The Exile by Pearl S. Buck

This is an older book that I've had on my shelf for a while but never read. (I think I originally got it for a book club in Manhattan...I'm trying to spend less money on books.) The Exile is the story of a woman, Carie, born and raised in America who spends the majority of her life as a missionary in China. Though it reads like a biography, the book is essentially a character study of how Carie came to be who she is. It chronicles her struggles to understand God and to remain true to America despite her foreign surroundings. (It was published in 1936 and the time period of the book covers roughly from 1850-1920ish). I really liked the focus on what it means to be an American. My favorite quote: "I think that is why America is not herself now--too many people do not understand what it is to be an American." I found the sentiments to be fitting with the attitudes of many people today. A good, quick read.