Christine Hall's Daughters of the Dragon: Women's Lives in Contemporary China (1997) is a very readable account—much of it based on personal interviews—of all aspects of the lives of women in contemporary China. Hall examines topics including education, careers, sex and relationships, living conditions, fashion and beauty, leisure pursuits, religion, and politics.

Adeline Yen Mah's bestselling memoir Falling Leaves: The True Story of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter (1997) describes her turbulent life, which began in an affluent family in the Chinese port city of Tianjin. She was emotionally abused by her stepmother but fought for her independence and went on to build a successful medical career in the United States. The memoir tells of her triumph over despair in a long search for love and understanding.

The Bonesetter's Daughter (2001), by Amy Tan, explores the Chinese immigrant experience in America and...