Sit, Cinderella, Sit: A Mostly True Memoir

by Lisa Cheek

A debut memoir and (sort of) Cinderella story about a woman who’d been told she was “too old” to create magic who flew to rural China, edited a film without speaking a word of Mandarin, and discovered her own power.       

Lisa Cheek loved editing TV commercials—almost as much as she loved her dog, Ron Howard. Then, she “aged out” of advertising, at 45. After being let go, Lisa got a call—at 2:45 AM—from a director who, like everyone in Hollywood, had a film he wanted to make the original Cinderella story. Now, his dream could come true—if Lisa granted his wish.  

In Sit, Cinderella, Sit, Lisa Cheek shares her adventures in editing a film made on location in China—along the Tibetan border—where Mandarin was the only language spoken by everyone but her. Stuck in a house with fourteen men she couldn’t understand, literally, she yearned for conversation and coffee.

But there were moments of wonder and laughter. Lisa forged a bond with her translator and a woman named Sunny. She rescued one dog, and then another. “Everyone speaks Cinderella,” the director had assured her. Maybe he was right.              

Told with humor and heart through a fairy tale lens, with flashbacks into the author’s not-always-happy childhood, Sit, Cinderella, Sit is a story about what can happen when you take a leap of faith, look and hear beyond people’s differences, and dare to believe in yourself. 

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2025

About the author

Lisa Cheek’s writing career began after a twenty-five year career editing feature films and TV commercials. Her first memoir, “Sit, Cinderella, Sit”, was a People Magazine pick, an Amazon Bestseller, made Zibby’s Most Anticipated Books for 2025 and was a Next Generation Indy Award finalist in Women’s Literature. She’s written for both radio and television and is published in LA Poets and Writers Collective. You can find her musings “One Minute Thoughts From A Pink Head” on Substack. She lives in LA with 2 dogs, 2 cats, and her husband, Big Johnson, where she has several scripts in various stages of development while working on her next memoir.

Reviews

[Ink_Drinker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir was incredibly heartwarming, highlighting the journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the profound impact of embracing new adventures!

[Daffodils_and_books · Rating 2 out of 5]

This memoir had an interesting story. Lisa Cheek has such a unique experience working as an editor on a Chinese film. The memoir touched on many topics such as sexism and ageism towards women in the film industry and pushing back against that bias. I felt like the writing style was under developed which is a large factor in my rating. But, I can tell that Lisa Cheek has a lifetime of stories worth writing about. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this copy to read and review.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful memoir! I love it when I'm pulled into a world I know nothing about- I got an ARC and flipped it open and could NOT put it down.
Plus PUPPIES!!! The short chapters were intentional and the periodic glimpses of the author's life growing up really enriched the book.
highly recommended

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Cheek's unique experience as a film editor traveling to China to assist in the making of the original Cinderella was such a fun read. Her love however for Ron Howard, her pup was shown immensely in this lovable book. Dog lovers see life differently and caring for those around her and being cared for in return when she needed it I felt was a theme throughout. Even while traveling abroad those in need found safety and "home" in her care. The quick chapters made it easy to pick up and put down when needed but in the end I read this delightful debut in one day. The story bouncing back and forth through present day and childhood was interesting, I would have enjoyed more of a resolution there. All in all this read was well worth it, her love for Ron Howard ran deep which made me love her for that. Her enjoyment of taking in the unknown and accepting a job so far from her comfort zone made me want to dive in.

[Rossana D'Antonio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Cheek is masterful at reimagining a tale of self-discovery, courage, and becoming in this heartfelt memoir, Sit, Cinderella, Sit. Cheek’s writing is exquisite with vivid imagery that makes us feel as if we are in the scene alongside her. Along this journey and with the help of a handful of canine companions, Lisa emerges as a resilient woman whose voice is a force to be reckoned with. Bravo!

[NICODESO · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parts of Lisa Cheek’s memoir resonate deeply especially her evocative descriptions of traveling through remote mountain villages, the behind-the-scenes glimpses into filmmaking, and the persistent ache of leaving a beloved pet behind. The narrative contains relatable themes: sexism, ageism, the disorientation and wonder of road travel through unfamiliar places, and even how Michael Jackson’s music connects people across language barriers. There is a very cool birthday party celebration...

