Red Scarf Girl

Before entering the Missionary Training Center we spent a couple of days with Bill and Cathy and family. Brigham was reading a book called Red Scarf Girl.  I picked it up and read a little of it and decided I wanted to read more.   I had earlier read several books by Lisa See and the Cultural Revolution has fascinated me for years.  Basically the story starts with a 12 year old girl trying to be a part of what is portrayed as a great cause while her parents and grandmother, who sees the danger that lies ahead for their family, are not embracing the propaganda being put forth.  In the Foreword the man who wrote it made an interesting observation.  He said, speaking of Mao Ze-dong, "His call for "perpetual revolution" mobilized young people into Red Guards who would wage class war against remnants of traditional society, both native and foreign. Mao's strategy, however, ended up bringing untold suffering to those very masses in whose name the battle was waged, as well as disabling an entire group of young people who are now known as the lost generation." If you are interested it has 285 pages and is a quick read. This is a true story and well worth your time.