Recommended summer reads...

Being an avid reader, my move to China has naturally prompted me to take in an interest in several books relating to the topic. With summer approaching, I thought I'd pass on a list of some of my favorites- a mixed bag so there should be at least one title listed below that will appeal to you, no matter your taste in books. I'm also attaching a link to Amazon so that you can read the professional reviews as well. In no particular order:



China Inc.:How the rise of the next superpower challenges America and the world by Ted C. Fishman

My synopsis: Title is self explanatory; however, it's a pretty interesting read (and scary) to realize how far China has come and how fast considering the fact that they were virtually living in the dark ages from 1945 until the early 1980's. Normally I find business books boring but this one is worth the read!

http://www.amazon.com/China-Inc-Superpower-Challenges-America/dp/0743257529



Fried eggs with chopsticks by Polly Evans

My synopsis: True story of Polly and her 1 month journey through China. Pretty much every situation she experiences in the book has happened to me in one form or another. Overall, a humorous look at China, although I hardly think a month is enough to experience this country. Very easy and light read - great for the beach!

http://www.amazon.com/Fried-Eggs-Chopsticks-Hilarious-Adventure/dp/0385339933/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1241162233&sr=1-1



China Cuckoo by Mark Kitto; **Published in the USA as Chasing China

Synopsis: True story of an Englishman who starts one of the first and most successful english language magazines and then has it stolen from him by the Chinese government. But, it's not really about that- it's about his personal journey and how he comes to terms with it and settles down to a quiet life in a Chinese mountain village. Honestly, I probably liked this book a lot because it mostly takes place in Shanghai.

http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-China-Search-Fortune-Found/dp/1602396574/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241162733&sr=1-1



Wild Swans: Three daughters of China by Jung Chang

Synopsis: True story of a girl who grows up during the cultural revolution in China. Starts back with her grandmother in the late 1800's up through the end of the 1980's. Fascinating story and really gives you a true picture of why the Chinese culture is the way it is. Highly recommend!

http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Swans-Three-Daughters-China/dp/0743246985/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241162908&sr=1-1


The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang

Synopsis: Extremely intense book. True story of the Nanking massacre- Japanese troops marched into the city of Nanking and killed hundreds of thousands of people. Read with a box of kleenex nearby and don't expect to be in a good mood afterwards. But, it is an important piece of history that we, as Americans, are not really taught much about. Plus, explains a lot as to why the Japanese and Chinese have such a rocky relationship. By the way, the young author of this book was so distraught after writing it that she committed suicide.

http://www.amazon.com/Rape-Nanking-Forgotten-Holocaust-World/dp/0140277447/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241162982&sr=1-1


Lost on Planet China by J. Maarten Troost

Synopsis: Didn't actually read this one; however, my friend Jodi (also lives in Shanghai) read it and liked it although she did say that it takes a bit of a sarcastic look at life here- sounds like my blog...

http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Planet-China-Understand-Comfortable/dp/076792200X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241163282&sr=1-1



Well, that's it for now although I do have a few new ones lined up on the bookshelf including a biography of Mao Zedong. If you end up reading one of my recommendations, shoot me an email and let me know what you thought.