This book feels especially timely, highlighting how professionals in their 40s are increasingly edged out of the job market to make way for younger, often less experienced, candidates. It opens with the 45-year-old narrator being abruptly let go from her job in the U.S., with her age cited explicitly as a factor. By the end, there’s a sense of quiet redemption as she prepares to leave China after months spent editing the Chinese adaptation of Cinderella.

"I sobbed...and sobbed.. For the crew I spent so much time with, who never spoke to me but who taught me to keep bringing me no matter how old I was and that i will find my drive no matter where I went"

I'm giving the book 4 stars and not 5 because while the premise is intriguing, the prose leans heavily on diary-like, factual narration. Other than that, I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC copy.

[Donna Stevens Kehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much. I read it in three days and loved the journey the author took me on. Such a joy to read, and I highly recommend. A brief summary is below:

In *Sit, Cinderella, Sit*, Lisa Cheek delivers a captivating and emotionally rich memoir that traces her unexpected journey from a laid-off Hollywood editor to the heart of rural China, where she’s tasked with editing a feature film based on the original Cinderella tale. With a crew of fourteen who speak no English, Cheek navigates cultural and language barriers, forging meaningful connections and rediscovering her purpose.

Cheek offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the life of a film editor while immersing readers in the vivid sights, sounds, and struggles of remote Chinese villages. Her sensory storytelling brings each moment to life, from bustling markets to arduous treks and film editing in remote villages, highlighting the shared humanity that unites a diverse film crew.

At the memoir’s core is a deeply personal journey shaped by a difficult childhood and an abiding love for dogs. Cheek’s bond with her rescued companions, Ron Howard, Cinderella, and Mei Mei, adds warmth, humor, and emotional resonance as they provide companionship and healing across continents.

[Melissa Garner-Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Sit Cinderella Sit", Lisa Cheek offers an engaging and deeply personal memoir about her midlife pivot from a successful career in commercial editing to an entirely new adventure in China. Facing the reality of aging out of her industry, Cheek takes a bold leap to edit a Cinderella film abroad. However, her new life brings unexpected challenges: she finds herself living with a houseful of men who don’t speak English, battling culture shock, isolation, and the mental health struggles that arise from being so far outside her comfort zone and away from her beloved dog, Ron Howard.

Throughout her journey, it’s two local dogs that provide the emotional support she desperately needs, helping her through moments of crisis. As Cheek navigates a series of scrapes and near-disasters, she gradually discovers her own resilience. Her story is not just about making a movie but about survival, self-discovery, and realizing that, despite everything, she’s going to be okay.

Cheek’s memoir is full of wit, heart, and honesty, making it an inspiring read.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a witty memoir of an extraordinary chapter in the author's life. After “aging out” of a successful career as a TV commercial editor, the author embarks on an adventure to rural China to edit a Mandarin-language film about the origins of the Cinderella story—despite not speaking the language. This humorous and moving book explores her nomadic upbringing, her love for dogs, her relationship with her book-loving father, and the profound lessons she learned about resilience, kindness, and the universal language of human connection.

I loved reading about the author's experiences editing a Mandarin-language film in rural China. What struck me most was the author's unshakable belief in kindness and her ability to find magic in unexpected places. The book is a joyful reminder that life’s greatest adventures often happen when we least expect them.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...

[Karen Mckinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love, travel, you love animals, and if you’ve ever been alone in a foreign country, this is a book for you. Since I love all three I was enchanted by the story Lisa weaves of her own self discovery through the love of numerous animals, particularly one she misses that she left at home and once she adopted, and then a third on her trip to China. As another female, who is experienced ageism, I particularly loved the reinvention of self later in life, being forced to reckon with a new life without the job that gives one self-esteem, an anchor, and an identity. I’m also fond of books that are about solo women travelers in foreign countries exploring new lands, new smells, another language, customs, and having to reckon with oneself and loneliness in that environment. This was an extremely easy read flowing from chapter to chapter seamlessly and a very enjoyable read this week as I sat on the beach in Mexico. You will be charmed !

