“No mud, no lotus” – Buddhist monk Thích Nhất Hạnh

New York Times bestselling author Lisa See returns with Daughters of the Sun and Moon, a powerful new novel that reflects this enduring truth that from adversity, beauty can bloom. Through the lives of Chinese American women navigating hardship, sacrifice, and resilience, Lisa illuminates how strength and identity are forged through challenge — and how generations transform struggle into legacy.

As part of our USA 250th Birthday Series, highlighting the peoples and cultures that have contributed to and shaped our nation’s history, this special event celebrates the immigrant families whose courage and traditions became woven into the American story. With her signature blend of meticulous research and deeply human storytelling, Lisa See brings to life the voices of women whose experiences echo across time and speak to the heart of who we are as a country.

Join Lisa at the Carlsbad City Library for an engaging conversation about the inspiration behind Daughters of the Sun and Moon, the historical foundations of her work, and the lasting impact of Chinese American communities on our shared history.

Happy 250th Birthday USA

This program is part of our USA 250th Birthday Series, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States by honoring the diverse peoples, cultures, and communities whose contributions have shaped our nation’s history. Through literature, conversation, and shared learning, this series explores the many voices and lived experiences that together form the American story.

Registration

Registration for this event is not required, as it is free and open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come fist-serve basis, so please make sure to arrive early to receive one of the Library’s seating tickets, as seating is expected to sell out. For more information about seating at the event, contact the Carlsbad City Library directly.

We encourage you to preorder a copy of Daughters of the Sun and Moon in advance to be delivered to the event for signing. Preordering helps ensure you receive a copy and supports both the author and this special USA 250th series.  Books will also be available for purchase at the event while supplies last. Lisa will be signing following her presentation.

About the Author and Book

In her beloved New York Times bestsellers Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, Peony in Love, Shanghai Girls, Dreams of Joy, China Dolls, and Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, Lisa See has brilliantly illuminated the strong bonds between women.

These books have been celebrated for their authentic, deeply researched, lyrical stories about Chinese characters and cultures. Independent booksellers have honored her novels by selecting them as an Indie Next pick, her novels were sold to 39 countries, she has won numerous awards domestically and internationally, and her novel Snow Flower was made into a feature film produced by Fox Searchlight.

In her latest book, Daughters of the Sun and Moon, Lisa draws on the vibrancy and turmoil of post-Civil War Los Angeles to tell the story of three Chinese women who managed to survive and, eventually, thrive, despite all odds.

About the Carlsbad City Library