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The Jade Rabbit by Mark Matthews
A female infant is abandoned by her birth-mother in a small Chinese village and spends her first ten months in an orphanage. She is adopted and raised in the United States where she becomes a social worker in order to help children in a desolate Detroit neighborhood. Her nickname is The Jade Rabbit and this is her story.As director of a shelter for runaway and neglected youth, Janice Zhu Woodward gets pulled into the lives of the lost children of the Detroit streets. Angry parents, stories of ghosts who haunt the shelter's basement, and her own history of being abandoned by a birth-mother who may have long forgotten her complicate both her compassion and her pain. To stay strong and spiritually inspired, Janice emulates her adoptive mother and becomes an avid, nearly obsessed marathon runner. When a mysterious girl with dreadlocks is abandoned at the shelter's front door, the two form a relationship based on their common bonds, and together, rediscover the transcendental power of motherhood love.
- GenresFiction
Paperback
First published August 22, 2011
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286 people want to read
About the author
Mark Matthews
25 books415 followersMark Matthews is a graduate of the University of Michigan and a licensed professional counselor who has worked in behavioral health for over 20 years. He is the author of On the Lips of Children, All Smoke Rises, Milk-Blood, and The Hobgoblin of Little Minds. He is also the editor of a trio of 'addiction horror' anthologies including Orphans of Bliss, Lullabies for Suffering and Garden of Fiends. In 2021, he was nominated for a Shirley Jackson Award. His next novel, To Those Willing to Drown, is expected in May, 2025, followed by the novella, Kali's Web, in August, 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 26, 2012
This is my second read of Mark Matthews and again, I really enjoyed his storylines and particularly his characters. I might have enjoyed Stray a little more (probably because of the dogs) but as a recreational endurance "athlete" I connected with this book as well! The book went fast for me, and I always think it is a unique talent for a guy to be able to write from a girls' perspective. Definitely worth downloading!
June 5, 2012
The Jade Rabbit was simply beautiful. This inspiring story captivates your attention while telling an inspirational story. I was moved by the characters, this is a five star well written book.
April 30, 2020
3.5 stars
January 30, 2014
Her husband Randall calls her Sweet J; the kids at the Shelter call her Ms. Janice. Zhu is the name she was given by the Chinese orphanage where she lived after being given up by her China-Mama, before she was adopted by her American parents. Number 1242 is the number she will be wearing as she runs her next marathon.
All these things have shaped her: her abandonment by her mother who was trying for a boy; her loving adoptive parents; her training for runs; her happy marriage; and her work as the Director at a center for troubled children.
I don't know much about most of these things, but Mark Matthews' book made me feel like an expert.
Ms. Janice is counseling a troubled teen, Hailey, who is at the shelter because she isn't safe with her mother and she isn't safe with her father. Hailey is pregnant, and Janice shares that she is adopted.
"'So I guess your mother didn't want you?' Hailey asked, clearly amazed at my story.
'Well, my biological mother, or my China-Mama, as I called her didn't really have a choice because of how it is there. She was actually making a big risk just to get me to the orphanage . . . So really she loved me more than most. Some infant girls are actually killed at birth. Had China-Mama not loved me, I wouldn't be here. She knows I'm okay though,' I said, and turned to smile into Hailey's eyes. 'She feels it.'
In reality, Janice has abandonment issues and wages a constant struggle to overcome them. Her parents are excellent. Her Mom is a marathoner, and Janice started training with her at an early age. Her mother is adept at making sure Janice knows she is loved all the years of her childhood, not only by herself and her father, but also by the birth mother who had given her up.
"'In a perfect world, China-Mama could have raised you. I don't kid myself about this,' is what my mom always told me, 'but we are perfect for each other so [we] can be grateful for that.'"
Janice is currently focused on two girls in particular, Hailey and Sharleen, both of whom have disappeared. Janice suspects they are sleeping in the basement at the shelter, and is in a quandary as to how to deal with it. There are legalities and ethics involved, but sometimes doing the thing that is right falls outside the boundaries. Also Janice's own unresolved childhood issues are in play; she wants to ensure she remains the protector and not a perpetrator. Yet these same things have honed her and made her stronger. These are the things that enable her to pass on to the children at the shelter, the hope and the skills to enable them to become strong too.