[Mauro Camoroda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ms Cheek has done a fantastic job of interweaving her upbringing with a late-in-life career change. The end result is a very well balanced story of one woman's refusal to give in when her employer tells her 'you have aged out of your career'. Well, thankfully she ignored that former boss and put her head down to tell her story. If you've ever faced a career change, been a woman working in a heavily dominated male world, or just want to hear someone's experience and how they persevered through adversity, you will be very entertained by this book. Imagine working in parts of China that are hard to access and having to rely on one or two people for communication. This is a tale well told and there are elements in the telling that will grab you. Do yourself a favor and read this book, I highly recommend it.

[Karen Haynie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sit, Cinderella, Sit" Immediately drew me in; it's layered with risk, courage, kindness, and love. It combines a tale of the original Chinese version of the beloved fairytale"Cinderella" which the author boldly accepted to work on while it was being filmed in China near the Tibetan border. Lisa artfully and skillfully tells her engaging story while weaving in memories of a painful childhood and introducing us to her beloved furry four-legged companions. As a skilled film editor, Lisa has the innate ability to describe scenes that will allow you to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the very essence of her story. The silver lining of life is found in the details that some overlook. Lisa shows them to her readers in a magical way. I loved this book.

[Deb Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely charmed and transported by Lisa Cheek's "Sit, Cinderella, Sit." This captivating memoir about a woman’s journey to regroup after a midlife challenge is as engrossing as it is humorous and deeply affecting. 🐾👑

This book checks all of my boxes. But you don't have to be a dog lover to feel her genuine longing for Ron Howard. Nor do you need to be a fan of faraway places, filmmaking or Disney princess characters to enjoy Cheek's magical story about the remake of the original fairy tale...and her own life. You just have to be able to read or listen to the heartfelt audio, otherwise you'll be waiting for the inevitable award winning movie to be made - to learn what all the buzz is about.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This memoir is nominally about the author’s time in rural China serving as the editor for a movie being filmed based on the Chinese version of the Cinderella story. But really more of the book is about how much she loves and misses her dog in LA, and about a few dogs she encounters in China.

Although this comes out in January, it was my online book club’s choice for our November book club. I started reading it then but when I realized I wasn’t going to finish in time, I put it aside because frankly I was a little bored. But I decided to pick it back up and finish it. It was fine. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I was a dog person?

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-ARC (out 1/14/25); all opinions are my own.

[MaxChan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is inspiring and thought-provoking, capturing the grit required to adapt to life far from home while staying dedicated to her craft. Through candid reflections on her personal and professional struggles, Lisa paints a vivid picture of resilience and determination.

I am Max, her assistant in the book. I am grateful to work with Lisa on this movie project. She is my mentor and my friend. I highly recommend this book. Lisa’s writing is engaging, filled with vulnerability and honesty, as she candidly shares her struggles and triumphs. Through her stories, we are encouraged to find inner strength, accept setbacks, and trust the process of self-discovery.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sit Cinderella Sit was a wonderful story of Lisa and her challenges as she faced being in a country editing a film that she had no idea what they were saying and her adventures going to different locations in that country. I started to sit down and read for thirty minutes and looked at my watch and three hours flew by. Lisa did a great job of drawing me in to see where the next adventure awaited her, along with flash backs of her old life. Her dog,Ron Howard, made an appearance throughout her book, which made me laugh when she tried to FaceTime the dog and the amiable dog sitter. It is a great book of a woman journey in life. I would recommend it!

[Debi Key-Velez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one evening because it was delightful. The authors voice is like a friend telling you a fascinating story filled with candor, humor, exotic places, history, behind-the-scenes of film making, culture shock, sacrifices of women, the love of animals and seeing the little girl inside of the woman who was aged-out of her editing bay in America. I didn’t want to put it down and felt deeply satisfied with the journey she shared with me. I look forward to reading more books from this author!

[Marjie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovering this delightful book was pure serendipity: in the AM, I saw a social media post about Lisa Cheek discussing her work at a bookstore I’d been intending to visit. That evening I purchased “Sit, Cinderella, Sit” after enjoying a laughter-filled event. The book is an entertaining reflection on the challenges of film-making in remote areas of China combined with her love for the village dogs she encountered. I appreciated the authenticity of this memoir, which also includes some sad childhood recollections, as well as a testament to natural ability of dogs to enrich our lives.

