Jesus' impact on our world is highly unlikely; widely inescapable; largely unknown; and decidedly double-edged. It is unlikely in light of the severe limitations of his earthly life; it is inescapable because of the range of impact; it is unknown because history doesn't connect dots; and it is doubled-edged because his followers have wreaked so much havoc; often in his name.He is history's most familiar figure; yet he is the man no one knows. His impact on the world is immense and non-accidental. From the Dark Ages to Post-Modernity he is the Man who won't go away.And yet . . .you can miss him in historical lists for many reasons; maybe the most obvious being the way he lived his life. He did not loudly and demonstrably defend his movement in the spirit of a rising political or military leader. He did not lay out a case that history would judge his brand of belief superior in all future books.His life and teaching simply drew people to follow him. He made history by starting in a humble place; in a spirit of love and acceptance; and allowing each person space to respond.His vision of life continues to haunt and challenge humanity. His influence has swept over history bringing inspiration to what has happened in art; science; government; medicine; and education; he has taught humans about dignity; compassion; forgiveness; and hope.
#66625 in Books Vintage Books 2012-02-07 2012-02-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .90 x 5.20l; 1.04 #File Name: 0307950395402 pagesVintage Books
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. For generations of Chinese; "Shangri La" was a place they called Gold MountainBy Old China BooksSuperior tale of Chinese and Chinese-Americans in California from late 1800s railroad-building through four generations of struggle to the present day - an engaging historical account rendered delightfully personal through the stories Lisa tells in On Gold Mountain of her family history and her great grandfather Fong See and his journey to the West and sojourn on the gold mountain in Sacramento; San Francisco; and finally Los Angeles; where he founded a successful merchant dynasty and a family of many generations in and around mysterious Chinatown. Unique as a book written by one of several extraordinary "Caucasian" women who helped build businesses and make homes for their Chinese families. Many images of early Los Angeles and Hollywood linger after the final page - little Lisa retreating to her grandparents house in Chinatown; Anna Mae Wong holding court in the See family restaurant; antique furniture rented to the studios for films. Now when we watch those old black-and-white movies set in Chinatown from the 30s through the 40s we're on the lookout for sets created from the riches of the See family antique shops. We grew up visiting LA's Chinatown often but; after reading Lisa's book; it's no longer "just Chinatown; Jake;" and is now a whole new marvelous place peopled with folks we now know much better; at least in memory.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A sweeping history lesson!By Linda C. WrightIn 1867 Lisa See's great great grandfather arrived in America from China. As an herbalist; his services were in great demand by immigrant laborers. This is where her family history begins.Fong See; her great grandfather started making ladies underwear; married Ticie; a Caucasian woman before building a successful antique business. The family's story involves racism; romance; secret marriages and betrayals. Not only does On Gold Mountain tell the story of a family; it documents the history of America from the building of the railroads through the Great Depression into the post war boom of the fifties.That is a lot of territory to cover. The story is meticulously researched and Ms. See does a good job of keeping the reader's head focused on the family tree. There is a lot going on and people and places to keep track of. In some areas the story dragged on. I felt some parts were important to document for the family but maybe not so interesting to the average reader.I love Lisa See's fiction much more than this book; but I fully understand her desire to write it. In any event On Gold Mountain is a wide and sweeping history lesson in the people that help to make American the wonderful place it is. And I'm glad I read it. I learned so much.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A must read bookBy Camp RunamokI had never heard of Lisa See; but just about everyone I've mentioned this book to seems to have read at least one of her novels. I had read a NY Times review for Flower Net - one of her more recent works; but what really intrigued me was the reference to this book; so I put it in my Kindle Q; and I'm so glad I did.Gold Mountain was the Chinese nickname for the US back in the 1800's. This book is a family history covering over hundred years; but done in a way I've not seen before; as she not only describes the events that defined the Fong See and Lettice Pruett legacy (her great grandparents); but she also puts herself directly in the mind of all her relatives and ancestors; which at times gives the book the feel of a novel. Lisa See looks like an Irish redhead (there were two redheads in her Chinese/American lineage); but she is 1/4 Chinese; and as a young woman; found solace in her extended and welcoming Chinese family; as her parents were somewhat dysfunctional while she was growing up. It's one reason I suspect that her novels mix Chinese and American cultural themes and characters.The book actually starts with her great-great grandfather; although he returns to China. However; his son; Fong See; comes and stays (moving from San Francisco to Sacramento to Los Angeles); although he travels extensively for his business. He marries a Caucasian woman; Lettice Pruett; which leads to many interesting and varied cultural and legal conflicts; both in the US and in China. While the US was actively discouraging Asian immigration after the completion of the transcontinental railroad; many were also fascinated with Asian furniture; art; and curios; which became the family business (check out the youtube video for the F. Suie One Company). This is truly an amazing work; and in the addendum; See describes what a work in progress a family history can be; trying to separate family mythology from fact. For anyone with Asian ancestors; Chinese in particular; this feels like a must read book; and for anyone who values what immigration has meant for the US; and the challenges immigrants have faced (and continue to face); this is also a must read book. Five stars from this reader.
