Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Great chick lit! Snow Flower and the Secret Fan tells the story of two girls who grow to womanhood in remote villages of 19th century China. The reader is taken deep into Chinese culture with descriptions of footbinding, domestic skills, marriage and family relationships, and socio-economic status. But the key is the relationship between the two girls, Lily and Snow Flower, who are born on the same day and are allowed to become laotongs; that is, they sign a contract at age 11 to become life-long friends. Lily is the book's narrator, but she has limited knowledge of Snow Flower's life. As the relationship plays out over their lifetimes, Lily learns more of who Snow Flower is; and in doing so, reveals her own limitations.