Her daily runs are where Janice grinds through many of her problems. Her thoughts as she runs are fascinating. She thinks about work problems and possible resolutions; she replays memories, with her parents, with her husband; she calculates minutes and seconds as she trains; she relates the mental and physical highs and lows associated with the effort. Almost, she made me want to think about taking up running myself. Not because she made it sound easy, but because she made it sound so rewarding.
And Mark Matthews! He must have some admirable women in his life. Because when he writes his female characters and makes them talk about or think about or feel women's topics such as motherhood and nurturing, he made me believe that women had felt them, and spoken them, and thought them.
There were a very few issues with the book that I hope will be addressed in subsequent editions: for instance, once he spelled wondered when he meant wandered, more than once he used besides when it should have been beside, and quite often he used adjectives when he should have turned them into adverbs (quickly rather than quick, slowly rather than slow). But those little tiny things don't really matter given the greatness of the book.
An angry parent came to the shelter to confront Janice, and I felt the danger. The children revolve in and out the doors of the shelter, and I felt the hopelessness and despair. But there is also kindness and compassion, and sometimes there is a success story. And there is the marathon -- the preparation and the training and the actual day, and I never thought the minutia of all that could be so entertaining, but it was.
There's conflict resolution, character development and growth, compunction to care about what happens to the characters, and a very satisfying ending. I can't think of anything else that needs to be added. Except this book is going right to my All-Time Favorites shelf.
All these things have shaped her: her abandonment by her mother who was trying for a boy; her loving adoptive parents; her training for runs; her happy marriage; and her work as the Director at a center for troubled children.
I don't know much about most of these things, but Mark Matthews' book made me feel like an expert.
Ms. Janice is counseling a troubled teen, Hailey, who is at the shelter because she isn't safe with her mother and she isn't safe with her father. Hailey is pregnant, and Janice shares that she is adopted.
"'So I guess your mother didn't want you?' Hailey asked, clearly amazed at my story.
'Well, my biological mother, or my China-Mama, as I called her didn't really have a choice because of how it is there. She was actually making a big risk just to get me to the orphanage . . . So really she loved me more than most. Some infant girls are actually killed at birth. Had China-Mama not loved me, I wouldn't be here. She knows I'm okay though,' I said, and turned to smile into Hailey's eyes. 'She feels it.'
In reality, Janice has abandonment issues and wages a constant struggle to overcome them. Her parents are excellent. Her Mom is a marathoner, and Janice started training with her at an early age. Her mother is adept at making sure Janice knows she is loved all the years of her childhood, not only by herself and her father, but also by the birth mother who had given her up.
"'In a perfect world, China-Mama could have raised you. I don't kid myself about this,' is what my mom always told me, 'but we are perfect for each other so [we] can be grateful for that.'"
Janice is currently focused on two girls in particular, Hailey and Sharleen, both of whom have disappeared. Janice suspects they are sleeping in the basement at the shelter, and is in a quandary as to how to deal with it. There are legalities and ethics involved, but sometimes doing the thing that is right falls outside the boundaries. Also Janice's own unresolved childhood issues are in play; she wants to ensure she remains the protector and not a perpetrator. Yet these same things have honed her and made her stronger. These are the things that enable her to pass on to the children at the shelter, the hope and the skills to enable them to become strong too.
Her daily runs are where Janice grinds through many of her problems. Her thoughts as she runs are fascinating. She thinks about work problems and possible resolutions; she replays memories, with her parents, with her husband; she calculates minutes and seconds as she trains; she relates the mental and physical highs and lows associated with the effort. Almost, she made me want to think about taking up running myself. Not because she made it sound easy, but because she made it sound so rewarding.
And Mark Matthews! He must have some admirable women in his life. Because when he writes his female characters and makes them talk about or think about or feel women's topics such as motherhood and nurturing, he made me believe that women had felt them, and spoken them, and thought them.
There were a very few issues with the book that I hope will be addressed in subsequent editions: for instance, once he spelled wondered when he meant wandered, more than once he used besides when it should have been beside, and quite often he used adjectives when he should have turned them into adverbs (quickly rather than quick, slowly rather than slow). But those little tiny things don't really matter given the greatness of the book.
