The youngest of six children, Guo Yue recalls his childhood at the heart of a close-knit family of musicians living beside a Beijing alley. He draws the reader into a world where music is everywhere—even in the rhythmic chopping sounds of the kitchen. We follow Yue as he explores Beijing, watching others and learning through imitation, until he finally leaves for the West. This beautifully written and evocative memoir highlights how, despite poverty and repressed times, cooking family dishes was a life-affirming experience, symbolizing freedom of expression. His book gives the reader a taste of family life in China and real Chinese home cooking, and he shares with readers a few delicious traditional recipes which have been passed on in his family and among friends. These are based on a few simple ingredients; a natural approach to taste, color, and texture; and an innate love of good food.