Asia Books

This is an exelent book. Great for all ages. If you are looking for some luaghs or just fun stories this is the book for you. Even if your not looking for either just read a chapter or two and you will be hooked on the adventure of this young boy at bording school. His adventures are great.

This is an exelent book. Great for all ages. If you are looking for some luaghs or just fun stories this is the book for you. Even if your not looking for either just read a chapter or two and you will be hooked on the adventure of this young boy at bording school. His adventures are great.

Amazingly funny stories of growing up in a British Borading School in the Himalayas in the 1950s. I found the characters wonderful, the stories extremely well written, and the plots very entertaining. They reminded me of my own time at a borading school in England in the 60s. A delight. Especially good reading if you're feeling under the weather. Switch off the T.V. and curl up with Capers!

In Soldier's Home, Hemingway's fictional account of a soldier returning from the Great War, the protagonist struggles to communicate his experience to the residents of his small town:

"At first Krebs, who had been at Belleau Wood, Soissons, the Champagne, St. Mihiel and in the Argonne did not want to talk about the war at all. Later he felt the need to talk but no one wanted to hear about it. His town had heard too many atrocity stories to be thrilled by actualities."

Captured Honor, a work of non-fiction, begins in similarly painful territory, with a moving description of Jack Elkins' homecoming after service in the War in the Pacific. Elkins had an extremely bad war as a prisoner of the Japanese in the Philippines and Japan, the details of which are frankly told in author Wodnik's compelling account. At war's end, Elkins finds himself pushed to the microphone on the stage of his small town church before an audience that includes his grammar school principal, old girlfriends, the hardware store clerk and his parents, among others. Their eyes search him for clues as to whether he remains the high school quarterback they remember, or has instead been transformed into "some sanitarium freak returned home to mom and dad."

Like Krebs, Elkins finds words inadequate to describe the enormity of his wartime experience. "You either tell all, or tell nothing" he thinks, and elects to keep the awful details to himself for more than 50 years.

Fortunately for us author Wodnik, a good listener and a fine writer, is able to engage Elkins and others who suffered as prisoners of the Japanese in their painful memories. Elkins, who fought bravely at Corregidor, survived the brutal Cabanatuan POW camp, and ended the war as a slave laborer working in the Mitsubishi shipyard in Yokohama, is a compelling subject, an ordinary man enduring extraordinary brutality in wartime. The book includes stirring memories of others including Fran Agnes, an apple picker turned Army aircraft mechanic who witnessed the Japanese destruction of Clark Field and survived the Bataan Death March and Henry Chamberlin, a medic, who is dispatched by his captors to Japan on a Hellship in conditions of unspeakable squalor.

Wodnik's important history is interspersed with scenes from the home front in Everett Washington, such as Veronica Lake flying in to sell war bonds to the star-struck citizenry. The correspondence of Ed Fox, an Everett hotel clerk and book fiend whose deepest influence seems to have been Dashiell Hammett, shows us the underside of a town emerging from the Depression, and fully engaged in wartime production of Boeing aircraft.

Captured Honor is a beautifully written book that presents with unsentimental empathy the stories of nine Americans who fought on Bataan and Corregidor. It juxtaposes these stories with an account of what was happening on the home scene -- specifically, in Everett, Washington, a town busy with war work -- as recorded in the diaries of a bookish hotel clerk. The juxtaposition works; it offers relief, and with these stories, I needed it.

Recently I learned much about the POW experience on the Bataan death march, on the "hell ships" and in the camps in the Philippines and Japan when I found a privately published 1959 novel written by a survivor. To me the other book was fantastical, so hard to believe that I started reading other veterans' narratives in an effort to make sense of it. Now Wodnik's nonfiction account has confirmed just about everything in it.

I think Captured Honor is an essential contribution to the history of the Pacific war -- and that Wodnik must be a gifted interviewer; these are often horrific, unglamorous memories that might have remained unrecorded. Time is running out for gathering these kinds of oral histories. But as hard as it is to read them, I am grateful for this book.

For anyone who is interested in the accounts of these brave men, this author has the ability to translate their memories into a fasinating and heartfelt read.

He put's you as much as is possible "at Corregidor, Bataan, and the infamous Zero Ward at Cabanatuan with Henry Chamberlain. Jack, Galen, Hanson, Johannsen,,, hero's all. It is to men like these we truly owe our right to walk in Freedom.

