China Books

Jiaogulan, China's Immortality Herb, is full of information about this new herb (new in the West anyway). I picked it up because I have high blood pressure, and this herb is known to normalize blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and help with general heart health. The evidence of the herb's efficacy in treating many health problems is impressive! And it's all backed up with scientific studies. I have to admit, I ended up buying the herb and using it, and it has helped me lower my blood pressure without taking any heavy drugs. What a relief! Read this book if you are at all interested in improving your heart health!

In China and Japan, jiaogulan is also prescribed by herbalists for the treatment of obesity. Having become somewhat overweight myself, I was delighted to find that over a period of one year, and with the help of a lot of fruit and vegetables and a lot of walking, I was able to lose 18 kilograms.

I received this book as a gift and began drinking Jiaogulan Tea at about the same time I started reading the book. My personal results has been positive from both items. I was amazed at how the topic was so thoroughly researched in so many countries. I have to say that this book really brought attention to the idea that there may be lots of remedies for healing from the Eastern world that may never make it into Western countries. If one herb has been so completely researched in China, Japan, and the USA, it seems like it should be made available to people in all countries. Thank you M. Blumert and Dr. J. Liu for a great and meticulous job on the assembly of such important research results available about Jiaogulan.

The courage of this beautiful lady to even publish such a book is fantastic. Her portrayal of that very difficult time in Chinese history without rancor, but with great forgiveness and love, is very encouraging for Christians everywhere. I only wish I could speak to her personally.

Ms. Duan's life and book are a testimony to the incredible uphevals that have occured in China during this century. From the perspective of a Chinese Christian, Ms. Duan has written a book that integrates her culture and her faith. This book captures the life of a unique woman who has lived a humble life and provides the reader with a window into Chinese life. Definitely a book both to inspire and inform.

This book is most inspiring to those of us who live in a world where we are free to believe and worship as we wish. Julia Duan endured hardships most cannot understand by exhibiting a strong faith through recalling hymns and scripture memorized years in the past. She can inspire us all.

I picked up this book on the advice of a friend who knew I was interested in the plight of US intel officers John Downey and Richard Fecteau, and indeed Philip Smith provides new (to me) details and insights into the captivity they shared. But in its own right, Smith's story of his incarceration as a prisoner in China should be a classic, in the sense that it will endure. In a real sense, this is the book that neither Downey nor Fecteau would write, and it honors all of them for their perservance in the face of evil. Given that the threat remains, this should be on the reading list of all military branches and some other government agencies I know. Highly recommended.

Phil's story was personal for me: My dad is Lt Col Dayle Carlson (ret) who, with Harvey Quackenbush, went out to find Phil Smith. What an honor to have such bravery as a part of my history. It was a gripping story; how many of us can even imagine the tenaciousness required to survive solitary confinement for so many years. Thank you, gentlemen, for your service to our country. You make me proud to be an American.

It was an honor to have been a beneficairy of the democracy this man fought for. His perseverance in times we could only imagine through such excellent writing is inspiration for us all. To try to feel one fraction of his emotion is our challenge we probably could not accomplish. His spirit and disipline are unparelleld.

Colonel Smith's story begins with an unbelievable turn of events that if they weren't true, you would think they were scripted fiction. If anything could go wrong on his fateful day it did. As he takes you through the result of those misfortunes, his attention to detail puts you looking over his shoulder and wanting to lean in to help him. The feelings, pride and emotions he exhibited were enough to keep the pages turning and make you want to read faster and faster. As the events of his debacle unfold you'll find yourself wishing this wasn't history-that it was happening now and you could do something about it early on before it became his nightmare. The writing style is complete and solid without becoming too technical. It has interesting insight into the pilot and soldiers roles and duty without losing sight that it is a story of courage, faith, family and most of all hope. This is the perfect story to make us all take a step back to help us forget the little things that may be a nuisance and appreciate the big things that are taken away from some. It will make you look at all who protected us and our freedoms gratefully.

