Good books about China?
 

Can you recommend any good, enjoyable books on China? I'm looking for books on the history and people, and really any that will give me a better understanding of what has and is going on there. Thanks!

Oh goodie...FINALLY!!!...another reader!! YES!! Do a search under Books and Movies about China and you will find one thread that is very detailed about this very thing. I have been reading for 6 months and listed out some of the books I have read..and what I thought.....although I'm hardly the last word. New additions are:<BR><BR>Shanghai 37 Vicki Baum Really enjoyed this one!!<BR>The Heir.....part of a sequel....didn’t care for the writing...Henry Luk<BR>The China Bride.....Mary Jo Putney.....ok!<BR>In the Pond.... Ha Jin A modern chinese writer....enjoyed the book.....black humor and<BR>interesting<BR>Peking Opera Colin MacKerras excellent short book.....gave great info to help for an<BR>appreciation<BR>Just finished "Life & Death in Shanghai" by Nien Cheng and LOVED IT! <BR><BR>Start w/ Wild Swans...if you read only one book, this is the one to read IMHO!!! Let me know how you do.....I leave April 11th....and can hardly wait!!! Happy reading! :)<BR>

Thanks, Leanna! I just ordered Wild Swans. I have 6 months or so to read like mad!

Also recommendable is "The binding chair, or a visit by the foot emancipation society" by Kathryn Harrison <BR>- but Wild swans is definately a must!<BR>Try also books by the author Anchee Min.<BR>Happy reading!

I read a book called The Bonecutter's Daughter by Amy Tan. A novel? Yes, but a look at what life was like for past generations of folks raised in China. It was new last year likely available in paperback now.<BR>Michael

Just finished a bio on Mao by his dr. It was very interesting and easy to read. My accupuncturist who is Chinese also had read it and told it was a good choice! I believe the drs. name was Li. Anyway I got it thru the library All of Amy Tans books are super I think!