An angry parent came to the shelter to confront Janice, and I felt the danger. The children revolve in and out the doors of the shelter, and I felt the hopelessness and despair. But there is also kindness and compassion, and sometimes there is a success story. And there is the marathon -- the preparation and the training and the actual day, and I never thought the minutia of all that could be so entertaining, but it was.
There's conflict resolution, character development and growth, compunction to care about what happens to the characters, and a very satisfying ending. I can't think of anything else that needs to be added. Except this book is going right to my All-Time Favorites shelf.
April 16, 2013
This was a very atypical read for me because I usually read mystery/suspense or romance books purely for entertainment. I am SO glad I read this thought provoking book. A little background knowledge about me will help you understand why this book touched me. I am a teacher at a community college. I teach developmental reading classes. My students come from all walks of life, many having grown up in environments that I cannot imagine since I come from a mid-western, two parent, middle class home.
Janice, the Jade Rabbit, is a thirty something year old woman who was born in China and adopted by an American family when she was an infant. She struggles with the idea of her China-mama giving her up as most adopted children probably do. One of my favorite parts of the book was when she thinks, "...(I)don't need to prove anything to anybody 'cause I know who I am." (pg. 256)If only everyone could get to that point in their early adult life.
Janice works as a social working running Moonlight, a safe haven for children to escape to when they feel unsafe at home or on the streets. The story also deals with the lives of two girls. Shar, who spent a few days at the home earlier in her life but is 18 and too old to stay there now, and Hailey, a young teenager, who is facing some serious problems personally and not getting any support from home. As I was reading about these hard life situations I kept thinking of the students I deal with. As someone who has never dealt with "hard life" issues it is difficult to understand the challenges Shar and Hailey (and my students)face or have faced on a daily basis. I get frustrated with their behaviors and ask myself, "Why don't they just....?" Then I stop and ask myself, how can they respond to these situations in a manner I think of as rational when they have never been around anyone who lives that way. This book was a huge reminder to me that life is not the same for everyone and since I haven't walked a mile in "their" shoes I have no idea how I'd react in the situations these people find themselves in.
Janice is also a runner who is training for a marathon. I enjoyed the last part of the marathon in which Matthews describes, through Janice, the feelings, physically and emotionally, that a marathon runner has as they traverse 26.2 miles. There is so much more to this part of the book, and I won't spoil it for anyone, but it was fun to "run" this marathon with Janice since I don't ever plan on running one myself!
Usually when I read a book I'm very relaxed and my mind is in neutral. However, with this book my mind was definitely engaged. It was a whirl of thoughts, making connections to my real life in dealing with my students. Sometimes I felt sympathy for Shar, Hailey and/or Janice, then I'd be angry that life can throw difficult circumstances at children who have no coping skills and finally I experienced happiness as some of the characters were able to find ways to deal with their situations. One particular passage jumped out at me. "You have to understand," she said, "in this field, you just can't control everything. There are some folks you try to help, but you just can't. You just do your best and know that you've given it your all, like you would your own family, and then you go home. You can't take them all home with you." (pg. 176) Of the many things this book did for me it reminded me to do my best for every student I have, give them the tools I can, let them know I care and am willing to help them, because I may not be able to help ALL of them, but I can help SOME of them!
Janice, the Jade Rabbit, is a thirty something year old woman who was born in China and adopted by an American family when she was an infant. She struggles with the idea of her China-mama giving her up as most adopted children probably do. One of my favorite parts of the book was when she thinks, "...(I)don't need to prove anything to anybody 'cause I know who I am." (pg. 256)If only everyone could get to that point in their early adult life.
Janice works as a social working running Moonlight, a safe haven for children to escape to when they feel unsafe at home or on the streets. The story also deals with the lives of two girls. Shar, who spent a few days at the home earlier in her life but is 18 and too old to stay there now, and Hailey, a young teenager, who is facing some serious problems personally and not getting any support from home. As I was reading about these hard life situations I kept thinking of the students I deal with. As someone who has never dealt with "hard life" issues it is difficult to understand the challenges Shar and Hailey (and my students)face or have faced on a daily basis. I get frustrated with their behaviors and ask myself, "Why don't they just....?" Then I stop and ask myself, how can they respond to these situations in a manner I think of as rational when they have never been around anyone who lives that way. This book was a huge reminder to me that life is not the same for everyone and since I haven't walked a mile in "their" shoes I have no idea how I'd react in the situations these people find themselves in.
