Colorful story of Shanghai socialite's 100-year journey in book

[Photo provided to China Daily]

To make a living for the family, Koo became one of the first staff members at the UN protocol and liaison department in New York.

Her colleagues were either from aristocratic or wealthy families, and the book records－in a light vein－how she worked for political leaders on the international stage.

The book also talks about her new married life and how she helped Chinese immigrants in the US.

Shirley Young, her second daughter, says her mother is so kind and caring to people around her that even now she manages to keep the Koo family of more than 200 people together.

Zhou Mingwei, head of China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration, says he feels the book will be a great influence on young readers.

"Of all the photos I saw her in, in seven she was dancing, even though she's older than 100," Zhou says.

"She is not a legendary career woman, but her biography shows her greatness. She loves life and is optimistic whatever happens, and always thinks of others."