2026 Spring NCTA Alumni Online Book Discussion Group
Let Only Red Flowers Bloom:
by Emily Feng
January 25 through April 12, 2026
A free, asynchronous book discussion group over eleven weeks.
In her introduction to Let Only Red Flowers Bloom, NPR correspondent Emily Feng explains that “This is a book about identity, how the state controls expressions of identity, and who gets to be considered Chinese.” In a country of over 1.4 billion people and 56 recognized ethnic groups, Xi Jinping is attempting to shape a unified Chinese identity, one that is staunchly loyal to the Communist Party.
"Through a series of intimate portraits, Feng explores some of the political communities and issues that have been most affected by Xi’s tenure: human rights lawyers, ethnic minorities, Hong Kongers, and the Chinese diaspora. Feng’s subjects are largely idealists who engage in activities that eventually run afoul of Xi’s increasingly repressive regime. They include a lawyer who helped spark a nationwide debate on the need for a more humane Chinese legal system, a young Hui Muslim who founded an Islamic study center to advance religious and cultural understanding, and a bookseller in Hong Kong who sought to keep freedom of expression alive in the city."
(Elizabeth Economy in Foreign Affairs)
In addition to the book we will read and discuss timely news articles that pertain directly to the book's topics.
This free discussion group will be conducted asynchronously (using the Proboards platform) beginning January 25, with the first post due February 1, and will continue through April 12 in eleven one-week modules.
This discussion group is for NCTA Alumni in the University of Pittsburgh Coordinating Site region (PA, OH, MI, WV, MD, AL, MN, DE, LA, IL, KY)
For Pennsylvania teachers, completion of this book discussion will be worth fourteen Act 48 hours. For teachers in other states, we can provide you with a certificate of completion.
All participants will receive a complimentary copy of the book.
After you register, we will send you a confirmation email and will (depending on your response below) send a complimentary copy of the book. You will also receive information on logging on to the Proboards Discussion Board site and a schedule of the readings and assignments.
Deadline to apply for this Book Group is January 15, 2026
