Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 20
 Good Vacation Read January 16, 2007
Leland H. Faust (San Francisco,CA)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This story of a rock star's coming to put her adoption of a Chinese infant above not only her career but the course of American-Chinese diplomatic relations is a page turner. The descriptions of the conditions in China for abandoned children are especially timely as the government has recently announced stricter rules for foreign adoptions.
There is plenty of action as the American star struggles to smuggle the child out of China, and her realization of how her own past contributes to her attachment to the infant forces her to finally grow up.
The story zips along while the past and present are blended.
An Eye Opener on Abandoned Children In China December 1, 2006
Louise Abrams (New York)
Our book club reviewed China Doll. We had much to discuss about the Chinese people's abandonment of unwanted babies, especially female babies; adoption; and we learned many interesting facts about China that Talia Carner brought to light in the novel. It was so amazing to learn, for example, how China manages to feed all its people. The characters in the book weave through a tale that fully explores the issues related to unwanted children. In the process of seeking to adopt a special baby that has been put in her arms, the main character, a famous singer, discovers her own inner resources. Her life and the lives of the people who depend on her are also changed. We were privileged to have had Talia Carner speak at our Sisterhood meeting. We were delighted that she called and participated with us via phone to our book discussion.
 Timely for Holiday 2006 / Perfect for Reading Circles November 24, 2006
Ann Marie Grumm (Suburbia, New York)
This book was actually published and in print BEFORE Madonna went to Africa to adopt her child.
An aspiring Pop Star on tour in China wants desperately to adopt a young baby but is encountering major obstacles. Flashbacks to her childhood days add insight into this young woman's immediate attachment to the child.
I *expect to gain insight into the opposition with the unfolding relations between Ambassadors, Prime Ministers, CEOs, record label companies and a financier/money man husband.
An element of tension set forth by a developing friendship (a sense of forbidden love) adds to the intrigue.
*I'm currently reading this book and will revise this review when I'm done.
Put "China Doll" at the top of your reading list November 15, 2006
Sandi Bloomberg (Melville, NY)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
China Doll is a must read! It evokes for the reader, a myriad of emotions for the skillfully depicted characters from the world-reknowned singer Nola, to the innocent cast-away Chinese baby girl literally thrust into Nola's life. Other characters woven into this page-turner are as real as the descriptions of China, which are so vivid, I was there! I did not want the book to end, I was so involved in the true-to-life adventure of this amazing woman and her struggle to bring change to the deplorable conditions in China's orphanages.
China Doll November 3, 2006
Susan Titus Glascoff (Westport, CT USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I highly endorse Talia Carner's method of combining the artistry, intrigue, & freedom of a novel, but base it on extensive research exposing critical social issues. Her style lures the reader into becoming part of the story. "China Doll" is a page-turner. It deftly weaves suspense while characters come alive since Talia's insightful research was first hand. All characters are treated with compassionate understanding. The unspeakable horrors of China's orphanages, compounded by the one child policy & anti female bias, are revealed in a manner inviting constructive solutions which preserve dignity.
Talented artists inspire change because they metamophize into their characters, hence broadening perspective. Talia interrelates many issues, just as she does in her first novel, "Puppet Child," which is helping nationally to coordinate efforts to get each state legislature to pass the Protective Parent Reform Act. [..]
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