Great Leaps

Finding Home in a Changing China

De: Colin Flahive

Narrado por: Colin Flahive

In Great Leaps, Colin Flahive explores China's rural-urban migration against the backdrop of his own transition from Colorado to southwest China. There he partnered with three friends to open a café that became much more than simply an outpost of Western cuisine in a far-flung corner of the world.

Over the course of a decade, Salvador's Coffee House became home to more than 50 young women from mountain villages in the surrounding countryside. Most knew nothing about coffee or Western food, but they moved to the city to work at Salvador's and earn their independence.

Great Leaps follows the challenges faced by Colin, his partners and his employees as they leave their old lives behind to make a new home in a foreign land. They encounter unlikely successes, endure heartbreaks and nearly lose everything. But by taking the leap together, they all find their own places in the modern Chinese dream.

©2019 Blacksmith Books (P)2024 Colin Flahive

Must-read on China's intricacies

Colin Thomas Flahive’s Great Leaps is a captivating and heartfelt exploration of one foreigner’s journey through the complexities of life in China. Flahive masterfully weaves together personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and business acumen to create a narrative that is both inspiring and deeply relatable. As someone who has always been fascinated by China’s rich history and dynamic present, I found this book to be an absolute gem.

What sets Great Leaps apart is its honest portrayal of the trials and tribulations faced by a foreigner navigating life in a country that is as challenging as it is rewarding. Flahive doesn’t shy away from discussing the difficulties—cultural misunderstandings, bureaucratic hurdles, and the occasional sense of isolation—but what shines through is his genuine love for China and its people. This love is infectious, and by the end of the book, I found myself appreciating the country in new and profound ways.

One of the most compelling aspects of Great Leaps is Flahive’s success in building a socially aware business in China. In a world where profit often takes precedence over purpose, his story is a refreshing reminder that it is possible to create a business that not only thrives financially but also contributes positively to society. His approach to entrepreneurship is both innovative and ethical, offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their field.

For me, the most relatable and touching parts of the book were Flahive’s experiences in the Chinese countryside. His vivid descriptions of rural life, the warmth of the local communities, and the simple yet profound moments of connection are beautifully rendered. These sections of the book reminded me of Peter Hessler’s works, which similarly capture the essence of China through the eyes of an outsider who has grown to love the country. In fact, I would place Great Leaps on par with Hessler’s novels, as it shares the same depth of insight, empathy, and literary quality.

In conclusion, Great Leaps is a must-read for anyone interested in China, cross-cultural experiences, or socially responsible business. It is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of cultural understanding, and the beauty of finding a second home in a foreign land. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy thoughtful, well-written narratives that leave a lasting impression.

Great listen! Full of hope, humor, and heartache

This is the inspiring TRUE story of how an all American kid from Colorado found his American dream in the wild southwest of China. Navigating an unconventional path of adventure, love, success, failure, trauma, and rebirth, Colin maps the challenges of not only the tediousness nature of doing business in China, but also the broad the challenges of being an entrepreneur, all the while sprinkling his narrative with humorous anecdotes and historical context.

His story also includes lessons on how to overcome the all-too-common betrayal of Chinese landlords, reaching compromise with combative business partners, and living with the long lasting trauma of being the victim of a terrorist bombing gone awry.

Great Leaps is a story of inspiration and resilience, hope and heartache, and proof that guts and determination can still make a good idea flourish.

A Fascinating Look at Entrepreneurship and Community in China

I read Great Leaps a few years ago, and it has stuck with me ever since. Flahive does an incredible job of blending personal storytelling with cultural insight, painting a vivid picture of what it’s like to build a business in modern China. While many things have changed in China since his initial journey over twenty years ago, as an expat myself I relate to many of the deeper themes illustrated through his anecdotes and observations.

Flahive’s journey co-founding Salvador’s Coffee House in Kunming is both inspiring and familiar in a human way, especially in how he navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship while creating meaningful community for himself, his employees, and his customers. The book offers a rare, on-the-ground perspective of life in China beyond the usual headlines, making it a must-read for anyone interested in business, travel, or cross-cultural experiences. Highly recommend!