China in Ten Words

De: Yu Hua, Allan H. Barr - translator

Narrado por: Don Hagen

From one of China’s most acclaimed writers, his first work of nonfiction to appear in English: a unique, intimate look at the Chinese experience over the last several decades, told through personal stories and astute analysis that sharply illuminate the country’s meteoric economic and social transformation.

Framed by ten phrases common in the Chinese vernacular - “people”, “leader”, “reading”, “writing”, “Lu Xun” (one of the most influential Chinese writers of the twentieth century), “disparity”, “revolution”, “grassroots”, “copycat”, and “bamboozle” - China in Ten Words reveals as never before the world’s most populous yet oft-misunderstood nation. In “Disparity”, for example, Yu Hua illustrates the mind-boggling economic gaps that separate citizens of the country. In “Copycat”, he depicts the escalating trend of piracy and imitation as a creative new form of revolutionary action. And in “Bamboozle”, he describes the increasingly brazen practices of trickery, fraud, and chicanery that are, he suggests, becoming a way of life at every level of society.

Characterized by Yu Hua’s trademark wit, insight, and courage, China in Ten Words is a refreshingly candid vision of the “Chinese miracle” and all its consequences, from the singularly invaluable perspective of a writer living in China today.

©2011 Yu Hua (P)2012 Gildan Media, LLC

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Moving and elegantly crafted . . . Offers rare insight into the cause and effect of China’s "economic miracle", focusing close attention on the citizens of the world’s most populous country. With an intimate tone and witty prose, Yu looks at the "effects that seem so glorious and searches for their causes, whatever discomfort that may entail," training his incisive eye on the quotidian as well as the grand . . . His book describes his particular experience, but hints at something much more expansive.” ( Publishers Weekly)

Great stories, amazing book.

Really an honest and open introspection about the author own experiences and China as a whole. Really enjoyable times and it really opened my eyes to the current Chinese culture.
I didn't like the narrator, but only because it felt he didn't care about the content of the book. Nevertheless the narration is not terrible,

10 For 10! Great Book on China!

- People
- Leader
- Reading
- Writing
- Revolution
- Disparity
- Copy Cat
- Bamboozle

These are just a few of the 10 words that the author uses in describing not only historical China, but today’s modern China.

As a frequent visitor to China myself, I would say that the writer is spot on with just about everything that he’s telling us. China is a culture rich in tradition, history, and amazing people, who have gone through evolution of change in leadership, and now are surging ahead to become the global economic power in the world in a short time.

If you have an interest in China, this book will be perfect for you. It’s short, concise, and the author, Yu Hua, does a fantastic job of keeping us engaged throughout.

Enjoy reading about China, old and new, and this excellent book, China in 10 Words!

Compelling Collection of Essays

This book has a unique structure as a collection of essays on life in China. The focus is primarily on the Cultural Revolution and its impact on the author's life. Definitely an interesting read with a unique structure.

thoughtful and well delivered first-hand experienc

A truly remarkable account of life in China simplified into ten word/concepts. A balance of thought provoking examples on the uniqueness of China from the eyes of a child and an adult -- the author

Different than expected.

I thought this was a history of China with a focus on chines characters. What it is is more of a biography. It is a story of his life with the grand events of China seen through his eyes and the experiences he had. Once I got over the change of expectation and knew what I was listening to I really enjoyed it. Small vignettes of stories that were priceless in the crazy 20th C China.