The book also gives you an account of what is happening at home which is an important part of the telling of the whole story. The auhor's command of the descriptive phrase makes people like Gracie, and Ed come alive. "the window in the room must have looked out onto a sky hanging so low in winter it seemed to scrape bricks from the faces of Seattle's tallest buildings".

Captured Honor .. thank you for capturing the memories for us before they were lost and faded...

Powelson turns to the historical experience of nations for an answer to the central question of economic development: why do some nations grow rich while others do not? The answer lies in the relationship between the decentralization of power and the ability of economic actors to play a role in the formation of transactional institutions. Absolutely necessary for students of development.

Jack Powelson's book, Centruies of Economic Endeavour, gives a clear explanation of why some countries (like the U.S. and Japan) are so much better at providing economic resources to its citizens than other countries, like in Eastern Europe, Africa and South America. His many years in business as well as academia results in relevant and clearly detailed notes for the reader to follow up. This book helped me understand why, even today, so many countries with large amounts of natural resources, cannot seem to get their people out of poverty. Must reading. Highly recomended.

If you believe in Lord Acton's dictum that "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely," this book is for you. There have been a variety of theories why some countries have prospered and some have not. Some say it depends on allowing free trade; some argue it depends on the degree of democracy as opposed to socialism or communism. Douglass North won a Nobel prize for his work to prove that the key is having the right societal institutions. Certainly it takes more than having natural resources.

Professor Powelson (Economics at the U. of Colorado) has worked extensively in developing countries and observed that despite all the good advice these countries received, and had been receiving for 50 years, they were making very little progress. To find out why, he decided to study history, going back over ten centuries in every important region of the world to see what lessons could be learned. His conclusions are startlingly simple: People prosper and societies thrive where there is genuine diffusion of power -- power earned, not bestowed by a ruler. Where power is centralized among a ruling few, the ruling few are able to take care of themselves, but their nations fail to grow and prosper and the people stay poor.

This book explains why every college freshman should be required to study Western Civilization before studying any other. As George Santayana has said already, "Those who ignore the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them." Professor Powelson has written the most important history book of the past century for anyone interested in the lessons to be learned from the histories of Northern Europe, Japan, China, India, Russia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, all covered beautifully in this one book.

I have been meaning to write a review of this particular book for a few years now. This book was recommended by a friend. At first I was first skeptical if I would like the book. You see the monsoons bring mixed feelings for me. Growing up in India, you either like the monsoons, or you learn to live with it. I belonged to the second category, and was never fond of the monsoons, because it meant wading through water logged streets, and the general disruption that accompanied the monsoon season. But, what I liked about the monsoons was an opportunity to sit at home and drink endless cups of tea, and eat hot samosas and pakoras.
So, it was with some misgivings that I started reading the book, and I was hooked within the first few pages. Alexander Frater does an excellent job of explaining all about the monsoons, and the methodical way in which the weather department in India follows the path of the monsoon. Some of them sound almost loving when the track the progress of the monsoon that starts from the South and travels up North, hits the Himalayas, and retreats back via the South, and showers the Southern state of Tamil Nadu. Chirapunjee in North Eastern India is supposed to receive the heaviest rainfall in the world, a fact that many school children in India will recite dutifully when questioned. But, due to the changing weather and climate conditions the rains have not been heavy of late in this area.

Frater tracks the journey of the monsoon faithfully, and tries to race ahead of the monsoon's next port of calling. Frater literally chases the monsoon, and presents an absorbing, and interesting account of his mission. He spends a couple of months doing this, and travels all over in India, including Chirapunjee. Frater has an amazing eye for detail, and is able to capture the naunces of interacting with the Indian bureaucrats, and others that he interacted while chasing the monsoon.

This is one of the best written books about an imporatant and integral part of India, the monsoons, upon which so many people depend. A good monsoon season spells bountfiful harvest, and a bad monsoon spells disaster. The monsoons still control the fortunes of Indian economy, and it is amazing that no one before Frater thought about writing a book on this subject.

I stumbled across this book at the 75% off sale at my university's bookstore; being an Indiophile I purchased it. This book has been hiking, camping & airborne with me. Frater's style is inviting and enveloping. While reading I slip beyond the words to that magical point in which my eyes no longer 'read' and I am there with Frater traveling up the coast of India to meet the rushing Monsoon at its next arrival.
If you are a lover of travelogues I highly recommend this book to you.

I never liked India. Too much confusion, too much humanity. I read this book and now I have an unending desire to visit India; top to bottom. Not during Monsoon, not during the dry season, but sometime in between. Mr. Frater delivers an unblinking look at the beauty and inspiration which lies beneath the clutter and dreck. Damn the weather, look at what's there. I envy you the experience of the first read.