An astonishingly beautiful photographic essay of the life of one of Tibet's greatest lamas of this century. Khyentse Rinpoche was a teacher of the present Dalai Lama and of many other high lamas whose sparkling wisdom and warm compassion shine through even in photos. The author Matthieu Ricard is an ordained monk in the Tibetan tradition. He recently accompanied Khyentse Rinpoche on a trip to Tibet. The photographs in this book document the trip in a most vivid portrayal of a living Tibetan culture. It is amazing to see how glorious was the greeting given to this renowned lama upon his return to Tibet. We are treated to a pictorial feast of rites, costumes and throngs of devoted welcomers. The accompanying text tells not only the story of this wonderful trip but also of the life and teachings of Khyentse Rinpoche, the profound influence of which can be felt just by browsing the pages.

I admit that much of the time since I've owned this book, when I go thru it, it is just to look at the photographs. Ricard has captured "Shangri-la": I don't know of any more evocative photographic collection. The faces, the costumes, the landscapes: all the mystic of Tibet and its Buddhism. A good reason to want to visit Tibet.

If you can disengage yourself from the photographs (which I find hard to do) then there are many teachings from Khyentse Rinphoche that point to the benefits of naked awareness.

The combination of amazing photos and amazing teaching may be just what we need to begin to eschew distractions and meet reality head-on. It soon overwhelms me each time I try that, but, as I get older, I wonder how often I can put off the challenge that teachers like Khyense Rinpoche present. Is it trickery or the deepest insight?

Whether you are Buddhist or not, this book will be a rare gem. Here are some reasons I would own this book :

1) Rare and beautiful pictures on the most sacred place in the world

2) Learn something about the mysterious Tibetan Buddhism

3) Words of Wisdom (I mean real Wisdom, in condensed form) throughout the pages would awake you and set you contemplating

This is a great memoir on one of the greatest spiritual teacher that takes the reader on the journey of history and geography, culture and tradition, religion and philosophy. With or without realising it, you are learning the most important lesson in life, with enjoyment.

If there was a book that kept you awake till 3.00am in the morning (of course it depends on what time you started reading), this is it!

Once again the Padmakara Translation Group does an exemplary job of translating this fascinating life story of Tibet's most famous and influential master (yes, she was a female from Tibet born over 1200 years ago, who was renowned as the great Indian yogi Padmasambhava's main Tibetan disciple/consort, and responsible for spreading his teachings through the planting of termas or "hidden treasures").

This tale is a traditional "namthar" or spiritual biography which is meant to teach on many levels. Sometimes these kinds of stories are a bit too fantastic for the modern (literal-minded) reader, but this translation does a good job of presenting Yeshe Tsogyal as both humane (intimate and familiar) and fantastic (divine consort of Padmasambhva and mother of Buddhism in Tibet). It is a fun, lively story (full of joys and sorrows, intrigue, struggle and liberation), and not a dry retelling of an old tale.

As good as the story is, my favorite part is the introductory chapter where the translators put the Lady's life and tradition into perspective. They give one of the clearest explainations of how our Buddha Nature (ever present and unchanging in all beings) is obscured by ignorance and revealed through the accumulation of merit and pointing out instructions of a genuine master (Padmasambhava and then Yeshe Tsogyal in this case).

This is a remarkably complete and complex story of personal liberation, Tibetan history, direct and symbolic spiritual instructions and some might say, an early feminist statement, but I tend to disregard her gender, and even her nationality-cultural identity. What matters is how she served her master, and what she accomplished and disseminated... a practice legacy we are still directly benefiting from today.

Yeshe Tsogyal, or White Tara, was a rare example of a female buddha. She has walked the earth many times but her 200+ years here with Padmasambhava left a legacy for all mankind that we are still learning from. She left behind many treasures and teachings for us to use as we grow. Some treasures are still to be found.

