• Chinese Rules

  • Mao's Dog, Deng's Cat, and Five Timeless Lessons from the Front Lines in China
  • By: Tim Clissold
  • Narrated by: Stephen Critchlow
  • Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (50 ratings)

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Chinese Rules  By  cover art

Chinese Rules

By: Tim Clissold
Narrated by: Stephen Critchlow
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Publisher's summary

From the author of the acclaimed Mr. China comes another rollicking adventure story - part memoir, part history, part business imbroglio - that offers valuable lessons to help Westerners win in China.

In the 21st century, the world has tilted eastwards in its orbit; China grows confident while the West seems mired in doubt. Having lived and worked in China for more than two decades, Tim Clissold explains the secrets that Westerners can use to navigate through its cultural and political maze.

Picking up where he left off in the international best-seller Mr. China, Chinese Rules chronicles his most recent exploits, with assorted Chinese bureaucrats, factory owners, and local characters building a climate change business in China. Of course, all does not go as planned as he finds himself caught between the world's largest carbon emitter and the world's richest man. Clissold offers entertaining and enlightening anecdotes of the absurdities, gaffes, and mysteries he encountered along the way.

Sprinkled amid surreal scenes of cultural confusion and near misses are smart myth-busting insights and practical lessons Westerns can use to succeed in China. Exploring key episodes in that nation's long political, military, and cultural history, Clissold outlines five Chinese Rules, which anyone can deploy in on-the-ground situations with modern Chinese counterparts. These Chinese rules will enable foreigners not only to cooperate with China but also to compete with it on its own terms.

©2014 Tim Clissold (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Two books in one, one excellent one boring

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The book actually consists of two sections, which alternate from chapter to chapter. One of these consists of 'Chinese rules' derived from very interesting historical events and figures. Among these are Macartney's visit to the Qing court, The Taiping rebellion, Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution and Deng Xiaoping's opening up and reform. I have read about of of these many times before but I still found these chapters highly enjoyable, well written and informative. The way they conclude with a clear learning that still applies to (doing business with) China today is very useful.

The other half of the books tells about Clissold's trials and tribulations as a carbon credit trader. Maybe it's the fact that carbon trading is a rather dry subject matter which I have no real interest in, but I found these chapters to be dragging and boring. With the exception of a case of forged documents by one of Clissold's business partners and a disastrous baijiu night there's not much that stuck from these chapters. Also, the way they are supposed to illustrate the five rules that are described in other chapters feels forced.

I would have loved to read about another 5 lessons instead of Clissold's personal business dealings.

Would you be willing to try another book from Tim Clissold? Why or why not?

Maybe, depending on the subject matter.

Have you listened to any of Stephen Critchlow’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Haven't heard any of his other narrations. I found his work on this book enjoyable because it comes with a typical English delivery that suits the book. His pronounciation of Chinese words and names is not very good but I found it less annoying than with other performers.

Did Chinese Rules inspire you to do anything?

No

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Off we go into one man's encounters with China

Entertaining read/performance. Not sure where it was hearted in the beginning, but once you let the author go where he wants to, the collage hell into place and made more sense.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

great book if you ever went to china

I think it is a valuable book for anyone want to go to china. it is even better for fob like me to understand my culture again. Tim's British humor make the whole book very entertaining!

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