[Stephanie Shanfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sit, Cinderella, Sit is the story of how a woman and her best furry friends navigate through the making of a film in China while speaking the language of kindness and love. After traveling thousands of miles from her comfort zone, Lisa edits a film with her heart. Written with wit and tenderness, this story is filled with joy and magic. The author travels back and forth in place and time and joins her past with her present through flashbacks of her upbringing.

[Amy Ossip · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an evocative and introspective memoir that takes readers on a journey through the life of a woman who travels to China to edit a film based on the original Cinderella story. As the author navigates the challenges of her professional life, the story delves deeply into the personal experiences that have shaped her, with a particular focus on the profound influence that dogs have had on her journey.

[Carolyn Cheek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with wit, heart, and a touch of magic, Sit, Cinderella, Sit is not only an inspiring memoir but a testament to the courage it takes to step far outside one’s comfort zone and create something beautiful. Lisa's candid storytelling paints a vivid picture of resilience, determination, and the sacrifices many women face when balancing career ambitions with personal challenges. It’s a delightful and thought-provoking read that will leave you both charmed and inspired!

[jeff payne]

I loved it ! Being in a similar industry, I understand what it feels like to be a veteran in a business that leans toward youth. Quite a daring and risky move for Lisa to go halfway around the world and throw herself into a creative project that could be out of her comfort zone.
She painted a vivid picture of the people and places in China, I really felt like I could visualize it. And also a wonderful story of friendships, new and old. I highly recommend this one !!

[Barrie Zucal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lisa is a talented writer who had me laughing hysterically one minute and tearing up the next. She weaves a compelling story based on her bold work adventure to places in China most people will never see or need to navigate to complete a project. Occasional gazes into her family background illuminate the story. Despite personal and professional obstacles, it is a success story, gentled by mutual love and support between Lisa and her canine companions.

[Rudrashree Makwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a touching memoir with insights of film editing, travelling, and self discovery. Despite being a memoir, the book will pull you in and won’t let you go until the end. I loved how warm the characters are and author’s perspective is so positive. It’s like light eradicating darkness. The writing felt like a breath of fresh air. The memoir is poignant, raw and full of emotions.

Thanks to the Publisher and Author

[Reader]

*Sit, Cinderella, Sit* is a beautifully crafted memoir that offers a fresh and culturally rich take on
the Cinderella story. Cheek masterfully weaves together elements of film making, cultural
exploration, and the love between humans and dogs. Whether you're a fan of fairytales, films, or heartfelt narratives, this book is a captivating and delightful read.

[Diana de · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delight to read. Lisa’s words put me in all the different places and situations effortlessly. A kindred spirit when it comes to animals, especially our dogs. (I would love to see the picture that Max took of Cinderella with you!) The layers of this adventure coupled with her past experiences shed light on what a person can go through and come out gracious!

[Reader]

I really enjoyed every page and reading what was happening next. So encouraging to se the power of the human spirit overcome adversity. I love that Lisa is so courageous and gracious. She demonstrates and role model's that if you live in a space of kindness, kindness is returned. Especially when you are in a very vulnerable position and need it most.
Tracy Ash

[Megan Rang · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****I received this ATC ebook free from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

A beautifully written true account of a woman who travels to China not knowing any of the language to work putting together a Cinderella Story. Along the way she rescues 2 dogs and find the love and kindness of many.

[Cath Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt

This story vividly tells the tale of a technical artist in a foreign land without knowledge of the language. I highly recommend this book for anyone who's ever loved a dog, felt like a stranger in a foreign land, or just needs an emotional boost from someone who can say, "I did it!"

[Erin L. May · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun read-couldn’t put it down!

It was an inspiring, adventure read. As someone embarking on a career transition myself, reading Lisa’s memoir gave me courage to keep going! It reminded me that life has many twists and turns and the joy is in the many bends along the road. Thank you, Lisa, for reminding me to enjoy each phase of life rather than fearing a new path.