Janice is also a runner who is training for a marathon. I enjoyed the last part of the marathon in which Matthews describes, through Janice, the feelings, physically and emotionally, that a marathon runner has as they traverse 26.2 miles. There is so much more to this part of the book, and I won't spoil it for anyone, but it was fun to "run" this marathon with Janice since I don't ever plan on running one myself!
Usually when I read a book I'm very relaxed and my mind is in neutral. However, with this book my mind was definitely engaged. It was a whirl of thoughts, making connections to my real life in dealing with my students. Sometimes I felt sympathy for Shar, Hailey and/or Janice, then I'd be angry that life can throw difficult circumstances at children who have no coping skills and finally I experienced happiness as some of the characters were able to find ways to deal with their situations. One particular passage jumped out at me. "You have to understand," she said, "in this field, you just can't control everything. There are some folks you try to help, but you just can't. You just do your best and know that you've given it your all, like you would your own family, and then you go home. You can't take them all home with you." (pg. 176) Of the many things this book did for me it reminded me to do my best for every student I have, give them the tools I can, let them know I care and am willing to help them, because I may not be able to help ALL of them, but I can help SOME of them!
January 1, 2013
The Jade Rabbit was recommended to me directly from the author, Mark Matthews. We have followed each other on Twitter since winning Little Century by Anna Keesey through a Friday Reads giveaway. My Twitter profile states that I enjoy books with strong female characters so he aptly plugged one of his books.
I purchased The Jade Rabbit and met Janice Zhu Woodward. Jan is an interesting lady, struggling with a myriad of related issues. Abandoned at birth in China, she was adopted by an American couple. She counts herself as one of the lucky ones, yet every choice in her life is affected by her abandonment. She is a social worker and director of a shelter for youngsters in need of a safe place from various situations, believing saving "just one" will alleviate her guilt. Her American mother introduced her to marathon running and had passed away prior to page one.
Jan isn't the only strong female character in this novel. We also meet Sharleen, a one-time/some-time resident of the shelter. Sharleen's subplot artfully integrates messages of family, strength and acceptance.
The Jade Rabbit is rich with beautiful images and intricate writing. Chinese folklore and the harsh realities of various societies are presented in a humanistic way that avoid preachy politics or soapbox guilt. Sociological issues aside, Mr. Matthews weaves an incredible dynamic of family being more than blood relations; our "family" is created by souls connected in love and caring.
While the main themes of family, love and acceptance are universal, I found the detailed descriptions of marathon training to be both tedious and intriguing. Those who have experienced the physical and emotional traumas and triumphs of running will connect this aspect of the characters' development at a far deeper level than those of us who only run when chased. Running suits Jan and her fellow non-running characters well, as they all are both running from and to something. The descriptions make me want to lace up my sneakers and see what it's all about while wondering why anyone would find the grueling physical treatment enjoyable.
Read this book. Immerse yourself in the lives of these well-defined and inspiring characters. Then take a look at your own life and see where your marathon originates and leads.
I purchased The Jade Rabbit and met Janice Zhu Woodward. Jan is an interesting lady, struggling with a myriad of related issues. Abandoned at birth in China, she was adopted by an American couple. She counts herself as one of the lucky ones, yet every choice in her life is affected by her abandonment. She is a social worker and director of a shelter for youngsters in need of a safe place from various situations, believing saving "just one" will alleviate her guilt. Her American mother introduced her to marathon running and had passed away prior to page one.
Jan isn't the only strong female character in this novel. We also meet Sharleen, a one-time/some-time resident of the shelter. Sharleen's subplot artfully integrates messages of family, strength and acceptance.
The Jade Rabbit is rich with beautiful images and intricate writing. Chinese folklore and the harsh realities of various societies are presented in a humanistic way that avoid preachy politics or soapbox guilt. Sociological issues aside, Mr. Matthews weaves an incredible dynamic of family being more than blood relations; our "family" is created by souls connected in love and caring.
