Bend, Not Break
In 'Bend, Not Break', Ping Fu recounts her remarkable journey from a war-torn China to becoming a successful entrepreneur in America. Through trials of adversity, she learns to adapt and thrive, embodying resilience in the face of life's challenges. The memoir intricately weaves themes of identity, culture, and the power of determination, while highlighting the importance of hope and innovation. Fu's inspiring story is not only a testament to personal strength but also a celebration of the human spirit's ability to overcome obstacles. Prepare to be moved and motivated as you explore how one woman bends but never breaks beneath the weight of her experiences.
By Ping Fu, MeiMei Fo
Published: 2013
"In the face of adversity, we bend like the willow, finding strength in our resilience and beauty in our scars."
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
Born on the eve of China’s Cultural Revolution, Ping Fu was separated from her family at the age of eight. She grew up fighting hunger and humiliation and shielding her younger sister from the teenagers in Mao’s Red Guard. At twenty-five, she found her way to the United States; her only resources were $80 and a few phrases of English. Yet Ping persevered, and the hard-won lessons of her childhood guided her to success in her new homeland. Aided by her well-honed survival instincts, a few good friends, and the kindness of strangers, she grew into someone she never thought she’d be—a strong, independent, entrepreneurial leader. “She tells her story with intelligence, verve and a candor that is often heart-rending.” —The Wall Street Journal “This well-written tale of courage, compassion, and undaunted curiosity reveals the life of a genuine hero.” —Booklist (starred review) “Her success at the American Dream is a real triumph.” —The New York Post
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from Bend, Not Break
About the Authors
Ping Fu
Ping Fu is an accomplished author, entrepreneur, and advocate for technology and innovation. Born in China, she is best known for her memoir, 'Bend, Not Break: A Life in Two Worlds', which chronicles her journey from growing up in a politically tumultuous environment to becoming a successful tech executive in the United States. Fu's writing style is characterized by its candid emotional depth and insights into resilience and determination. In addition to her memoir, she has contributed to various publications, sharing her expertise in digital technology and entrepreneurship.
MeiMei Fo
MeiMei Fo is an acclaimed author known for her evocative storytelling and rich character development. She gained recognition with her debut novel, 'A Thousand Reflections,' which explores themes of identity and belonging. Fo's ability to weave personal experiences with broader cultural narratives is evident in her second work, 'Echoes of Silence,' which delves into the complexities of family dynamics. Her writing style is characterized by lyrical prose, immersive imagery, and a deep emotional resonance that captivates readers. MeiMei Fo has been praised for her unique voice and her contribution to contemporary literature.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Ping Fu, MeiMei Fo
- Published
- November 2013
- Publisher
- Penguin
- ISBN
- 1591846811
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 290
- Genres
- Self-HelpBiographyOvercoming AdversityInspirational Biographies
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
Seeking Wisdom
Peter Bevelin
Benjamin Franklin
Walter Isaacson
Autobiography of a Yogi
Yogananda (Paramahansa)
Revolution in the Valley
Andy Hertzfeld
Trillion Dollar Coach
Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, Alan Eagle
Finding Your Way to Change
Allan Zuckoff, Bonnie Gorscak
An Autobiography
Mohandas K. Gandhi
From the Ground Up
Howard Schultz, Joanne Gordon
What Does It Mean to Be Human?
Frederick Franck, Janis Roze, Richard Connolly
Several Short Sentences About Writing
Verlyn Klinkenborg
A Path with Heart
Jack Kornfield
The Awakening of Intelligence
Jiddu Krishnamurti
Unveiled: How Western Liberals Empower Radical Islam
Yasmine Mohammed
Blindness
José Saramago
The Airbnb Story
Leigh Gallagher (Journalist)
Visual Explanations
Edward R. Tufte
Beautiful Evidence
Edward R. Tufte
With the Old Breed
E.B. Sledge
Play It As It Lays
Joan Didion
Pain Free Living
Pete Egoscue, Roger Gittines
After Visiting Friends
Michael Hainey
All in
Paula Broadwell, Vernon Loeb
Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void
Mary Roach
Dream Big
Cristiane Correa
Piranesi
Susanna Clarke
God: A Biography
Jack Miles
The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Clayborne Carson
Eleanor Roosevelt
Russell Freedman
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Joe Rogan's Book Recommendations
Joe Rogan is a multifaceted American entertainer known primarily for his work as a comedian, podcast host, and commentator. He gained widespread recognition through his immensely popular podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience," which has featured in-depth conversations with a diverse array of guests, including scientists, celebrities, and politicians. Though not primarily known for literature, Rogan has contributed to the field with his thought-provoking discussions that often explore philosophical and intellectual ideas. Additionally, he has authored the book "Mastering the Rubber Guard," which delves into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, showcasing his expertise in martial arts. Rogan's influence extends beyond traditional media, impacting contemporary discourse through his unique blend of humor, curiosity, and critical thinking.
View Collection
Brad Feld's Book Recommendations
Brad Feld is a prominent American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem. Co-founder of the Foundry Group, he has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring early-stage technology companies. Feld is also a key figure behind the Techstars accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups. As an author, he has penned several essential books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities," which provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His writings and active blogging have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the tech and startup communities.
View Collection
Ali Abdaal's Book Recommendations
Ali Abdaal is a renowned productivity expert, author, and YouTuber known for his engaging content on personal development and effective study techniques. A former doctor, Abdaal transitioned from his medical career to focus on sharing insights through his popular YouTube channel, which has amassed millions of subscribers. He is the author of "YouTube for Doctors," where he explores the intersection of medicine and digital content creation. Abdaal's work is celebrated for its practical advice, blending scientific research with personal anecdotes to help individuals optimize their lives. His contributions have significantly influenced the productivity and self-improvement community, making him a respected voice in the field.
View Collection
Gretchen Rubin's Book Recommendations
Gretchen Rubin is a bestselling author and happiness expert, best known for her books The Happiness Project and Better Than Before. She explores the science of habits, happiness, and human behavior, helping readers improve their everyday lives. Gretchen’s popular podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, offers practical advice and personal anecdotes to cultivate a more joyful and meaningful life. Her work emphasizes small, daily changes that can lead to long-term well-being. She continues to be a sought-after speaker on topics of happiness and habit formation.
View Collection
Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations
Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.
View Collection
Ben Horowitz's Book Recommendations
Ben Horowitz is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author, best known for co-founding the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. He made significant contributions to the tech industry through his leadership roles at Netscape and as co-founder of the software company Opsware, which was later acquired by Hewlett-Packard. Horowitz is celebrated for his insightful business book, "The Hard Thing About Hard Things," which provides candid advice on the challenges of entrepreneurship. His follow-up book, "What You Do Is Who You Are," explores the importance of company culture in business success. Horowitz's works are highly regarded for their practical wisdom and have influenced countless leaders in the tech and business communities.
View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations
Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.
View Collection“In the face of adversity, we bend like the willow, finding strength in our resilience and beauty in our scars.”
Bend, Not Break
By Ping Fu, MeiMei Fo
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.