Join us to discuss an LGBTQ+ themed book each month with leader Christopher Proctor, IU Southeast Librarian. This discussion is open to all adults; members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies are welcome. We meet in person at the IU Southeast Library (4201 Grant Line Rd) or online via Zoom. You’ll receive a Zoom link the week of the meeting if you register. Print copies of the books are available at the Floyd County Library Upper Customer Service Desk and at the  IU Southeast Library. The book is also available on ebook  and downloadable audiobook from the Indiana Digital Library. 

Synopsis:

In 1345, China lies under harsh Mongol rule. For the starving peasants of the Central Plains, greatness is something found only in stories. When the Zhu family's eighth-born son, Zhu Chongba, is given a fate of greatness, everyone is mystified as to how it will come to pass. The fate of nothingness received by the family's clever and capable second daughter, on the other hand, is only as expected.

When a bandit attack orphans the two children, though, it is Zhu Chongba who succumbs to despair and dies. Desperate to escape her own fated death, the girl uses her brother's identity to enter a monastery as a young male novice. There, propelled by her burning desire to survive, Zhu learns she is capable of doing whatever it takes, no matter how callous, to stay hidden from her fate.

After her sanctuary is destroyed for supporting the rebellion against Mongol rule, Zhu takes the chance to claim another future altogether: her brother's abandoned greatness.