Like Spilled Water

Written by Jennie Liu

Narrated by Catherine Ho

Na has grown up in the shadow of her younger brother, Bao-bao, her
parents’ cherished son. When they were younger, Na’s parents went to
work in the city, bringing Bao-bao along and devoting all their savings to
his education, while Na was left behind in the countryside.

But when Bao-bao dies suddenly, Na realizes how little she knew him. Did
he really end his life because of a low score on China’s all-important college
entrance exam? Her parents can’t bear to talk about him, so Na investigates
on her own. She learns that Bao-bao had many secrets—and that his death
may not be what it seems. She also learns that her parents have serious
money problems, and as their only remaining child, she’s expected to quit
school and go to work to help support them.

As more secrets come to light, Na must decide not only what she owes to her
brother’s memory, but what she owes to herself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781705008942

Jennie Liu

Jennie Liu is the daughter of Chinese immigrants. She has been fascinated by the attitudes, social policies, and changes in China each time she visits. Her young adult novels have won honors including a Freeman Book Award Honorable Mention and an In the Margins: Best Books for Teens award. She lives in North Carolina with her family.

Reviews for Like Spilled Water

[vanessa_menez-453497 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thank You to NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group for this ARC!!

Set in China, Nineteen-year-old Na has always lived in the shadow of her younger brother, Bao-bao. But when Bao-bao dies suddenly, Na realizes how little she knew him. Did he really kill himself because of a low score on China's all-important college entrance exam? Na learns that Bao-bao had many secrets and that his death may not be what it seems.

This book was an interesting and simple read about the life in China, especially through the eyes of a young teenage girl. It deals with the topics such as one-child policy, the gaokao exams and the differences in lifestyle in urban and rural China.

The main character of the book, Na, was well written. It was enjoyable to read her journey discovering her desires and goals in life, while understanding the complexity of family relationships and expectations.

Overall I enjoyed this book since I could learn some new things about the Chinese culture and life.