While the main themes of family, love and acceptance are universal, I found the detailed descriptions of marathon training to be both tedious and intriguing. Those who have experienced the physical and emotional traumas and triumphs of running will connect this aspect of the characters' development at a far deeper level than those of us who only run when chased. Running suits Jan and her fellow non-running characters well, as they all are both running from and to something. The descriptions make me want to lace up my sneakers and see what it's all about while wondering why anyone would find the grueling physical treatment enjoyable.
Read this book. Immerse yourself in the lives of these well-defined and inspiring characters. Then take a look at your own life and see where your marathon originates and leads.
November 26, 2011
This is the second novel that I've read from Mark Matthews, and I wasn't disappointed. I confess that I felt more connected to Stray than The Jade Rabbit, but I think that's mostly because I've never been inside the head of a true runner before.
In my opinion the story takes place in a couple of different places: Janice's head and heart, Detroit and China. While the storyline of China wasn't as prevalent as the prior it struck me the most. I have not had any previous experience with adoption in that way and it really intrigued me and caught my attention. There were moments when I thought to myself "Wow, he really knows his stuff or he seriously researched the crap out of all of this!" It was touching and interesting. For this sedentary girl, it made me wish I was a marathoner. That's no small feat as I hate exercise. I agree with one of the reviews previously that this is not the sort of novel I would normally pick up, however I'm super glad I did. There is just something about his writing style that leaves imprints in my mind. Little things I wont forget.There's a paragraph that I particularly liked and have since quoted to my son.
*******
"Our souls choose each moment, whatever it is that we need, including the right family, the right country, and the right conflicts. "When we are challenged by something, ask yourself, 'why did I choose for this to happen? What was I supposed to learn here?"
*******
I loved this message and how it can apply to so many situations in your life.
3 stars only because I felt as if I didnt understand some of the "runner-speak" and so it was a little tougher read for me. Otherwise, I really really enjoyed it!!
In my opinion the story takes place in a couple of different places: Janice's head and heart, Detroit and China. While the storyline of China wasn't as prevalent as the prior it struck me the most. I have not had any previous experience with adoption in that way and it really intrigued me and caught my attention. There were moments when I thought to myself "Wow, he really knows his stuff or he seriously researched the crap out of all of this!" It was touching and interesting. For this sedentary girl, it made me wish I was a marathoner. That's no small feat as I hate exercise. I agree with one of the reviews previously that this is not the sort of novel I would normally pick up, however I'm super glad I did. There is just something about his writing style that leaves imprints in my mind. Little things I wont forget.There's a paragraph that I particularly liked and have since quoted to my son.
*******
"Our souls choose each moment, whatever it is that we need, including the right family, the right country, and the right conflicts. "When we are challenged by something, ask yourself, 'why did I choose for this to happen? What was I supposed to learn here?"
*******
I loved this message and how it can apply to so many situations in your life.
3 stars only because I felt as if I didnt understand some of the "runner-speak" and so it was a little tougher read for me. Otherwise, I really really enjoyed it!!
May 23, 2012
A Must-Read I'm Fortunate to Have Found
"We regret to report that the large majority of the population finds the howl of a universe in pain to be wonderful background noise while shopping, golfing, and watching football..."
In recent memory I've not read a book that captured the delicate balance between the dark forces of everyday life and the hope that keeps most of us going. Hope might not be the right word. I find it far easier to review a novel when it is seriously flawed, and extremely difficult to shower it with praise when it deserves it, as does The Jade Rabbit. I had zero expectations going into this story. It was a book I'd not have found on my own, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have had it put in front of me by whatever cosmic forces it took.
In my own efforts to depict the fragile zeitgeist of mankind, I find myself often relying on the absurd, or at least the quasi-unbelievable, to build the story around. Mark Matthews has left me envious, because in capturing the same he has told a completely realistic and beautifully crafted tale that exposes the best and worst in us all. The many underlying themes are woven together expertly, and as I continued my own mental marathon with Janice I couldn't help but wonder if the author himself had experienced all of this firsthand.
