Why Should You Read The Moon Goddess’s Smile?
"A timely read"
Since 2018, the United States has been waist-deep in a trade war with China. China tariffs, China threat, a rising China. . . Every day, politicians fling at us these hailstone-sized buzzwords. As a result, many people are drowning in a subconscious deluge of fear and anxiety about China.
Undoubtedly, there will be casualties, even in a bloodless trade war. Sun Tzu stated in The Art of War, “If you know your opponent and know yourself, you need not fear a hundred battles.” So, here’s a fair question to ask: My fellow Americans, do you understand the real China and Chinese people?
Today, if you search Amazon bestsellers about Chinese people, you will notice an interesting trend: two of the top ten novels were written in the 1930s. That’s right, in 1937, by Pearl Buck, an American who lived in China in the early part of the 20th century. A few novels were meticulously researched and beautifully written by Lisa See, a Chinese American whose great-grandfather immigrated to California over a century ago. The rest are about ancient Chinese from the 16th to 18th centuries.
I hope you see my point now: If knowledge is power, then outdated, second-hand knowledge can be dangerous, in war or peace.
Now, here comes the good news: The Moon Goddess’s Smile, “a timely read” according to Independent Book Review, debuted on Amazon on April 19, 2025. This sweeping, atmospheric book opens a unique window for Americans to glimpse the mysterious Chinese psyche.
What is the book about? It’s about a Chinese American's homebound journey that transcends into midlife self-discovery. A biomedical researcher returns to China to transfer her late grandmother's apartment to her male cousin so he can marry. However, a simple legal task to save her dwindling clan turns into a Kafkaesque nightmare, and her interracial marriage in Boston begins to unravel. Straddling two clashing cultures, she struggles to regain equilibrium before resuscitating her American life.
The story portrays a resilient Chinese family that has survived a tumultuous century. Ultimately, it celebrates the human potential of reaching enlightenment during a crisis.
Below are some stellar editorial reviews:
"The Novel…deftly interweaves ancient legend, myth, and folktale with the real historical events that shaped China (and the Hong family) throughout the twentieth century."
" I was swept away by the world that Wu invites us into as the novel’s rich, atmospheric settings evoke both China’s traditions and Boston’s modernity with wonderful clashes. . . "
". . . we spend less than a week as Mei travels to her childhood home. . . But in those few days, we accompany her ancestors through generations of fascinating family history – a history that includes war, resistance, and betrayal. . . Along the way, we learn about Chinese art, politics, and culture while experiencing a romantic triangle that keeps us guessing right up until the final, startling revelation that changes everything Mei believes. . .”
". . . a solid literary package chock-full of drama, suspense, plot twists, and lively, moving writing that has 'future TV mini-series' written all over it. "
This acclaimed book is written by a middle-aged woman who has witnessed many of the historical events that have shaped modern China. She is also an immigrant who has struggled in two clashing cultures in the past three decades. Here's the “spoiler”: I’m Catherine C. Wu, the author.
You may ask, why should it be YOU who writes an epic book about contemporary China? Surely, there must be hundreds of talented Chinese writers living inside China. Well, the sad truth is: none of them can write freely and honestly without ending up in jail.
So, even though English is my second language and I don’t have an MFA degree in Creative writing, I took up this daunting project. Growing up in China, my extended family had enchanted me with a gold mine of fantastic stories. Like the protagonist in my novel, I came to New York City as a graduate student. After a biomedical research career and podiatry practice, I followed my heart and pursued my dream: to become a storyteller. I honed my writing skills at Boston’s Grubstreet, then labored for over five years on this novel, which is loosely based on my family history and my own experience navigating two cultures and continents.
Dear readers, I invite you to dive into this immersive story and swim among some colorful, complex Chinese characters. Once you cross into the twenty-first century with the Hong family, you will gain a deep understanding of modern-day China.
Below is the Amazon link for The Moon Goddess’s Smile. Although Amazon lists this novel as Historical Chinese literature, it is a cross-genre work, with 50% historical and 50% contemporary elements.
Happy reading!
Catherine C. Wu
www.catherinewu.com
Thank you, Debbie. The paperback will come out in May. I'm still waiting for the Library of Congress Control Number. Also, the kirkus reviewer is taking his or her sweat time. I tried to expedite it without success.
Btw, I still can't add book samples on Kindle, however, once the ebook is out in 2 days, supposedly the "Read Samples" button will appeal automatically.
Congratulations Catherine! I went to the link, but it is the kindle edition. does you paperback come out a bit later? The cover photo is so beautiful, I want the real book! I will order it when the print book comes out. :)