Over the next several weeks, I'm going to be posting some fun facts about my newest book.
To see last week's post, go here.
CHASING FIREFLIES takes place in China.
To see last week's post, go here.
CHASING FIREFLIES takes place in China.
It is based off of some of my daughter's experiences while she spent a semester there teaching English.
The English in China can be quite humorous. Now don't get me wrong, I am impressed that the Chinese make such a huge effort to learn English. Very impressive. I mean no offense toward anyone trying to learn a second language. I can only speak ONE language and I can't imagine how hard it would be to learn Mandarin or Cantonese.
I'd get it completely wrong. Every. Time. And I don't doubt they'd be laughing at my attempts.
That being said, sometimes the English used in Asian countries just isn't correct, and it gives me a good giggle.
That being said, sometimes the English used in Asian countries just isn't correct, and it gives me a good giggle.
Like this shirt . . .
When my daughter was in China, the popular shirt to buy was emblazoned with:
YOUR
That's it.
I want one!! I incorporated the YOUR t-shirt into my novel. I just couldn't resist.
These next pictures are ones my daughter took while in China.
Below is a sign from the Great Wall.
"Please pay attention to your safety!"is not necessarily wrong, it's just not how Americans would word the sentence.
Again, it always gives me a little giggle.
As for this next one, there are no words . . .
I just thought this one was interesting.
Hmmmm . . . if you see a one-star . . . run.
Hope these gave you a little giggle.
Kudos to the Chinese people for learning English.
It isn't easy!
Read CHASING FIREFLIES for more fun facts about China!
Of course, in the end, this book is not specifically about China. Above all, it’s a love story.
My sisters think I’m crazy.
But, I’ve never forgotten the mysterious woman from my childhood who told me Paul is the name of my one true love.
She told me to search far and wide for him.
I haven’t stopped looking ever since.
When I stumble across an article about a successful American entrepreneur named Paul who lives and works in China, I’m intrigued. When the opportunity to teach English in China presents itself on the same day, I know it’s not a coincidence.
It’s destiny.
My sisters say I’m chasing a dream.
Just like the fireflies we tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp. Will my quest for the elusive Paul always be just short of fulfillment?
My sisters tell me it’s a fool’s errand.
Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird.
The memory silences them.
The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable—and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy.
I will find Paul . . . I will.
I loved that Your shirt in your book. It made me giggle too. And I love how they rate toilets. I have a few between here and Salt Lake I would give a 1-2 star.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter still wishes she had bought a YOUR shirt. I would've loved to have one too. Great souvenir. Yes, in our travels, most bathrooms are 1-2 stars. Yuck. I hate public restrooms. We are going to Oregon again this year, but this time we're flying and don't have to deal with so many yucky bathrooms!
DeleteInteresting post, I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteTaylor, thank you for the book, it just arrived. It is one of my favorite books.
Wow, that arrived really fast! Congrats on winning, Rita. I was happy that it was you who won! Enjoy!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the post. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Those are so funny! I remember you sharing the shirt before....hilarious. Though you are right about the fact that they at least try! I doubt I could ever learn Mandarin or Cantonese let alone any of the other zillions of dialects!
ReplyDeleteI've heard those are some of the hardest languages to learn and I know I could never do it either!! My father has tried to learn Mandarin for years and he can speak only a smattering. But he has a penchant for languages. Glad you enjoyed the pictures!
DeleteFun and interesting post. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sherry. I find it highly interesting as well. Their use of the English language is fascinating.
Delete