This book could not have been written without the advice, insight and support of many, starting with Bruce Morrow (“Cousin Brucie”) for his valuable music industry information. Emily White lent her creative mind during our hikes, while Sandi Bloomberg helped write the song “Flower Babies.”

My writing group offered instrumental input and focus: Judy Epstein, Linda Davies, Anna Elman, Sue Anderson, and the late Ruth Nedbor, all of whom accompanied me on this journey with their unflagging support.

I thank the fascinating, valiant Chinese women I first met during the 1995 International Women’s Conference in Beijing and in the ensuing weeks of traveling the countryside. Risking their positions as university professors, industry directors, or budding entrepreneurs, they shared with me their knowledge, customs—and apprehensions—as I shared my jars of American peanut butter. Their courage inspired me to pursue this project in the succeeding years while writers Ming Mei Yip and Xuya Chen, along with their internet compatriots, answered my questions on all things Chinese.

Filmmaker Brian Woods exposed the systematic neglect of abandoned babies in Chinese state-run orphanages. His 1995 BBC documentary, "The Dying Rooms," opened my eyes to human cruelty I could never have imagined.

David S., formerly with the National Security Administration, Herbert L., US State Department, and Sheila H., FBI, gave me insiders’ views into U.S.-China relations, supplemented by fellow writer Michael G. from the Foreign Service. Special acknowledgment is owed authors Richard Bernstein and Ross H. Munro for their book, “The Coming Conflict with China.” (Vintage Books, 1998).

Throughout the long process of taming the many complex issues of politics, economics, human-rights and the music industry into a multi-layered work of fiction, I studied under illustrious writers who were generous with their attentions: Alice McDermott, Tony Earley and Susan Shreve.

Then came the patient readers of partial or entire drafts: Kira Becker Kay, Mary Smitham, Cheryl Carner, Barbara Hoppe, Tad Wojnicki, Jody Pryor, Dorly Weitzen and Wendy Lestina, followed by readers/editors: Elizabeth Sacks, Sands Hall, Annie Blachley, Lou Aronica and Carol Rial (who ended adopting a Chinese baby).

Throughout the vicissitudes of birthing a novel, my agent, Elizabeth Pomada, kept her trust in me and in China Doll. Her faith has been the fuel that brought me—and you, the reader—here.

My daughter Eden Yariv-Goldberg, has been my pop music advisor, while my daughter Tomm Miller supplied pop-culture details.

And finally, as always, there is Ron, the soul of everything I do, who makes it possible for me to spread my wings and fly as far as China or nestle in a place as near as my own heart.

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