This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In Build Resilience, Lucy Chen explores resilience through personal and historical lenses. At her daughter’s graduation, she feels her late father's absence and reflects on his WWII hardships and her mother Xiaoqin’s perseverance during the Cultural Revolution. Chen's own difficulties, including adapting to the US, caregiving for her mother with dementia, and the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight her resilience. She speaks on self-care, mindfulness, and hope in stress management. Chen’s career shift from environmental engineering to quantitative analysis, discussions with friends, and conversion to Christianity are put forward as proof of her evolving pliancy and faith. Her involvement in Toastmasters and community support, along with advocating simple living through Grace, Yasmin, and Master Min, marks the benefits of continuous learning and connections.
“God answered my heartfelt prayers, and for that, I hold a profound sense of gratitude.” Lucy Chen does an excellent job of providing a comprehensive view of three generations in Build Resilience, providing a strong intergenerational perspective that allows us to genuinely appreciate the progress made over time and understand the continuity of her values and resilience. Chen's inspiring memoir is embedded in a foundation of Christianity, and she employs scripture and moments of prayer and thanks throughout. Her work feels like a heartfelt testimony and there is a clear sense that she knows her journey and that of her parents were part of a divine path through frequent reflections on God’s providence and by expressing gratitude for the blessings received. This continues even in dark moments and is what makes her memoir a beacon of hope. The writing is intelligent, accessible, and engrossing, and will undoubtedly be embraced by readers who are looking to be inspired. Very highly recommended.
