China Books

Fiona Sutton is beautiful, young, and of Celtic heritage. Even her name is Celtic and means if it matters one bit. She and her family make preparations to attend the Celtic festival. The Saline Festival is one of the largest Celtic festivals of the year. On her way to meet her mother at the fair, Fiona is in a car accident that changes her life. After being knocked unconscious, she begins wondering if she is having hallucinations when she finds herself in another time and place. Befriended by some people passing by, she is taken to their home. As she heals, she learns about the people. Ancient China holds a time when nomads wandered and warriors were often barbaric, and Fiona is in the midst of events. One person, in particular, who strikes a cord in her heart, is Kellach, a very handsome warrior and master of seduction. He plays an instrument known as the Ruan, and even though a novice, he does well, while on a quest to win Fiona's heart. As one of Celtic heritage, he and Fiona discover a love like no other but it appears that consequences stir up a force to reckon with when she is cast back to the present. She tries to explain everything to her parents but they are certain it's trauma from the accident. This can't be happening to her, she is married to Kellach and now she is back home, as if nothing happened. She is certain it was real. Somehow she has to find a way back to Kellach or has he disappeared into the mists of time?

The excitement and joy I felt after reading this book was enormous. Fiona is a love to pass all loves. The characters are crafted well, making them almost believable in all their actions and emotions. Rich in historical data, I was carried in time, right along with Fiona, as she meets Kellach for the first time. Just imagining waking up and finding oneself in another time period with different lifestyles and people, this story was so gripping it was like being in the center of all the action. I found this page-turner hard to put down once I started it. The way P. L. Parker allows Fiona to learn another way of life and get caught in all the different aspect that surrounds her is marvelously done. She blends a romance to last through eternity, it is absolutely timeless. Impressible, implausible, and elegantly done, this is one story that I don't think I will ever forget!

Reviewed by: Linda L.

I loved the book. Once I started reading it, I couldn't let go.... The book had everything in it---the busy modern every day life, mother/daughter relationship, child birth, the simple life, the everlasting love, and especially the unknown. The book touched me in a way that it's hard to explain, and I'm sure everyone will connect to it in their own ways. It's hard enough being an outsider whatever the circumstances may be. The young and beautiful girl, Fiona, has the ability to easily adapt to her new surroundings, learn a new culture, and continue being strong without forgetting who she truly is. I was very impressed by the way the author commingled the good with not so good things in life. There is so much more to this book... the romance, the other characters. I would definitely recommend Fiona to everyone. WHAT A GREAT BOOK!

This is an absolutely wonderful book to read. The way that Ms. Parker describes the characters, they actually come alive when you are reading this book. It is full of wonderful historical information and interesting characters that are really well described. This is one book that is hard to put down until you have read the whole thing. A must read.

I think this is a great book to read for the sole purpose of wanting to know more about the Flying Tigers or the AVG . I have been tryin to read this book for mounths but I always get side tracked by a school report of reading assignment but I finally finished the book and I love it.

Chuck Baisden's story of his true life adventure is great reading for those interested in what it was really like during WWII. Many historians have a way of writing that may give us a more complete picture, but I like the direct honesty of someone telling us about events who was actually there and actually did the things that made history. Chuck Baisden's contribution to our freedom in this country makes for a great story and makes me feel grateful.

Chuck Baisden shares the exciting adventure of his participation in the American Volunteer Group (Flying Tigers)who, under the leadership of Claire Lee Chennault, inflicted the first reverses on the military juggernaut of Japan. After the disbandment of the AVG, Chuck reenlisted in the US Army Air Corp and returned to Asia as a member of the First Air Commandos taking the battle behind enemy lines. His career continues up into the jet age as well. Mr. Baisden's experiences are real life adventure and related in a wry and unself-conscious manner. A very entertaining and informative book covering little known operations in a remote theater of war. The book's full of great pictures, too.

This book is a comprehensive look at the relationship of Western and Eastern medicine. It describes clearly and effectively the healing art of Chinese medicine with its herbs and acupuncture. It also explores the history and underlying ideas of Western medicine.

Today, there is growing interest in ancient healing arts like Chinese medicine. The reason for this, shows the author, is the growing knowledge that mind and body are intimately related, that many diseases can effectively be prevented and that we are about to embark on a new era of "energy" healing. In this, there are many paralells between East and West.

