The Chinese in America: A Narrative History

by Iris Chang

Book Overview

Iris Chang made headlines in 1997 with the publication of The Rape of Nanking-a meticulously researched and brilliantly rendered examination of the sacking of that great city by the Japanese during World War II. Many readers of The Rape of Nankingresponded to its themes of the fight for justice and the assertion of cultural identity-themes Chang expands upon in her new book. Chang, the daughter of second-wave Chinese immigrants, has written an extraordinary narrative that encompasses the entire history of one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States, an epic story that spans 150 years and continues to the present day. Chang takes a fresh look at what it means to be an American and draws a complex portrait of the many accomplishments of the Chinese in their adopted country, from building the transcontinental railroad to major scientific and technological advances. A sensitive, deeply moving story of individuals whose lives have shaped and been shaped by this history, The Chinese in Americais a saga of raw human tenacity and a testament to the determination of a people to forge an identity and destiny in a strange land.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670031232
• ISBN13: 9780670031238
• Release Date: April 2003
• Publisher: Viking Books
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 1.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.9" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Chinese in American make American Great!

The Chinese in America is an chronicle of Chinese immigration for the past 150 years. They came as strangers to a strange land called gold mountain (America). These celestial breathens provided cheap labor as coolies, miners and laundry men. After surviving the obstacles and hardships of building the Transcontinental Railroad with a reputation of completing ten miles of track a day, they faced the hostile "Chinese Must Go" horror treatment. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 passed by Congress was to stop immigration based on race lasted 61 years. The 1906 San Francisco Earthquake provided an opportunity for a loophole of "paper son" program. The 1922 Cable Act declared that a woman who married an alien ineligible for citizenship would lose her own US citizenship. Bringing China and US as comrades in arms in WW II and addressing in Congress by Madam Chiang changed the Chinese status in America. 1965 was a significant year. The new wave of immigrants and civil right era promoted greater opportunities for Chinese-Americans who excel in academia, science, high-tech, medicine and other areas. Chang's book ended with an uncertain outlook for Chinese-Americans especially with the loyalty in Dr Wen Ho Lee case despite the success of Chinese-Americans in politics and Federal Government. This book not only presented us an important chapter of American history with struggles and contributions by Chinese-Americans but also inspires and challenges us to affirm our rights, privilege and responsibility as Americans by working together in building a nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all

A message of condolence

I came across 'The Rape of Nanking' in my libray the other day, and it is curiosity that prompted me to have a look at the book. Though I only skimmed it, I was terrified by some of the passages depicting the atrocities the Japanese army did to the Chinese civilians. It even surprized me more to know that the author of the book, Iris Chang,is a woman - I, a man, cannot think of myself going through such frightening documents and writing a book about what I find. Thus, I feel deep respect and admiration towards her and almost came to a shock with her death. She was a model advocate for justice, and I belive that her works will be a reminder for us all of the struggle that we have to fight for justice and equality. May her rest in peace Viet

REMEMBERING AMERICAN HERO: IRIS CHANG

Iris Chang is one of Chinese Americans Heroes. She is a symbol of truth, an advocacy of human rights, and a spokeswoman for Chinese wartime victims. I am very sorry to hear what happened to her. I want to send my deepest condolence to her family. Nov.12, 2004. Ming Truong, Virginia, USA.

Our hearts go out to her family

I knew Iris, we had dinner at a vegan restaurant in the valley once, and corresponded, talked on the phone, a few years back over some political work I was doing. She was smart and beautiful; she had two good books done and was working on this, her third; she loved her husband and was thinking about children. I was so sorry to hear: our hearts go out to her friends and family.

This book is worth reading

Chang did a great job on this book. The ignorance and injustice to Chinese and other minority is appalling. She brings to light of the enduring history of the Chinese in America. One reader in the review shares that Chang is making the 'white' people the bad people, truth be told...white people are probably the most ignorant majority here in America. There are always good and bad groups of every ethnicity. Chang did not write this narrative history with intentions of blaming anyone, it's just facts that happen in history that we all benefit from learning. Could we not make the world a better place by embracing our differences?