Iron Widow

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao (2021) 394 pages

This is the beginning of a relatively new series. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Rong Fu on Libby. Part Mighty Morphin Power Rangers kaiju adventure and part feminist revenge tale. The story is set in the future, but cultural values and some characters were pulled from Chinese history, according to the author. This leans more toward fantasy than science fiction with Chi energy powering soldiers' armor and the mecha Chrysalises like the vermilion bird pictured on the cover. Zetian is a powerful teen pilot who gains the nickname the Iron Widow. She is unstoppable in fighting the misogyny in her culture in addition to the alien insectoid "invaders" that the government sends the soldiers to eliminate.
 

The Book of Tea

The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura  pp. 94

This small book is not about tea per se although there is a bit of history about the use of tea. Instead it is a book on the philosophy of "Teaism" and the practices of tea masters with regards to aesthetics and life practices. It includes the connections between Teaism and Zen, Taoism, architecture, garden design, and floral arranging. Interesting, especially for those who study Asian religions. Don't pick this up looking for a reference on varieties and uses of tea.