In the tradition of Fritjof Capra's The Tao of Physics, The Future of Healing is destined to be a classic and will interest anyone interested in more than just medicine, but in the essence of health and healing.

This book explores the amazing similarities, connections, and commonalities shared by Western science and Eastern mysticism. Milburn distills the knowledge of the ancient Chinese philosophers and reviews the discoveries of both the pioneers of twentieth century physics and the cutting edge contemporary scientists of the "new biology". Striking parallels emerge from this discussion and exciting ideas for a new approach to medicine are presented.
The intellectual triumph and popular appeal of this book are a product of the author's treatment of two seemingly opposite, but equally expansive and difficult, subjects; Eastern and Western medicine. Topics as diverse as the mysteries of Qi and field theory are deftly explained, losing none of the inherent complexity while still easily comprehended by the reader.
For anyone interested in health, on a personal or societal level, "The Future of Healing" is a must. Avenues of thought are available here which can be found nowhere else in such a succinct and entertaing format.

As the review above suggests, this important new book should be compared with The Tao of Physics and read by anyone interested in the future of medicine, either western or Oriental. Milburn's synthesis of the two different systems is clearly laid out, and can serve as a review for those already familiar with some of the concepts. Recommended!

This novel is a well-researched and well written tale of modern world politics and 21st century nuke terrorist activity. The author has created realistic settings, terrific plotlines and well-cast and multi-layered characters.
The author writes a believable tale in a stinging style that is very readable and hard to put down. China and Cuba are allied in economic and military quests and the lead character holds the keys to survival or destruction. A great read for a second book from an author destined to rise quickly!!

"Gideon's Trumpet is truly a Great read! It contains a very believable, quick developing plot that is somewhat frightening considering real world events. The plot and characters were well developed by the author's detailed descriptions. It's a book that's hard to put down once reading has started. VP-45's Naval Seaplane Operations were so real that for a few minutes I thought I was back in 1958 Bermuda. Gideon's Trumpet is highly recommended, especially to anyone who likes adventure novels."....... S. Riddle VP-45 Association.

I enjoyed reading this story. It's very realistic and backed up by solid research. As a former East German familiar with the Chinese doctrine I agree with the author. I found this novel to be very entertaining and educational.

This book is amazing. The writer takes a complex subject and makes it understandable and enjoyable. I found the links between cultures and tradtions to be fascinating--especially the geographic and plant connections between China and Appalachia. I can't wait for David's next book.

Great book, full of colorful characters and interesting stories and facts. The author obviously enjoyed talking with all these people (diggers and traders, herbalists and doctors, smugglers and park rangers and many more) and I really enjoyed reading about them and about ginseng. Fascinating book and plant. I need to go plant me some!

Let's see, what do I know about ginseng? It's a supposed herbal panacea, from China (or was that Korea?). It began invading New Age consciousness and health food stores around the time of Woodstock. It has quite a nasty, bitter taste. Oh, and didn't some clever American farmers recently start growing ginseng and selling it back to the Chinese? Clearly what I knew was not a lot, and after reading Ginseng, the Divine Root, I realized half of that was completely wrong. Two facts underpin David A. Taylor's fascinating book: ginseng has been growing in North America for 70 million years; and North Americans have been selling ginseng to the Chinese for almost 300 years.

Treasured by Chinese as a tonic for thousands of years, ginseng had been pushed towards extinction in China when half way around the globe a Jesuit missionary made a fortuitous discovery. In Quebec Joseph-François Lafitau was ministering to Mohawk converts, but in that great theology/science duality so characteristic of his order, he was also intently studying the Iroquois. While there he happened on an article by a fellow French missionary who had travelled extensively in China. Lafitau was intrigued. The article described ginseng, its use and value in Chinese medicine. He then, rather remarkably, set out to see if he could find the plant locally. In 1716 after only three months of searching, Lafitau with the help of the Mohawk, had identified Panax quinquefolium, American ginseng, virtually identical to Asian ginseng. The root had long been used medicinally by the Mohawk and other Native Americans but never with the same passion as the Chinese.

So began a rush for 'forest gold' as thousands in Canada combed the woodlands for wild roots, all destined for a lucrative market on the far edges of the Pacific Ocean. As ginseng fever spread, even Daniel Boone was later involved in the trade down in West Virginia. Ginseng, writes the author, became the United States' first major export to China.

