Praise

“A rich biography . . . The Wong who emerges from Salisbury’s lively and admiring account, however, is a character who brimmed with resilience, intelligence and wit.” —The Telegraph

“[A] splendidly entertaining biography . . . Not Your China Doll is an intelligent study, acutely sympathetic to Wong.” —The Times of London

“It’s really fucking good. It’s hard to toe the line between historical excavation and analysis, establishing your own authority as a biographer but also underlining the ways in which no biography is ever objective—but Salisbury pulls it off.” —Anne Helen Petersen, Culture Study

“[A] fast-paced, thoroughly researched biography . . . Salisbury, who has written and spoken widely on the Chinese-American experience and who grew up not far from Wong’s stomping grounds in southern California, is the ideal author to guide us through the actor’s life. She effectively leverages her personal experience with systemic injustice, as well as her wide-ranging knowledge of Hollywood and cinema, to give Wong the biography that she has long deserved.” —The Guardian

“A well-researched, thoughtful portrait of a groundbreaking woman whose ambition and artistic integrity far exceeded the limitations and challenges of her lifetime.” —Entertainment Weekly

“This compelling account of Anna May Wong’s life and career as a film star is hard to put down. . . . Salisbury is a skilled storyteller, seamlessly interweaving historical context, behind-the-scenes Hollywood anecdotes, and forthright takes on the social milieu of the time. . . . A thoroughly researched and superbly written study of a remarkable woman.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Evocative language and vivid details of old Hollywood distinguish this lively biography of Anna May Wong . . . . the book traces Wong’s early life in California and the film career she fought dearly for, all rendered in energetic prose backed up by devoted research.” —SF Chronicle

“Salisbury brings the life and career of this legendary film actor into sharp, immediate focus in a vibrant biography that celebrates Wong’s tenacity and commitment to her race and culture.” —Booklist

“This biography emphasizes its subject’s grit and perseverance in carving out a niche in an industry inhospitable to actors of color. It’s a rousing testament to Wong’s talents.” —Publishers Weekly

“This biography of a groundbreaking performer is both a perfect slice of history and a timely account.” —She Reads, Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2024

“Here at last is a biography of a groundbreaking and inspiring woman that is well-researched, thoughtful, enlightening, nuanced, and honest. The access Salisbury had to Anna May Wong’s family and friends places this biography above all others.” —Lisa See, New York Times bestselling author of Lady Tan’s Circle of Women

“Anna May Wong was a trailblazer who continues to inspire generations of actors, and she truly comes to life in this irresistible read. Her story navigating stardom in the early days of Hollywood is dazzling, and her resilience opened doors for the many who came after her.” —Simu Liu, actor and New York Times bestselling author of We Were Dreamers

“With impeccable research and eloquent prose, Katie Gee Salisbury captures not only Wong’s grand ambition and delicious swagger, but also the significant challenges and prejudices she faced during her career. Not Your China Doll is sure to enthrall anyone fascinated by audacious, before-their-time women.” —Karen Abbott, New York Times bestselling author of The Ghosts of Eden Park

“Reading it, I felt like Anna’s specially chosen confidant at a 1920s Hollywood party . . . Divine!” —Ellen E. Jones, film critic and co-host of the BBC’s Screenshot

“Katie Gee Salisbury's vivid biography of the first Asian American movie star is not only a fun, transporting trip to a golden age, but also a contemporary consideration of why Anna May Wong still matters. Not Your China Doll is a must read, for anyone who loves pop culture or cares about representation in Hollywood.” —Phil Yu, founder of Angry Asian Man and coauthor of the New York Times bestseller Rise

“Not Your China Doll is the book I’ve always wanted to read. Anna May Wong finally gets the starring role she deserves." —Carla Valderrama, author of This Was Hollywood

“Not Your China Doll is a remarkable biography, bursting with life on every page. Carefully crafted and meticulously researched, Katie Gee Salisbury’s beautifully woven portrait of Anna May Wong is both illuminating and entirely unforgettable.” —Gilbert King, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Devil in the Grove

“Astute and eminently readable, Salisbury's deep cultural analysis paired with her ability to unearth a trove of entertaining anecdotes makes this the definitive book on an icon.” —Jade Chang, author of The Wangs Vs. the World

“A deeply researched, hugely empathic biography.” —Helen O’Hara, film critic and author of Women Vs Hollywood: The Fall and Rise of Women in Film

“Salisbury has a Jazz-Age sense of fun and stylishness, and this superbly detailed book does Wong’s story proper justice.” —Bob Stanley, author of Yeah Yeah Yeah

“Reads like a novel . . . Just like Anna May Wong, this book shimmers.” —Anna Bogutskaya, author of Unlikeable Female Characters

“Katie Gee Salisbury has restored Anna May Wong to her rightful place in Hollywood history and done it with great panache. A must-read for anyone interested in popular culture and women’s history.” —Laurence Leamer, New York Times bestselling author of Capote’s Women and Hitchcock’s Blondes