Lost on Planet China

By: J. Maarten Troost

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

J. Maarten Troost charmed listeners with his humorous tales of wandering the remote islands of the South Pacific in The Sex Lives of Cannibals and Getting Stoned with Savages. When the travel bug bit again, he took on the world's most populous and intriguing nation.

As Troost relates his gonzo adventure - dodging deadly drivers in Shanghai, eating yak in Tibet, deciphering restaurant menus (offering local favorites such as cattle penis with garlic), and visiting with Chairman Mao (still dead) - he reveals a vast, complex country on the brink of transformation that will soon shape the way we all work, live, and think.

This insightful, hilarious narrative brings China to life as you've never seen it before.

©2008 J. Maarten Troost (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Wanna know more about China?

This time, the author travels to China. He gives the daily life, living amongst the locals, the foods, sights and sounds. He admits from the beginning that this isn’t a scholarly sort of book on a China, but more of a book to read if you’re curious about what living there would be like. Very fascinating stuff. Simon Vance is also a plus.

A clever, witty narrative

This is a wonderful travelogue! Mr. Troost writes of many issues in modern China - pollution, the explosion of "capitalism", chinese tourism, censorship - and does so with clever and witty prose. The narration is excellent. I highly recommend this book.

What is this superpower really up to? Bloody hell!

Would you consider the audio edition of Lost on Planet China to be better than the print version?

I get the audiobook precisely because I don't want to read. However, that being said, I couldn't imagine this book without Simon Vance's narration. The British accent simply adds to the outrageousness and curltural extremes. This is an adventure book and as Maarten considers raising children in a world of Chinese dominance, we get an up close and unvarnished view of the makers of everything cheap. 1.5 billion Chinese all living together in smog, close quarters and a dizzy array of sub dialetics. As a power to contend with in the world, China is known to be oppressive, impressive and big!

What other book might you compare Lost on Planet China to and why?

Before starting this adventure, begin with Maarten's book Sex Lives of Cannibals and go on to Getting Stoned with Savages. Come back in the knowledge that whatever is going on in China, we will follow the man lived and drank with cannibals and survived, so how bad can it be there? Really, really bad.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favorite?

Listening to Simon is just too damn funny. As Maarten, the Netherland born, California based, pragmatic english speaking (with a British accent), he is absolutely brilliant.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The cultural shocks in this audiobook are extreme. The Chinese do things their way and the author revealing China, all the warts, beauty, bigness, and amazing discriptions of scenic vistas totally breath-taking in scope.

Any additional comments?

Although the author mentions it a number of times, it should be said that China is big. Really big!

Brilliant and disturbing

Another triumph for J. Maarten Troost, and for Simon Vance. An unbeatable combination. This book gives insights into China and Chinese culture that you won't find in any "politically correct" publication. It's funny, entertaining, and disturbing. Absolutely worth a listen.

Best narrator! Absolutely hilarious

Just so good. I have enjoyed all of Maarten Troosts books, and recommend them all --- especially with this narrator who delivers wit and lot better than I've heard in ages.

True to what a visit to China is like

What did you love best about Lost on Planet China?

The authors point of view is very funny.

What other book might you compare Lost on Planet China to and why?

Hotel at the top of the world. Similar humor.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

He's performance was incredible. I will look for him w hen making future purchases.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Talking to the lamps.

Any additional comments?

This is a great look at China.

Never for the squeamish or the easily insulted.

Maarten turns his edgy wit to his travels again.

So is Maartin bias? -- Sure! Funny? - heck yeah -- but he's also not wrong about what he's seeing either. I can see a lot of folks getting their panties in a twist if they think this is going to be some soft love letter to China - NOPE - at best this is a Loving Roast Comedy night for a retiring colleague who used to get on your nerves a lot..

The book opens with Maartin living at Sacramento CA and then onto China for his book research. Having grown up in Sacramento I can say Maartin's wit is calibrated to be brutal - but he's honest. So while I felt slightly maligned having my hometown so roughly treated my Maarten - having lived there I know he's on the level. Many Parts of Sacramento are like someone transplanted bad sections Oklahoma City to CA. His names for his Meth-head neighbor's kids is so perfect - omg. I pity him for living in a dumpy part of the city.

So I imagine Maartin's treatment of China is the same - truthful, but rough handling. And lets face it - his Wit is Funny as hell. Lots of insight - plenty of harsh humor in the face of man of life's frustrations. Maartin's books are never for the squeamish or the easily offended. It is however very worth the listen to his new material here. IF you liked his first book - then you'll know what you're getting into here.

Bon Voyage! or in Chinese - lù shang xiǎo-xīn!

Fabulous!

Have told everyone I know about this book. A travel log, political commentary and history lesson all rolled into one. Don't miss it.

Interesting, but...

this booked was interesting, but not near as entertaining as his first two books. would highly recommend the others, but maybe not this one. it is obvious he didn't like China from day one. Also, the ending was such a cliff hanger and I want to know what happened, but not really sure if I want to see if there is a follow up book to find out. Sorry, wish I liked this one more.

Awesome Book and Narrator!

I really enjoy J. Maarten Troost other books. They are well written. I would recommend all of them