As Chinese New Year approached, I began to reflect on the books I read this past year.  I immersed myself in Chinese culture and language, which I've been interested in for most of my life.  So I thought I'd share three of the many books I read.  Each book is top-notch, beautifully written, evocative, and picturesque.  Each is a memoir that depicts a woman triumphing, at times despite circumstances of misogyny so blatant and palpable as to be shocking.  I encourage re...