There will be some who pass on this book, and that's fine-it may very well not be for everyone. But I do hope that readers will find it when they need it, even if, like me, they didn't realize how desperately they did.
"We regret to report that the large majority of the population finds the howl of a universe in pain to be wonderful background noise while shopping, golfing, and watching football..."
In recent memory I've not read a book that captured the delicate balance between the dark forces of everyday life and the hope that keeps most of us going. Hope might not be the right word. I find it far easier to review a novel when it is seriously flawed, and extremely difficult to shower it with praise when it deserves it, as does The Jade Rabbit. I had zero expectations going into this story. It was a book I'd not have found on my own, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have had it put in front of me by whatever cosmic forces it took.
In my own efforts to depict the fragile zeitgeist of mankind, I find myself often relying on the absurd, or at least the quasi-unbelievable, to build the story around. Mark Matthews has left me envious, because in capturing the same he has told a completely realistic and beautifully crafted tale that exposes the best and worst in us all. The many underlying themes are woven together expertly, and as I continued my own mental marathon with Janice I couldn't help but wonder if the author himself had experienced all of this firsthand.
There will be some who pass on this book, and that's fine-it may very well not be for everyone. But I do hope that readers will find it when they need it, even if, like me, they didn't realize how desperately they did.
November 26, 2011
This was a book that I never naturally would have picked up to read had I not been asked to review. And I would have been seriously deprived had I not done so. This book was so good.
This book was one that blurred the lines of fantasy and reality. It caused me to feel, to think, to ponder, and to dream. This book left an imprint on me. There are some books that after reading, you are forever changed—this was one of those books for me. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this.
Mark Matthew’s writing style was beautiful and lyrical. I loved how he wrote this story. I loved his characters and the plot line.
This novel opened my eyes and allowed me to explore a world very different than my own. This book caused me to think about myself and my own life, any book that can do that is a great book.
This book follows the story of Janice, who works at Moonlight, a shelter for runaways. Janice is a Chinese woman who was adopted into an American family married to an African-American man named Randall. I loved both Randall and Janice.
This novel represented beliefs that on the surface were very different than my own; however, it also paralleled my own beliefs so clearly at the same time. That was partly what was so incredible about this book.
Definitely worth buying and reading—this novel comes highly recommended.
For my extended review, please see link.
This book was one that blurred the lines of fantasy and reality. It caused me to feel, to think, to ponder, and to dream. This book left an imprint on me. There are some books that after reading, you are forever changed—this was one of those books for me. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this.
Mark Matthew’s writing style was beautiful and lyrical. I loved how he wrote this story. I loved his characters and the plot line.
This novel opened my eyes and allowed me to explore a world very different than my own. This book caused me to think about myself and my own life, any book that can do that is a great book.
This book follows the story of Janice, who works at Moonlight, a shelter for runaways. Janice is a Chinese woman who was adopted into an American family married to an African-American man named Randall. I loved both Randall and Janice.
This novel represented beliefs that on the surface were very different than my own; however, it also paralleled my own beliefs so clearly at the same time. That was partly what was so incredible about this book.
Definitely worth buying and reading—this novel comes highly recommended.
For my extended review, please see link.
March 20, 2012
This was something a little unusual for me to read, something I selected because it was free for my kindle and every so often you just want to read something a little different. And it engrossed me. I was interested in Hailey's plight, and indeed the whole situation of the Moonlight home intrigued me - it's not something I've ever read about - social work with strays and runaways and Matthews wrote it so authoritively one knew that he had worked in the field too. I also do not run, but the descriptions and detail seemed very convincing to me. Almost made me want to try - but I suspect even a fraction of a marathon would kill me. But what intrigued me most was that this was written by a man. And it is first person, from a woman's perspective. Yet it was utterly convincing and struck me as more real than many first-person woman's books I've read that were written by woman. So, good job Matthews, you obviously understand your genre and your subjects very well indeed. Sure, there were a few of the typos I've come to expect with kindle stories, but nothing unforgiveable and I certainly would recommend this to anyone who wants something a little bit different.
July 25, 2012
The Jade Rabbit is written from the view of an adult Chinese woman who was abandoned as an infant in China and adopted by an American couple.
