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Vendor
Mohrbooks Literary Agency
Sebastian Ritscher
Original language
English

THE TIGER MOM'S TALE

Lyn Liao Butler

This women's fiction debut novel has an immersive sense of place and culture alternating between the past and present in Taiwan and Manhattan.
Lexa Thomas has never quite fit in. Growing up in a family of blondes while looking like Constance Wu, she's neither white enough nor Asian enough. Now thirty-five, she doesn't want children because she won't risk doing to a child what her father did to her. Instead, she finds fulfillment in her job as a personal trainer.

When her estranged father dies unexpectedly leaving the fate of his Taiwanese family in Lexa's hands, her safe life in NYC is no longer enough. She needs to return to Taiwan and claim her place in her heritage, or her Taiwanese family will lose their home.

Armed with the advice of two half-sisters (one American and the other Taiwanese who can't stand each other), a mother who's had a recent change in sexual orientation and a man whose kisses make her walk into walls, Lexa finally confronts the woman who drove her away from Taiwan. As the truth of that long ago summer slowly unfolds, she must stand up for herself and open her heart to love and family or allow her father's estrangement to forever dictate the path of her life.

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.
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Published 2021-07-06 by Berkley

Comments

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.

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.

A fast-moving, easy-to-read story... The interesting array of characters and energetic plot will please readers. Read more...

[A] touching story that illuminates intricacies of race, ethnicity, traditions and stereotypes. Read more...

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.

[A] riveting debut... Butler breathes zesty new life into women's fiction. Read more...

The Tiger Mom's Tale is a heartfelt, delightful read. Lyn Liao Butler's story of Taiwanese and American identity had me turning pages and laughing (and drooling over the delicious descriptions of food).

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!