Since 2018, America has been waist-deep in a trade war with China. China tariff, China threat, a rising China. . . Every day, politicians fling at us these hailstone-sized buzzwords. As a result, many of us are drowning in the subconscious deluge of fear and anxiety about China.

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 is a fair question to ask my fellow Americans: Do you understand the real China and Chinese people?

Today, if you Google the Amazon bestsellers about Chinese people, you will notice an interesting trend: two of the top five novels were written in 1937—by Pearl Buck, an American who lived in China in the early part of the 20th century. The rest were either meticulously researched and beautifully written by Lisa See, a Chinese American whose great-grandfather immigrated from China over a century ago, or about ancient Chinese who lived in 16th to 18th century.

I hope you see my point now: If knowledge is power, then outdated, second-hand knowledge can be dangerous, in war or peace.

Here comes the welcoming news: The Moon Goddess’s Smile, “a timely read,” according to Independent Book Review, will debut on April 19, 2025. This authentic, sweeping, atmospheric book opens a unique window for Americans to glimpse the mysterious Chinese psyche.

So, dear readers, I invite you to dive into this immersive story and swim among some complicated, contemporary Chinese characters. Once you cross into the twenty-first century with the Hong family, you will gain a deep understanding of modern-day China.


Happy reading,

Catherine C. Wu