Taylor weaves together the many threads of the ginseng story, a tale that straddles two continents with vastly contrasting cultures. This is reflected, in the differing ways ginseng is valued and used in each. "In Chinese medicine," writes the author, "it's an all-purpose tonic, often blended with more toxic herbs to mellow their effects. In Western medicine it's gaining converts for relieving severe fatigue."

The book reads like an adventure as Taylor follows the American ginseng trail throughout one season, meeting farmers, traders, and various experts, even joining a ranger on a night stakeout in a national park trying to nab poachers of wild ginseng. The story is perhaps most interesting when Taylor joins diggers in the 'hunt' for the root in Appalachia. Wild ginseng is such an idiosyncratic plant that the search for it is considered more akin to hunting - it can, for instance remain dormant underground for several years, waiting for the right conditions before sending up a new shoot. Some diggers claim the plant can camouflage itself or even move! What is more certain is that its relative scarcity these days only adds to the challenge of finding it, and no doubt, to its market value.

It was not until the Seventies, more than 250 years after Lafitau identified the plant that ginseng started to become widely known in the United States. Now Americans spend more than $100 million annually on products listing it as an ingredient.

There are three types of ginseng (in descending order of value): wild, wild simulated, and cultivated. Such is the value of ginseng that 'ginsengers' protect their plants like gold prospectors defend a claim. Even cultivated ginseng, the most common form, is difficult to work with and requires six to eight years to reach the size desired by Asian markets. Wisconsin-grown ginseng is now considered the world's best, and fetches a correspondingly high price. Wisconsin is also the leading exporter.

As quickly as the newer markets for ginseng are growing, China will likely remain the primary market, and not just because of China's huge population and expanding economy. In the West, for every ginseng buff there is a cynic, and five others who couldn't care less. In China by contrast, so strong is the underlying traditional belief in the restorative powers of ginseng. that just about everyone is at least an occasional user.

The book is aimed at the general reader, but industry types might also learn a thing or two given the secretive nature of the business Taylor describes. Readers who are not utter ginseng devotees might find the middle section of Ginseng a little slow, but most of us will be swept through anyway by Taylor's enthusiasm. One chapter though, Served by the Finest Chefs, focusing on ginseng and food, somewhat misses its mark because the central figure, celebrity chef Ming Tsai unlike the other major characters in the book, is not strongly connected to ginseng, at least professionally. He does not cook with the root in his own restaurant, and is surprisingly, unaware of American ginseng.

Taylor winds up this highly engrossing trawl through the history and business of ginseng in Hong Kong and China, meeting with ginseng merchants and visiting specialist markets. We learn, somewhat fittingly for the times, that in China both Asian and American ginseng is now cultivated using modern American methods. That is good news for consumers, but the lasting allure of 'forest gold' has placed the wild root under threat in America, as well as China.

This is a great book for children, with a wealth of information about ancient Chinese culture and history. It is probably most appropriate for children between 8 and 13. Younger children would need to be strong readers or could enjoy this book by reading and doing the activites together with a parent - a great way to absorb the contents of this book for parent and child alike! Weinberg's illustrations are essential to the playful nature of each chapter. Each chapter focuses on an aspect, invention, tradition, or object from Chinese history, and each includes side bars and boxes of "words to know" and an explanation of relevant Chinese characters. The book has a lot of text but is also very visual - making for a deceptively rich presentation. I believe a strength of this book is that it does not simplify things to the point of talking down to the child reader. The activities provide just enough information to spark a child's imagination and don't squeeze out all the fun by providing step-by-step "must be done this way," cookbook directions (except for the recipes, of course). That said, there are a couple of activities where an additional illustration or two would have helped, but this is a minor criticism. I imagine that most children will finish this book having gained a useful body of knowledge about Chinese culture and a heightened curiosity for more.

I had a lot of fun playing around with these projects and I'm way too old to be a kid. They're clearly described, simple to do, historically interesting, and they're just plain fun. A great way to get kids interested in the history of one of the world's most important countries, while still letting them make a mess and have fun. It's just the kind of book to pull out on a rainy Saturday.