Book Review:
Childhood in South Asia: A Critical Look At Issues, Policies, And Programs

Reading Pattnaik's Childhood in South Asia: A Critical Look at Issues, Policies, and Programs has broadened my understanding of issues surrounding children in South Asia. Undoubtedly, the challenges and dilemmas encounter by children in South Asia are heartbreaking and disturbing. Nevertheless, it is within this context that local and global resources work together to empower and improve programs and policies pertaining to early childhood, as depicted in this book. Pattnaik cleverly weaves diverse perspectives on issues of poverty, violence, education, and social injustice with government policies and education for children of all ages. Moreover, the in-depth analysis of issues surrounding children's human rights and existing policies and programs provided by authors in this edited volume remind readers of similar issues faced by children in their own societies and across the globe. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect presented in this book is the image of the child as a member of society. It is when the child is given a voice and the right to participate in society that we can clearly comprehend the need for efficient and effective government policies dealing with health issues, child care provision, nutrition, education, and many other immediate childhood needs.
Childhood in South Asia: A Critical Look at Issues, Policies, and Programs collectively gathers a monument of valuable research data to vividly expose concrete circumstances that demand international awareness and local intervention by the community, government and powerful entities such as the United Nations. As a graduate student, I truly felt empowered in learning more about issues facing children within a global perspective for social justice. This book has truly and remarkably set the standard for bringing awareness to children's issues on a psychosocial, cultural, and analytical level of consciousness.

Childhood in South Asia: A critical look at issues, policies and programs
By A. E. Wright

