This is a fiction book for educated and modern women----the future of the world. The book is about women's issues, it is also about Taoism and how it fits into modern life. The book appeals to women (18-55) who are spiritual and seekers. The story line: A modern woman journalist from Manhattan (The Center of the Universe) travels to Tibet to interview Michelle Yang, an American who has lived at a remote Tibetan monastery since 1968. Michelle is an enlightened Taoist priest (the only westerner or woman) and has a cult following around the world. It is in part the story of Michelle's struggle to find enlightenment --- She was raped by Red Guard soldiers and had the hardest time answering the question: "What is the sound of one hand clapping." Joan the journalist returns to the United States with new eyes and an enlightenment of her own. The book explores lives united by the philosophy of Taoism.