At heart [In the Garden Behind the Moon] is a memoir whose layers unfold to reveal a visual journal encompassing family history, travelogue, healing journey, and exercises in wonderment. Alexandra’s evocative illustrations and vintage photos enliven the narrative to make for a delightfully immersive experience. . . . In the Garden Behind the Moon is an honest and deeply fulfilling story whose images will mesmerize you as its words inspire and nurture you.” —Claire Chao, author of Remembering Shanghai, winner of the Rubery Book Award Book of the Year
“More than just another memoir, this book is good medicine! In this astonishing work, Alexandra Chan has blended a good bit of wisdom about the power of stories, the remarkable history of multiple generations of her family, and strands from Chinese mythology to create a rich and vivid tapestry. Like her grandfather who was named after the Great Phoenix, Chan, too, knows something about being reborn. Reading this tale is like sitting with the author as she says, ‘Look, here is one map to going through the fire and ashes and coming out the other side. Let’s see how you can do it, too.’ Highly recommended for all library collections.” —Clint Chamberlain, librarian
“On the other side of grief can be wisdom, deep understanding, and rebirth. I strongly recommend Chan’s memoir to anyone who has lost someone or something they deeply love and is going through the valley of pain and confusion. Chan shows her readers the light, the ‘Old Chan Magic,’ on the flip side of darkness, telling them there is beauty here, there is love, you are never alone. I suggest this book to therapy clients, therapists, friends, and anyone searching for hope amid darkness.” —Christine Garcia, PsyD, CEO of Side by Side
“In this expansive memoir, Alexandra Chan reveals how art and story are limitless sources for inner strength and personal awakening. Her Chinese brush paintings illuminate magical descriptions and remarkable lives. Chan’s art reminds us to imagine and to find connection and beauty all around us.” —Dr. Austen Barron Bailly, PhD, award-winning art historian, author, and chief curator of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
“History and magic blend to create an unforgettable tapestry of interwoven, intergenerational stories of persistence and flourishing . . . a most unforgettable memoir.” —Manhattan Book Review
“Mixing insights from psychology and philosophy into its fond personal reflections and appreciation for tradition, In the Garden Behind the Moon is a hopeful memoir about cultural heritage, family, and healing.” —Foreword Reviews