I imagine, if I were adopted, I would be able to relate more to the pain this woman experiences. I can only assume the author was adopted, or at the very least has much experience with the feeling of a person who has been.
The main character, Jan, is a runner...and that I can relate to. I understood her sometimes crazy thinking when it came to the desire to meet goals...even when her goals were keeping her from something she wanted very badly.
I could also relate to achieving those goals and giving yourself permission to move on to more important things.
The story is detailed, many interesting characters weave their way though the book ultimately coming together nicely in one of the most intense final chapters I have read.
Over all the book is nicely put together, easy to read and entertaining throughout.
This is a must read for anyone adopted
I imagine, if I were adopted, I would be able to relate more to the pain this woman experiences. I can only assume the author was adopted, or at the very least has much experience with the feeling of a person who has been.
The main character, Jan, is a runner...and that I can relate to. I understood her sometimes crazy thinking when it came to the desire to meet goals...even when her goals were keeping her from something she wanted very badly.
I could also relate to achieving those goals and giving yourself permission to move on to more important things.
The story is detailed, many interesting characters weave their way though the book ultimately coming together nicely in one of the most intense final chapters I have read.
Over all the book is nicely put together, easy to read and entertaining throughout.
This is a must read for anyone adopted
February 8, 2012
Though the Jade Rabbit is not a story about marathoning, you can tell Mark is an experienced marathoner. The details about running and racing were dead on.
The story is about a social worker who helps lost kids find their way while she is still finding her way through aspects of her life as an adopted child.
The stories of Jasmine, Sharlene and Hailey were interwoven so smoothly. The parallels between the stories dawn upon the reader like happy surprises. Scenes where Jasmine's thoughts were moving back and forth between present and past were done well and easy to follow. The story lines were compelling in their own right and they were brought together to create a book that was hard to put down!
The story is about a social worker who helps lost kids find their way while she is still finding her way through aspects of her life as an adopted child.
The stories of Jasmine, Sharlene and Hailey were interwoven so smoothly. The parallels between the stories dawn upon the reader like happy surprises. Scenes where Jasmine's thoughts were moving back and forth between present and past were done well and easy to follow. The story lines were compelling in their own right and they were brought together to create a book that was hard to put down!
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December 29, 2014This review is from: The Jade Rabbit (Kindle Edition)
This is a beautifully written book that deals with international adoption and the feelings of the main character, who, despite having a wonderful adoptive Mom & Dad, struggles with the same "whys" as many other adoptees. Also has an intriguing sub-plot related to her work, and an interesting back-story about marathon runners-in-training.
Lots going on here, but this is not a fast-moving adventure story. This book is more character-driven, and flows through the story as time flows through the lives of the characters. Not my usual cup of tea, I'll admit; but I very much liked it. At least 4*, IMO.
This is a beautifully written book that deals with international adoption and the feelings of the main character, who, despite having a wonderful adoptive Mom & Dad, struggles with the same "whys" as many other adoptees. Also has an intriguing sub-plot related to her work, and an interesting back-story about marathon runners-in-training.
Lots going on here, but this is not a fast-moving adventure story. This book is more character-driven, and flows through the story as time flows through the lives of the characters. Not my usual cup of tea, I'll admit; but I very much liked it. At least 4*, IMO.
March 24, 2012
Every time I read this book it made me want to go for a jog :). I picked this book because it was free for my Kindle. I like the tittle and the brief descriptions of it, although I found it to be a sad story, I really enjoyed some of the characters, specially Charline. There was too much running for taste but if you like training for a marathon and are into running you may like all the bits about that in this book.
June 14, 2012
Janice is woman who is dealing with emotions and feelings of being adopted as a child from China. She is also a social worker that manages a home for children who are being abused or kicked out. She is in the process of training for a marathon and while she trains the reader learns her inner most thoughts of what she is thinking.
It is a easy read. It has some twists and turns and flashbacks that are sometimes hard to follow, but overrall a good clean book.
It is a easy read. It has some twists and turns and flashbacks that are sometimes hard to follow, but overrall a good clean book.
November 20, 2012
This was a very touching book about a woman looking to find her way while helping runaway children. I enjoyed reading about the "China Mamas" that abandoned she and her friend and the life they have now. She is a director of a children's shelter and a marathon running and it all intertwines with her life. I truly enjoyed the way Mr. Matthews brought it all together.