To understand Yeshe Tsogyal is to understand the true meaning of compassion and detached giving. These are lessons for all time.

it seems the tradition of retelling life-stories in tibet was largely for teaching purposes. this book does that part well. a valuable support for the depressed yogini.

The first chapter is a bit tedious, but after that you can't put the book down. It is page turning and can be read in one sitting. You simply do not want to stop reading it.

I recommend it to everyone.

Letta in China book is a MUST read for EVERY Christian!!! No matter whatever situation you are in - this book will never fail to minister to whoever read it!!! I was very, very encouraged when I first read it and it has definitely changed my life tremendously!!!
I am going to reread this book again because it is so uplifting and encouraging and it has NEVER fail to minister to its readers!!
IT IS A MUST HAVE BOOK FOR EVERYONE!!! It is a small investment with HUGE returns!!! You will be GREATLY BLESS!!

What a wonderful book of God's faithfulness.This book change my life!
Letta testimonies of God's greatness and faithfulness will change your life.This book is for every christians that want to experience God's miracles in their life.Every missionaries must read this book.

I was so impressed with the beautiful message and captivating illustrations of this book! As a licensed clinical social worker and upcoming occupational therapist, I have worked with dozens of adopted children who long to understand and organize emotions related to their life changing adoption. The author, a mother of an adopted child herself, has created a story that serves as an excellent tool for caregivers of adopted children to do just that. I highly recommend this book to all parents of adopted children, as it paves the way for children to express emotions and thoughts to their parents with ease. Creating this opportunity for your children is critical to the parent-child relationship. Most importantly, this books reminds all people of the ultimate love- selfless love- that every child so much deserves.

The illustrations in this book are gorgeous and they go along well with the story. The characters all look so soft and sweet, the illustrator has an amazing talent and she deserves recognition! Way to go ladies!

When adopted children do not have access to a birthparent and the answers they are looking for, adoptive parents become the sole source of this information - and their child's perception of what it means to be placed for adoption. As a birthmother, with an agenda of spreading the word on the love that goes behind this decision, I was extremely pleased to receive a copy of Letters of Love from China by Bonnie Cuzzolino. In an effort to provide answers to her daughter, adopted from China, author Bonnie Cuzzolino brings us an endearing children's book written as through the voice of a birthmother who writes to answer her child's questions. Illustrator Jax Bennett brings the letter to life with beautiful pictures that share the birthmother's love of her child and her country. The book begins "To My Precious Daughter," and provides the story of the birthmother's thoughtful but difficult decision to place her child with another family through adoption. The love that drives this decision is undeniable. Then, the book goes on to tell the child a bit about the country they were born in, China. The descriptions and illustrations share the traditions and beauties of the country that anyone can appreciate. By following this format, the book not only lets the child know how much they are truly loved (by birth families and adoptive families), but shows a respect for their beginnings and the country where their life began. The book helps children to see their self-worth and be proud of ALL that makes them who they are. It is a beautiful resource for adoptive parents with children from China, and an inspiration for all adoptive parents on how to talk with their child about being adopted. I highly recommend Letters of Love from China, and commend author Bonnie Cuzzolino for her insight and love when creating this heartwarming book.
By Patricia Dischler, Author, "Because I Loved You: A Birthmother's View of Open Adoption."

The account of John Birch's life is a great testimony of God's power today and how God can use individuals to accomplish His will. John Birch was a Baptist from Georgia and he was killed by Communists in China where he worked for the US Army and also started missionary work. John Birch is a great role model for a Christian, and for all those who desire integrity, character, strength and honor in a man's life. In fact, this book has led me to join a Baptist church in Tennessee since John Birch was strong for the Lord and he was a good Baptist. It is so revealing and amazing to read the letters he wrote shortly before his sacrificial death. This book is heartily recommended. The only flaw about the book is that the author seems not to be a faithful Christian because he expresses belief in evolution and does not focus on John Birch's life of faith, and his relationship to the Lord's church. But the words and actions of the missionary John Birch speak louder than the author's opinions and views.

