In the story Falling Leaves, Adeline Yen Mah tells the story of her life growing up in a prominent and successful Chinese family. Over the course of her life, Adeline has many important life lessons and experiences that illustrate a lot about her character. By the end of the story, it is clear to us as the readers, that nothing drives Adeline more than the quest for her families' acceptance and love. It almost seems that Adeline's need for love in her life is amplified by the hardships and cruelties she experiences as a child (and continues to experience as an adult.)

" I knew I was the least loved child because I was a girl and because my mother had died giving birth to me. Nothing I did ever seemed to please father, Niang or any of my siblings. But I never ceased to believe that if I...