March 30, 2013
A friend has started long distance running which is why I picked up this kindle freebie, but was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. There's quite a bit about the psychology of long-distance running and why people do it, which I found interesting - though it hasn't made me take it up myself!
August 20, 2014
I wasn't entirely sure about this book when I began reading it. This book was well written, however there were a few minor things that I personally didn't enjoy. The story line itself was great though. I do recommend this book.
April 9, 2012
I really liked that this book took place in Detroit, also really made you understand what it would be like to run a marathon.
May 25, 2012
This book is awesome!
November 21, 2012
really good book, but a little long-winded I had a hard time finishing it however, the excellent was well worthwhile
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2022
Though the Jade Rabbit is not a story about marathoning, you can tell Mark is an experienced marathoner. The details about running and racing were dead on.
The story is about a social worker who helps lost kids find their way while she is still finding her way through aspects of her life as an adopted child.
The stories of Jasmine, Sharlene and Hailey were interwoven so smoothly. The parallels between the stories dawn upon the reader like happy surprises. Scenes where Jasmine's thoughts were moving back and forth between present and past were done well and easy to follow. The story lines were compelling in their own right and they were brought together to create a book that was hard to put down!
The story is about a social worker who helps lost kids find their way while she is still finding her way through aspects of her life as an adopted child.
The stories of Jasmine, Sharlene and Hailey were interwoven so smoothly. The parallels between the stories dawn upon the reader like happy surprises. Scenes where Jasmine's thoughts were moving back and forth between present and past were done well and easy to follow. The story lines were compelling in their own right and they were brought together to create a book that was hard to put down!
April 10, 2012
I downloaded this book for free on the Kindle and just stumbled on it as I sat on a plane lamenting that I had finished the book I had brought with me. This appears to be a first novel by an adoptive parent writing about the deepest thoughts his adoptive daughter from China might have about her mother and "China-mama." Scattered throughout are some trite "adoptionisms" as only the China adoption community can exude. The co-opted Red Thread legend is woven in here even though it is not for adoptive parents and children, but instead for couples who are destined to marry. The story line was okay, the adoptee is grown and is now a social worker who is the director of a small residential program for teens in Detroit. And she runs. There was an awful lot of detail about running marathons. More than this story needed. What this novel really needed was someone to edit the jarring grammatical errors, help to hone the story line, and to work a bit on character development.
May 30, 2015
Being a great fan of Mark Matthews' writing I chose this book although I knew it was about running. And I just hate running. What makes a person deliberately torture themselves?
Yes, this story is about running - and I start to understand why it can be fascinating.
But it's focus is not only on running, it's about abandonment and finding one's identity.
Physical and psychical experiences are tied together in a way I've never read before.
Read more on http://reading-experience.blogspot.co...
Yes, this story is about running - and I start to understand why it can be fascinating.
But it's focus is not only on running, it's about abandonment and finding one's identity.
Physical and psychical experiences are tied together in a way I've never read before.
Read more on http://reading-experience.blogspot.co...
December 26, 2011
I liked the book. Three separate plot lines - past, present, & future. The number of typos ( words spelled correctly but not the correct context eg.page 86 waver for wafer)and missing words caused me to pause to read the paragraph again. This detracted from my enjoyment of the story. This may be the fault of the editing and formatting rather than the author. Add a star if you are someone who runs.
May 22, 2012
I would give this book 2 1/2 stars. This was a free book for my kindle. It isn't bad, it just didn't grab me. It's not a big page turner. I did want to finish it to find out how it ended, but it took me awhile because it was a slow moving story. I did enjoy the running aspect of the book.
September 25, 2015
Enjoyable story. I read it because it was set in the Detroit area, since I live in the suburbs. But, the way the book was written, it really could have been set anywhere - it really didn't go into the Detroit area much.
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February 25, 2016kindle 258 (adoption)
September 3, 2013
I liked this one better than Stray. I found both of them to be too spiritual and introspective for my taste, but they're a great choice if you're into reading that style.
December 27, 2012
O.k read I obviously finished it but not worth your time in my opinion.
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