Chopstix
Healing My Heart in the Heart of China
by JoAn Smith
Chopstix: Healing My Heart in the Heart of China is the true story of a modern woman’s journey of self-discovery.
Divorced after 27 years of marriage, Joan Smith, a typical mom from a small community in Michigan, finds herself at the gates of an unknown university in the heart of mainland China. A Craigslist ad—Teach English in China—leads her to the other side of the world, to a place with no familiar faces and no memories that would remind her of the all-American life she once had and all that she has lost. In China, she hopes to disappear forever among 1.3 billion people.
Instead, she discovers the most unusual place for her reconciliation with life: SIAS International University. From the moment she sets foot on land and catches her first glimpse of China and SIAS, Joan senses that she’s is in for a most extraordinary experience. A series of unexpected and valuable life lessons unfold as she starts her new life on the campus just outside the rural town of XinZheng, in Henan Province. Tall, slim, and blonde was nothing notable back home, but in XinZheng, Joan stands out as a spectacle among the locals, many who have never seen a Westerner.
And she finds a new name: JoAn. Same spelling, different emphasis. And a new start in life. Little does she know that this is the beginning of an incredible journey into the unknown, that she will experience heartache and love, face danger and uncertainty, and she will stretch herself in ways she never thought possible.
Joan, the suburban mother becomes JoAn, the teacher—and the unwitting student. As she becomes acquainted with her many students and adapts to the cultural differences that she finds, at times, unbearable, she learns many lessons herself. Still overwhelmed with the wounds of the past, she gradually adapts to China and accepts her new life and the lessons it has to teach. She befriends other members of the foreign faculty: Bruce, the sophisticated but eccentric L.A. movie critic; Jacqueline, the fiery redhead from upstate New York; Lee, the strong-willed Texan. She also meets Robert, a handsome executive from Michigan, now living in Shanghai. And, of course, the two China dolls, Kitty and Allie, who become JoAn’s surrogate daughters.
The heartache that pushed JoAn over the edge and into a desperate escape to China continues to surface as each day brings her a new healing message and a step closer to reconciliation. On the road to self-discovery, she learns what is most important in life and who she really is. Moment by moment, piece by piece, bit by bit, the struggles and wondrous experience of living one day at a time in an unpredictable world leads to renewed confidence, love, a sense of adventure, and a new appreciation for chopsticks. |
426 pages, 6" x 9", Hardback,
with photos and emails.
ISBN: 978-1-935125-83-9
Published by: Robertson Publishing (RP)
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book
will be donated to the SIAS Needy Student Fund.
Click the YouTube link below to see the
Sias International University Foreign Faculty Slideshow :
YouTube.com Sias Foreign Faculty
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Purchase your copy of "Chopstix" from Ingram Books, your favorite webstore, or any of the following: |
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Reviews:
 Great read! —Kelly Knowles
"I really enjoyed this book! JoAn's writing style is richly descriptive. You feel as if you are right there with her through all her adventures. JoAn paints a vivid picture of China while she shares her struggles and her hopes, faces danger and uncertainty, embraces new and unlikely friendships, and learns about herself in the process. I love the way the book is organized in a collection of true stories that build on each other, so you can enjoy each story individually as well as appreciate the overall story of her journey of self-discovery and renewal. Punctuated throughout, JoAn's sense of humor had me laughing out loud. As I read the last few stories, I was amazed to see how far she had come, how many meaningful relationships she had cultivated along the way, and how her experiences shaped her life and her future. Her story is inspiring for anyone who has faced uncertainty and despair and has wondered what might be possible on the other side. JoAn shows that if you are willing to take a leap and embrace the unknown, open yourself up to new experiences, new friends, and new ways of thinking, you might just open yourself up to a whole new world and a whole new you!"
—Debbie the tech
"Chopstix Finding My Heart In The Heart of China was an amazing book. I highly recommend this book to all women who have gone through the pains of divorce and are finding themselves again. It is especially touching for those who have traveled to China before, or for those thinking about going. JoAn writes from her heart and does an amazing job in this book. The Chopstix refelections (must read to know what I am talking about) are amazing and so healing! After facing a divorce myself and contemplating going to China to teach, I discovered JoAn's book and am convinced that I too can find my heart! Thank you JoAn."
"The most entertaining book I have ever read about China from a woman who consistently tests herself and not the people around her."
—Bruce Feld, co-author of "The Givers and the Takers"
"I just wanted to tell you that I enjoyed your book Chopstix tremendously. It made me laugh, cry, think, and most of all FEEL. Thank you for writing it, but you must update me on your friends from China. I hope you are working on a sequel. I fell in love with Alex and Robert and Bruce and Jacqueline, as well as your daughter and sons. I must know how they are doing!" —Miki M.
"Love....love....love...the book! I started your book, and could not put it down...I've been up late every night reading! I’ve cried, laughed and completely understood so many things" —Deborah J.
Pages from Chopstix ~ Copyright Material ~
~ Copyright Material ~
JoAn would appreciate your feedback:
What was your favorite story and why?
What story would you omit because of content?
Are there stories that would read better if rewritten or reworked?
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JoAn on the shores of West Lake in Hángzhou, China.
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JoAn Smith has a BA in Communications and BA in French from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. She is an avid public speaker, teacher and traveler. She currently resided in Los Gatos, California.
For further contact please write to her at: Chopstix.thebook@gmail.com |
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