The world’s largest book fair, Frankfurter Buchmesse, once again opened its doors from October 15–19, 2025, in Frankfurt, Germany—welcoming dreamers, storytellers, and innovators from around the globe. Known as the beating heart of the publishing world, this grand event gathers more than 7,500 exhibitors from over 100 countries, along with an expected 280,000 attendees and 10,000 media professionals. It’s not just a fair—it’s a global celebration of literature, culture, and creativity.
This year’s fair promises to be extraordinary, with over 4,000 seminars and roundtable discussions spotlighting the future of books and storytelling. From bold new voices to legendary authors, the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 continues to serve as the ultimate hub for discovering fresh perspectives and timeless tales.
This year’s Guest of Honour—Philippines—adds even more vibrance to the event, presenting its rich literary tradition and cultural heritage. With an array of thought-provoking works and captivating stories, the 2025 Frankfurter Buchmesse promises to be a celebration of imagination without borders.
https://www.messemasters.com/shows/frankfurt-book-fair/
As the fair celebrates another successful year of bringing together the brightest minds in publishing, Citi of Books proudly joins the festivities at the 77th Frankfurter Buchmesse, showcasing inspiring titles from its talented authors. Among the featured works in the Book Gallery is “Wild Orchid: From Beijing to La-La Land” by Lucille Soong — the remarkable true story of one woman’s journey.
Lucille Soong is an actress, model, sculptress, and escapee from Mao’s Red Guards. She was the first Chinese fashion model in “Swinging London” where she dated entertainment giants like Cassius Clay (Muhammed Ali). Soong was cast in Darling with Julie Christie and also shared the screen with acting greats like Orson Welles, Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, Sammy Davis Jr., Jamie Lee Curtis, and Mark Harmon.
Her best-known movie roles are from Freaky Friday and Joy Luck Club. Her TV roles include Desperate Housewives, Dharma and Greg, According to Jim, Huff, and most recently the grandmother in Fresh Off the Boat. In 2022, she starred in a movie for the Hallmark network to be released Christmas 2023. Lucille’s life-long journey from China to Hong Kong, to Jamaica, to London, to Hollywood is one of courage, survival, and success.
“Wild Orchid: From Beijing to La-La Land” is the inspiring true story of Lucille Soong, charting her life from pre-Communist China through Jamaica, London, and finally to Hollywood. As a daughter from a wealthy family displaced by political upheaval, Soong’s journey weaves personal resilience, cultural transitions, and artistic ambition.
Born into privilege in China, Lucille’s life takes a sharp turn when her country changes under Communist rule. She and her family endure loss, displacement, and uncertainty. Eventually, Lucille moves to Jamaica, then relocates to London, where she becomes among the first Asian fashion models in Swinging London. From there, she pursues her dreams in Los Angeles, navigating struggles and rejection before finally landing roles in film and television. Her story is one of perseverance, identity, and the courage to redefine home.
This book captivates because it’s both intimate and epic. Soong’s life naturally spans political upheaval, cultural transformation, artistic ambition, and personal sacrifice. The memoir shows how one person can carry multiple identities—Chinese, immigrant, artist—and make them into strengths rather than divisions. Her path encourages readers to believe that fate does not define destiny.
The storytelling weaves rich detail—places, people, challenges, victories—making it not only a life story but a reflection on power, belonging, creativity, and hope. For those fascinated by cross-cultural journeys or stories of quiet courage, this book is a luminous read.
Wild Orchid: From Beijing to La-La Land is a memoir of beauty, struggle, and transformation. Lucille Soong reminds us that life’s journey often winds through exile, reinvention, and hope. In telling her story, she gives voice to countless others who cross borders—geographical and personal—and emerge stronger, more rooted, and ready to flourish.
Purchase book through this link: https://a.co/d/cbf8HdT