if anything, does The Ch'i-lin Purse make you want to read next? Why?