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| Photo by Dave Cross Photography |
Lyn Liao Butler was born in Taiwan and moved to the States when she was seven. In her past and present lives, she has been: a concert pianist, a professional ballet and modern dancer, a fitness studio owner, a personal trainer and instructor, an RYT-200 hour yoga instructor, a purse designer with an Etsy shop and most recently, author of multi-cultural women’s fiction. Lyn did not have a Tiger Mom. She came about her over-achieving all on her own.
When she is not torturing clients or talking to imaginary characters, Lyn enjoys spending time with her FDNY husband, their son (the happiest little boy in the world), two stubborn dachshunds, and trying crazy yoga poses on a stand-up paddleboard. So far, she has not fallen into the water yet.
Visit Lyn online:
Lexa Thomas has never quite fit in. Having grown up in a family of blondes while more closely resembling Constance Wu, she's neither white enough nor Asian enough. Visiting her father in Taiwan as a child, Lexa thought she'd finally found a place where she belonged. But that was years ago, and even there, some never truly considered her to be a part of the family.
When her estranged father dies unexpectedly, leaving the fate of his Taiwanese family in Lexa's hands, she is faced with the choice to return to Taiwan and claim her place in her heritage . . . or leave her Taiwanese family to lose their home for good. Armed with the advice of two half-sisters (one American and the other Taiwanese, who can't stand each other), a mother who has reevaluated her sexuality, a man whose kisses make her walk into walls, and her self-deprecating humor, Lexa finds the courage to leave the comfort of New York City to finally confront the person who drove her away all those decades ago.
With fond memories of eating through food markets in Taiwan and forming a bond with a sister she never knew she had, Lexa unravels the truth of that last fateful summer and realizes she must stand up for herself and open her heart to forgiveness, or allow the repercussions of her family's choices to forever dictate the path of her life. (Courtesy of Amazon.)
"Sharp and humorous, The Tiger Mom's Tale is a scenic, debut novel with a cast of complicated characters sure to bring laughter and discussion to your next book club. I can't wait to read what Lyn Liao Butler writes next!"
—Tif Marcelo, USA Today Bestselling author of The Key to Happily Ever After
"The Tiger Mom's Tale is a breathtaking debut from a compelling new voice in women's fiction. With captivating characters and vivid descriptions of mouth-watering meals, Lyn Liao Butler whisks us from the bright lights of New York City to the bustle of Taichung. A story of belonging, betrayal, and the bonds between family that can never be broken, The Tiger Mom's Tale is a deeply emotional and satisfying read."
—Kristin Rockaway, author of She's Faking It
"The Tiger Mom’s Tale has it all—family drama, scorching love, vivid transcontinental settings, and culinary scenes that made me drool. A charming, engrossing debut from Lyn Liao Butler."
—Kimmery Martin, author of The Antidote for Everything
"With a keen eye for detail and a lush appreciation for the joys and comforts of food, Lyn Liao Butler delves into the complicated bonds of family, the endurance of sisterhood, and the fundamental yearning to connect with our heritage."
—Allie Larkin, internationally bestselling author of Swimming for Sunlight
In one sentence, tell us what the road to publishing was like for you.
My road to publishing was long, bumpy, filled with so many rejections and tears, but I stubbornly pushed through and finally signed with my agent.
How is Lexa similar to or different from you?
Lexa and I are both personal trainers who lived on the Upper East Side. But she is half Taiwanese/half Caucasian, whereas I am full Taiwanese. We both struggle with reconciling the two halves of us (looking Asian on the outside, but feeling American on the inside).
If The Tiger Mom’s Tale was made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
For the Asian characters, I’d want to cast new, up and coming, or even unknown actors and actresses. It’s so hard for Asian actors to break out in Hollywood, that I’d love it to be an opportunity for actors who haven’t been given many options in the past to breakout and show America who they are.
What is the last book you read that you would recommend?
I just read Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier and I absolutely loved it. It’s a thriller, but it’s so much more than that. It delves into any parents’ worst nightmare—having your child be kidnapped and not knowing what happens to him.
My road to publishing was long, bumpy, filled with so many rejections and tears, but I stubbornly pushed through and finally signed with my agent.
How is Lexa similar to or different from you?
Lexa and I are both personal trainers who lived on the Upper East Side. But she is half Taiwanese/half Caucasian, whereas I am full Taiwanese. We both struggle with reconciling the two halves of us (looking Asian on the outside, but feeling American on the inside).
If The Tiger Mom’s Tale was made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
For the Asian characters, I’d want to cast new, up and coming, or even unknown actors and actresses. It’s so hard for Asian actors to break out in Hollywood, that I’d love it to be an opportunity for actors who haven’t been given many options in the past to breakout and show America who they are.
What is the last book you read that you would recommend?
I just read Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier and I absolutely loved it. It’s a thriller, but it’s so much more than that. It delves into any parents’ worst nightmare—having your child be kidnapped and not knowing what happens to him.
I also just finished Little Pieces of Me by Alison Hammer and it was an excellent read. A woman finds out from a DNA test that her bio dad is not who she thought it was all her life. It is so expertly written from multiple POVs, and each POV is so distinct and the characters so developed, they felt like real people to me. I can’t wait to read what Alison Hammer writes next!
What are you looking forward to doing this summer?
I am a summer person, so I will be living in shorts, tank tops and flip flops all summer. We live on a lake right next to the lake beach, so I’ll be spending a lot of time there letting our eight-year-old run around with his friends, and also hanging out by the lake on our property with my two dogs, writing my next books. There’s nothing better than sitting by the water, two dogs by my side, to stir my creative mind.
What is something you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
That I am the WORST homeschooling teacher EVER. My son actually asked if he could “retire” from my school. I don’t know how teachers do it. I am his mom, not his teacher, and I am so grateful he is back in school!
Thanks to Lyn for visiting with us and to Berkley for sharing her book with our readers.
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Giveaway ends July 18th at midnight EST.
11 comments:
As the youngest of five who are well spread apart in age, my parents were done with involving themselves with activities with me. I had some fun in the yard with my dad during the summer. My mother always had a lunch sitting out for me when I came home for lunch if she was out shopping during my elementary school years. But I don't remember them ever attending any of my school events or even encouraging me to join any extra curricular activities.
My parents were always positive and supportive as I was growing up. They were great parents.
Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
My parents were devoted, helpful and there for me. Since I grew up in the 1950's life then was completely different. We were allowed such freedom as we walked back and forth to school daily by ourselves, rode bikes all over the city, took the bus and were responsible. Now I realize how fortunate we were to have had such wonderful parents. Not smothering us but disciplined us and brought us up with principles and values which are vital to produce successful adults.
My folks were pretty much hands-off as I got older. I was a strong-willed kid who didn't like to be interfered with so that probably had a lot to do with it.
My parents were always working in the family store. My siblings and I would always help out on weekends and during the week if time allowed.
They were very supportive in helping me reach my college goal. I don't think I appreciated how much they were until I lost both of them.
I had great parents. They always wanted the best for us and made sure we went to good schools. They also took us on lots of great vacations and took us to lots of fun and also educational places.
My parents were fun and clever. Both well educated, loved to read.
supportive
My parents were very strict, but very fair.
My parents always supported me yet were strict in what I did.
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