We all love picking up and reading various “Chinglish” type books out there, things we can relate to just by living here. They may includephrases that don’t quite translate, or signs that just say the wrong thing. Sometimes it’s just nice to have something to innocently poke fun at while we experience life as an expat.
Someone who enjoys the humor but who also keeps things well in perspective is Joan Lueth, an art educator at ISB in Shunyi. Hailing from the US, Joan has been in international schools across Asia for many years and has appreciated observing the many different viewpoints, uncovering how they change each one of us. Her accomplished photography allows us to see Asia through her eyes, yet reflect it in our own.
Joan has created various series within her Unexpected Viewsbook collection. Signs in China presents us with the quirky signs we all see throughout our journey here, and is a great keepsake or a gift for those who have lived here (and even those who haven’t!). And timely now during this holiday season is her Advent: Meditations Beijing series. On each page are photographs of the area, along with expat writings and biblical references from the Christian observance of Advent (the four Sundays preceding Christmas).Writings are reflections on an Advent passage or theme, and photographs are intermixed with these thoughtful meditations with common – or uncommon – sights.
A portion of the proceeds from Joan’s books are given to the Congregation of the Good Shepherd Service Committee, which in turn provides generous support to many organizations in China that help those in need. Other beneficiaries of proceeds are educational organizations in China.
It’s a great time of year to give the perfect gift, be it a dose of humor in her signature books, or a timely holiday message. Visit Joan’s website at www.unexpectedviews.com to find out more about her books and how you can purchase copies.
