A journey back in time, The Golden Mountain is the gripping story of four generations of Chinese women who live and die under the restrictions of their culture—except for one, the author. Her story tells of growing up in Hong Kong and of her transition to New York City, where she struggled to meld the American dream with her ethnic background. Finally, at age fifty she dares to move into the present and understand the true nature of dreams and what it means to live.
Spanning continents, generations, immigrations, cultural changes, and social movements, The Golden Mountain is the deeply inspiring tale of a woman claiming her power.
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"Okay so this book was very interesting however toward the end it got kind of nasty. The stories of the authors ancestors were the best part of the book however once she started talking about her own life sex, drugs, incest and infidelity came up more often. So not for the feint of heart."
— Meg (4 out of 5 stars)
“The calm emotional authority and dramatic range of Anna Fields add depth and continuity to this powerful morality tale…The strength of these characters is vivid and unforgettable.”
— AudioFile“The Golden Mountain is a story of empowerment, courage, and forgiveness—lessons that transcend even those influences that would isolate us.”
— Mail Tribune (Medford, Oregon)“Passionate and profound…That the story is true makes this ingenious and beautiful work all the more compelling.”
— Jean Houston, author of A Mythic Life“Irene embraces her American life with frustration, fortitude, and rebellion—emerging a dynamic, spiritually-centered, truly twenty-first century woman. A must-read.”
— Joan Kenley, author of Voice Power“A unique and fascinating view into deep cultural roots and how they both challenge and nourish the growth of new branches in another culture across an ocean.”
— Elisabet Sahtouris, PhD“This is a gripping story of transformation, courage, and enlightenment. Four women survive enormous odds under the restrictions of their culture until Irene dares move into the present to catch her breath of freedom. A deeply inspiring example of a woman claiming her power. Kept me engrossed to the last word.”
— Hazel Deane" A story of 5 generations of Chinese women and as they struggle to find their identities and marks in the world over decades. An interesting perspective and insight into Chinese social history. It was a simply written story. "
— Discovery, 2/9/2013" I really enjoyed this book. "
— Christy, 2/16/2009" This book grabbed me right out the gate and did not let go ! Anyone who wants to read REAL feelings and make a spiritual connection with the author ought not to miss this wonderful read. Gender is no barrier for the connect if your honest with your feelings. "
— J., 11/12/2008" at the beginning, i didn't like it. The writing is really basic and uninteresting. The story line and setup gives it some interest though. "
— Janine, 4/12/2008" When I first started listening to this audio book, I thought it was fiction. Then I discovered - to my joy - that it is a memoir! Irene Kai is a unique individual, with a tough, but unique, and ultimately successful path in live. Very well done. "
— Nanci, 3/1/2008" Talk about depressing. More power to the author for surviving. It was clearly a tough life. I could have gone without reading about it. "
— Flora, 9/16/2007Irene Kai was born in Hong Kong and graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City and the Royal College of Art in London. Formerly a professor at Penn State University, Irene has traveled extensively and now makes her home in Ashland, Oregon.
Kate Fleming (a.k.a. Anna Fields) (1965–2006), winner of more than a dozen Earphones Awards and the prestigious Audie Award in 2004, was one of the most respected narrators in the industry. Trained at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, she was also a director, producer, and technician at her own studio, Cedar House Audio.