An engrossing read for children and young people. The integrated hands-on projects offer the young reader the chance to experience the excitement of technical and scientific discovery.

David Ehrlich, Professor of Film and Media Studies, Dartmouth College

The Haunted Monastery was one of the first of Dee's books I stumbled into while in highschool. Outstanding and complicated... full of period accurate and consistent elements that make it vastly superior to others of its kind... and sporting characters that you really begin to know.
Fans of the development of jurisprudence, whodunnits, and historical fiction simply must try one of these series IMHO... but there's no reason that journey must take place with these excellent stories (that actually take place well after key character establishment in the series): van Gulik's first 4 (and Dee Goong An, his initial experiment) are surprisingly great reading.

I've read all of the Judge Dee Mysteries and this double novel is one of the best. The Haunted Monastery gives fans a fascinating glimpse into Judge Dee's family life, including relationships among his three wives. The plots all revolve around the loves and mores of the Chinese upper and lower classes. The Chinese Maze Murders follows Judge Dee's dangerous attempt to end a criminal overlord's stranglehold on the Judge's new district of Lan-fang. The story of how Judge Dee out maneuvers this ruthless godfather and his hidden backers provides an excellent read. Don't miss this economically priced complete edition of two of the best Judge Dee mysteries

Robert Van Gulik evidently had a lot of fun translating "Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee"; when he couldn't find any more Judge Dee mysteries, he decided to write his own. "The Haunted Monastery" takes place during one night (appropriately dark and stormy) in a Buddhist monastery where several young girls have disappeared without a trace; among the characters are a Taoist sage, a dissolute abbot, a performing bear, and a female impersonator, all set against a backdrop of dark winding corridors, secret rooms and a version of the Taoist Hell. By morning the storm outside has abated, and the mystery inside has been solved. "The Chinese Maze Murders" involves an overgrown, impenetrable (literally and figuratively) garden maze, a painting with a secret clue that will give the key to how to reach the maze's center; two young sisters, and a particularly vile murderer who specializes in torturing and killing young ladies. Of the two, I thought "Monastery" was more fun, but both books are excellent examples of the Chinese mystery genre and Van Gulik succeeds in capturing the essence of the original Judge Dee. Of all Van Gulik's Judge Dee novels, "Monastery" and "Maze" come closest to the unknown Chinese author and are therefore, for this reviewer, his two best original books.

At first glance, you could mistake this work as just another in the growing "I survived the Cultural Revolution" genre of books. However, while this does address Liu's treatment during the Cultural Revolution, it goes far beyond typical books of the genre.

In the words of the late-Arthur Miller, "But it is not quite the now-familiar tale of tortures and endless persecution, for there is a powerful stylistic directness, a wealth of detailed observation, and the passionate humanity of a witness and victim of the most surrealistic tyranny of this or any other age." This sentence is the most apt description, and it isn't surprising that it came from someone once persecuted due to perceived political views half-a-century ago.

This is a powerful read. Liu Binyan joined the Communist Party during the anti-Japanese War in the 1940s. His goal was idealistic, borne out of an undying love and patriotism for his country. Sadly, the leaders of the Communist Party didn't have the same idealistic visions held by Liu. Liu was constantly persecuted for trying to help the Party and thus the country. Liu displays a passion for the common people of China that the Party cadres could have learned well from, but by in large would refuse to do.

This is very readable and compelling. As a journalist himself, Liu has presented a compelling tale of the true situation during his life in China. The fact that this is a translation from the original Chinese does little to detract from the attractiveness of the narrative.

Of interest to this China watcher was the use of time-worn phrases that the Chinese Communists use in the media, all of which within China is under their control. While the phrases have changed to some extent, the media in China still uses such phrases to this day.

While this work is a bit dated in that it was published in 1990, many of the methods used by the media and the control of that media by the Chinese Communists hasn't changed significantly since the time this book was published.

This book is a must read if you are interested in contemporary China, or if you are interested in the general topic of the human struggle for improvement and, most of all, liberty.