In April, 1942, the Rev. Birch, Baptist missionary, was eating supper somewhere in China, and was approached to aid the crews of the Doolittle Raiders to safety from behind enemy lines. He volunteered for military service as a chaplain at that time. He was approached by Gen. Claire Chennault of the American Volunteer Group (Flying Tigers) who had other ideas. Rev. Birch was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on July 4, 1942 and served the remainder of the war as an intelligence officer, but preached whenever he could. Ten days after the cessation of hostilities, August, 1945, by then a Captain, John Birch was brutally murdered by Chinese Communists of Mao Tse Tung's 9th Route Army.

The account of John Birch's life is a great testimony of God's power today and how God can use individuals to accomplish His will. John Birch was a Baptist from Georgia and he was killed by Communists in China where he worked for the US Army and also started missionary work. John Birch is a great role model for a Christian, and for all those who desire integrity, character, strength and honor in a man's life. In fact, this book has led me to join a Baptist church in Tennessee since John Birch was strong for the Lord and he was a good Baptist. It is so revealing and amazing to read the letters he wrote shortly before his sacrificial death. This book is heartily recommended. The only flaw about the book is that the author seems not to be a faithful Christian because he expresses belief in evolution and does not focus on John Birch's life of faith, and his relationship to the Lord's church. But the words and actions of the missionary John Birch speak louder than the author's opinions and views.

I am so glad to find these books again. I used to check them out at our local library and they looked pretty old back then (I am almost 37!). I cannot wait to share them with my little girl, I hope she enjoys them as much as I did.

The Little Pear stories are fabulous. My four year old daughter loves them and we read them over and over. They are perfect for this age and older.

These little pear stories are just good clean fun. Not many books are written like this one these days.

Little Pear is a young chineese boy. In this chapter book he has many adventures. In these adventures he learns newthings such as ice fishing and baby sitting.

Ms Melvin has written a book that most expats living in China will find familiar. Using Mao's quotes she highlights many of the trials, humor, and experiences of living and doing business in China. From being "useful" to avoiding "arrogance" a newbie to China will many useful thoughts.
Chinese have a long memory and many of today's difficulties are found in events that happened decades ago. You will also get an appreciation for Mao Thought and find it hard to decide if it is his genius or his ability to record the Chinese character that makes a study of his quotations a must.
If your company does business in China, especially if you are sitting in your nice office in the West, you need to read this book. If you are on your way to China, this is one of a half dozen books you need to read.
Other good books,
Thick Face, Black Heart,
Geography of Thought, How Asians and Westerners Think Differently
Lonely Planet China
Oracle Bones : A Journey Between China's Past and Present
Cowboys and Dragons : Shattering cultural myths to advance Chinese/American Business.
The Asian Mind Game
Get them from Amazon

Despite its title this is not a 'little' book. It brims over with insight drawn from the profound paradoxes shaping today's China. And just as his portrait still hangs in front of the Forbidden City and his body still lies in Tiananmen Square, at the heart of all China's paradoxes is Chairman Mao. What can one of the most destructive figures in history teach us about the world of 21st century business? Well because it's China a great deal. Sheila Melvin writes with genuine flair and is able to draw on her experience in 'China business', as a journalist and as an academic. She is able to bring Mao back to life and reveal to the reader his continuing influence in the radically transformed China of today.

So much more enjoyable and insightful than the majority of 'China business' books. A must for all who are engaged with China today.

Although Mao died 30 some years ago, his imprint on generations of Chinese people has survived. If we want to be successful in dealing with this emerging super power, we must try to understand the mentality of the Chinese people. There is no better subject than Mao himself because the current Chinese business and governmental leaders continue to think and practice his thoughts in their pursue of economic and political power. Sheila Melvin did a fantastic job in synthesizing contemporary Chinese history, interviews with Chinese leaders, and her own experience at American Business Council in this fun yet serious book. Highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about China and her people.