What do you think?
Rate this book
Ping
A Barnes & Noble Top eBook &
NOOK Indie Favorite
Alternating between the pivotal 1971 Ping-Pong Diplomacy - where a simple game of table tennis thawed the icy relations between the U.S. and China during the Cold War - and the present-day struggles of a family weighed down by legacy, Ping is a compelling tale of history, politics, and personal conflict.
Jenny, a modern-day teen, wrestles with her grand-mother Miriam's larger-than-life legacy, rooted in Cold War tensions and the surprising intersection of ping pong, antisemitism, and global diplomacy. As Jenny uncovers Miriam's secret role in shaping history, she confronts her own place in a family bound by expectations and unspoken truths. Blending family drama with meticulously researched historical events, this gripping story explores the enduring impact of the past on the present.
"Ping skillfully blends family drama with political and historical events, particularly through Jenny's modern-day struggles and Miriam's Cold War-era experiences. The use of Ping Pong as both a symbol and a plot device keeps the story engaging, exploring generational expectations and legacies . . . Ping effectively combines history, sports, and personal conflict, appealing to readers of both literary fiction and historical drama."
NOOK Indie Favorite
Alternating between the pivotal 1971 Ping-Pong Diplomacy - where a simple game of table tennis thawed the icy relations between the U.S. and China during the Cold War - and the present-day struggles of a family weighed down by legacy, Ping is a compelling tale of history, politics, and personal conflict.
Jenny, a modern-day teen, wrestles with her grand-mother Miriam's larger-than-life legacy, rooted in Cold War tensions and the surprising intersection of ping pong, antisemitism, and global diplomacy. As Jenny uncovers Miriam's secret role in shaping history, she confronts her own place in a family bound by expectations and unspoken truths. Blending family drama with meticulously researched historical events, this gripping story explores the enduring impact of the past on the present.
"Ping skillfully blends family drama with political and historical events, particularly through Jenny's modern-day struggles and Miriam's Cold War-era experiences. The use of Ping Pong as both a symbol and a plot device keeps the story engaging, exploring generational expectations and legacies . . . Ping effectively combines history, sports, and personal conflict, appealing to readers of both literary fiction and historical drama."
120 pages, Paperback
Published November 28, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
June 5, 2025
Ping is a newly released novella that delivers a surprisingly deep and introspective experience in a short, easy-to-read format. At under 150 pages, it’s the kind of book you can enjoy in a single sitting—perfect for a quiet afternoon or a weekend escape.
The story itself unfolds with subtlety, focusing more on emotional tone and internal transformation than heavy plot twists. The writing is clean and accessible, yet there’s an undercurrent of philosophical reflection that lingers after the final page.
While it may not break new ground in terms of literary innovation, Ping succeeds in offering a compact, engaging journey that feels both modern and meaningful. Ideal for readers who appreciate quiet storytelling with a clear emotional thread.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for a short, satisfying read that leaves room for reflection
The story itself unfolds with subtlety, focusing more on emotional tone and internal transformation than heavy plot twists. The writing is clean and accessible, yet there’s an undercurrent of philosophical reflection that lingers after the final page.
While it may not break new ground in terms of literary innovation, Ping succeeds in offering a compact, engaging journey that feels both modern and meaningful. Ideal for readers who appreciate quiet storytelling with a clear emotional thread.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for a short, satisfying read that leaves room for reflection
Displaying 1 of 1 review