Absolutely absorbing! Liu Binyan is showing why he is seen as China's most influential investigative reporter. The book reads like a novel. It takes the reader inside the soul of the ordinary Chinese people. Page after page is filled with images of tremendous dignity and courage in the face of a strangulating system. Characters come alive like the young woman, Zhang Zhixin, who realized that Mao's policies had failed and said so. For this she was condemmed to death by firing squad. But in order to prevent her from having the last word the State cut her larynx. Curt Vonnegut's answer to what it is in the German character that allowed such atrocities to happen in WW2 echoes repeatedly "obedience". Obeying laws that are not in the common good. The spirit of the Chinese people rises high above and will not be quieted by violence. "We will all repent in this generation not only for the hateful words and deeds of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people." Martin Luther King

Absolutely absorbing! Liu Binyan is showing why he is seen as China's most influential investigative reporter. The book reads like a novel. It takes the reader inside the soul of the ordinary Chinese people. Page after page is filled with images of tremendous dignity and courage in the face of a strangulating system. Characters come alive like the young woman, Zhang Zhixin, who realized that Mao's policies had failed and said so. For this she was condemmed to death by firing squad. But in order to prevent her from having the last word the State cut her larynx. Curt Vonnegut's answer to what it is in the German character that allowed such atrocities to happen in WW2 echoes repeatedly "obedience". Obeying laws that are not in the common good. The spirit of the Chinese people rises high above and will not be quieted by violence. "We will all repent in this generation not only for the hateful words and deeds of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people." Martin Luther King

The China market offers much promise to multinational companies, but it's also a tough one to break into - that's why the experience of one who has been there and achieved such breakthroughs is so invaluable. How To Do Business In China shares Shen's own experiences, covering such basics as how to set up China operations, reach into and grow the Chinese market, and how to travel and live in the country. From initial visits and possible side-tracking when the red carpet's rolled out to later growth and development, there's plenty of practical cultural insights alongside business savvy.

Dr. Shen¡¦s unique and outstanding service in Chinese has made this book a great success. The author came to China at the ¡§right time¡¨ just when China made the landmark decision in 1992 to revert to a market economy. As a senior manager charged with P/L responsibilities and BU of China operations for prominent US multinationals, the author had the rare opportunities to interact with senior government officials and gained insights few others could. He accumulated many precious ¡§hands-on¡¨ business experiences that are shared in the book, including how to manage traveling and expatriate living in China. Two of his many precious advices are critical for a successful business operation in China. First, he rightly draws our attention to the need to appreciate the Chinese culture. We are reminded to appreciate the host country¡¦s ¡§social capital¡¨ and turn it to your advantage, not merely limited to its ¡§intellectual¡¨ capital and other soft and hard business environment. Second, his caution that one should not take the sweet commitments of local governments for granted is also well taken. Intense competitive pressure to woo foreign businesses can drive local governments out of the boundary of their legal authority. Lastly, the book is worthy of a serious reading because the author has done it, judged from his successful record in China, one that could not have been earned simply with a sound business plan. Indeed, Dr Shen is one of the early pioneers in the Chinese land for foreign businesses. This book is a must read for anyone aspiring to venture a business in the Middle Kingdom.

This commentator was a senior World Bank economic officer who had stationed in Beijing, China during 1992-97.

A very down to the earth book on China Market.

No philophical or theories on the China Puzzel, but a very inside explanation on the real life,culture,politics and a lot of --between the line--explanation on the business world.

Utilizing his American Chinese background, Dr.Shen has suceessfully given his American readers an birds eye view of this misty and often misunderstood China Market.

A must read manual for China Bound Businessman or Businesswoman.

Very interesting account of an Eurasian American college student's search for his ancestors in China. This book is a real page turner, even for those who have no interest or knowledge of China. Travelers will get a realistic overview of the Chinese history and culture. Very Funny! Well worth the price!

This book was so amazing I read it twice! It is a funny, witty, educational story which really makes you feel like a part of the author's journey. His story is honest and fullfilling. The reader does not even need know much about China to be greatly entertained. I would suggest this book to anyone. I hope the author writes again...Horray for Beadle Lu!

This book combines the funniest "travel stories" I have ever read with lots of useful information including history, very practical travel tips, and a wonderfully insightful analysis of how recent changes in China have affected her people. The author steadfastly avoids any and all "travelogue cliches"- his account is all the more hilarious (and informative) for its brutal honesty.

In addition to all of this, there is a delightful plot twist (related to the title) that is both touching and hysterically funny. (And good plot twists are sometimes hard to find in travel memoirs.) This is one of the most entertaining books I have ever read!