The book Childhood in South Asia edited by Jyotsna Pattnaik provides the reader with insight into the issues, policies, and programs that directly and indirectly affect children. Seven of the nine chapters in the book have been written by natives of South Asian countries, including India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The other two chapters have been written by authors who have worked extensively in Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Together they provide a lens into the life of children in these countries that is truly enlightening and deeply moving.
The titles alone are intriguing and draw the reader into the challenges presented: "Caught between a crocodile and a snake" (life in one's home country and refugee camps in an alien host country) and, "Mad dogs and traffic jams: The psychosocial concerns of children in Kabul, Afghanistan" (the return of refugees to a war torn but changing and more stable country). These two chapters along with chapter 8 "Children: Broken promises and silent casualties of conflict in Nepal" highlight the direct and indirect long range impact of violence on children. Something the headlines never capture in their sound bites of war and upheaval. These three chapters provide a much needed wake up call to the true impact of such traumatic events on children.
Feeny's chapter 1 on life in a Rohingya refugee camp, sets a tone for the entire book in that it challenges the reader to rethink the long range impact of policies and programs, such as refugee camps, on the life of children. "Trapped between a traditional homeland that denies them citizenship and a host country that still refuses to offer anything other than the most temporary asylum even after a decade, the Rohingya are, like so many millions of refugees around the world, caught in a transitional state of limbo..." (p 6). The reader must rethink his/her notion of refugee camps as temporary "safe havens" and come to grips with the fact that such camps are often not temporary and have long lasting psychological and sociological impact on individuals.
DeBerry's chapter 3 focuses on the need for a community based "psychosocial" approach for war-affected children that is complemented by local, national, and international advocacy efforts. She argues that those working with children truamatized by war must look beyond its impact on their mental health. The Children of Kabul research shows that the risks to children's psychosocial well being are broader than the experience of violence alone and includes: "family loss and separation, family tensions and violence, the condition of the physical environment, children's work and responsibilities, comparing oneself with others, the attitude of teachers, and even falling in love" (p.73).
In chapter 8, Niraula points out what happens to children and the larger society when political ideologies clash. One chilling reality the reader is left with is why young people often become guerrillas. The author argues that the needs of Nepali children must be at the top of the agenda in seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict that exists in what was once perceived as one of the "most peaceful nations on earth". Unfortunately, children everywhere often pay the price for conflict and are seldom considered in any solutions.
India has the largest population of children in the world with 158 million children between the ages of 0-6. Hence, it is quite appropriate that three chapters seek to draw attention to their issues. Sharma chooses to focus the reader of chapter 2 on the estimated 30 million children under the age of 14 who have one or more disabilities. He skillfully uses four case profiles to illustrate the life of disabled children in India today. Sharma elaborates quite appropriately on the need to "change people's attitude toward disabilities; ensure that maternal and children's health care is available and used; implement inclusive education in schools; empower families and communities; and, provide impetus for voluntary action" (p. 42).
Sriram elaborates in chapter 6 on the need for ensuring infant and maternal health care in India. Probably the most notable message given to the reader is that there is no foolproof methodology that works in all contexts. Child advocates must understand the cultural, social and economic context in which different circumstances exist as well as the need to find ways to sustain efforts if real change is to occur.
In chapter 4, Datta focuses on the daunting task of providing early childhood care and educational intervention to every young child in India. The chapter examines both the efforts that have been made in India as well as some of the factors that impede progress. Datta claims that interventions must be multifaceted, comprehensive, and collaborative in order to address the multiple risks of children coming from economically deprived backgrounds.
Several authors, including Dharmadasa and Wickramaratne in chapter 5, Rasheed in chapter 7, and Pattnaik in chapter 9, reference the impact that ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child have had on initiatives within their respective countries to address the physical, psychosocial, safety and nutritional needs of children. Chapter five specifically examines the responses of Sri Lanka with the help of UNICEF and other agencies to educate communities, families, and caregivers about quality childcare and the rights of children. The authors emphasize the need to "build up joint support groups, including the leaders of state, provincial, and local bodies, as well as leaders from businesses, the media, community organizations, and religious institutions, so that comprehensive services can be provided to children and families..." (p. 130). Chapter 7 emphasizes an issue that is frequently in the news, namely, equal access for females to employment, health care, education, and the political/legal systems.
In Chapter 9, Pattnaik discusses debates and discourses surrounding children and childhood in South Asia as well as implications of these discourses and debates for policies and programs for children. The chapter draws attention to continuing violations of children's rights in the region despite the fact that all the South Asian nations have ratified the UN "Convention on Children's Rights" to protect the human rights of all children. Pattnaik argues that governmental policies such as inadequate state provisions and commitment, failure to prioritize children's issues, failure to highlight the long-term values of education, and failure to see interconnections among issues have contributed to violations of children's rights in the region.
The specific examples of real situations provide a powerful reminder of the realities of many children in this world and the work that must be undertaken to ensure that no child is denied his or her rights. The failure of societies to adequately address the rights of ALL children in the world is poignantly addressed. However, the text also provides concrete real suggestions for moving forward. The impact of economics and conflict on children are underlying themes throughout this book; and, these should be thoughtfully considered by policy makers in every region of the world! Childhood in South Asia will stimulate all child advocates to examine more closely the policies and programs that they set up to address the needs of disenfranchised children, whether in a developed or emerging nation!
One thing is certain, in a world where much of the world's population is in transition, children who have faced many of the challenges highlighted within this book will be in the classrooms of developed nations. How will we respond to their needs unless we have a clear understanding of the complex nature of their prior existence and its impact upon them? Childhood in South Asia provides a clearly written glimpse into the realities of children in emerging and ravaged nations; and, provides the reader with kernels of wisdom on ways to protect children's rights and well-being.

I read this book as a part of a course reading. It introduced me to the realities of childhood in South Asian countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The book reawakened an inner compulsion to get involved in the growing global movement to positively impact the lives of children in developing nations. This book provides great descriptive details of the unhealthy life conditions and desolate existence of children and families through thought- provoking and compelling narratives for those interested in the issues of child labor, illiteracy, disability, child and maternal health issues, refugee condition, and social equality.

For the novice getting a first glimpse at life in this part of the world, it is an ideal introduction to the politics of South Asia. From the dire states of children's life in a refugee camp to their victimization through child trafficking, sexual exploitation, insurgency and war, and extreme poverty, the book exposes the lives, struggles, and aspirations of the people of South Asia, an echo of lives in other developing nations. The book also critically examines programs and policies for children as impacted by the politics within the region's own shores and influences and pressures from the `developed nations.'

For the ethnographic and educational researcher in the field of childhood research, this book is invaluable. It raises questions that beg for investigation and the findings of which will remind national and international communities of their social/political responsibility to make children's welfare a universal reality irrespective of their place and family of birth.

For someone who strongly believes in advocacy for children and looking for ways to make a difference, this book is a must read - one that adds multiple agenda to the on-going discussions on children's issues around the world.
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Nuanced and wide-ranging, there is no better introduction to the texture of late Imperial Chinese culture and society than this volume.

This book gives a detailed picture of Qing Dynasty which ruled China from 1644-1912. It also tells the creation of the mighty empire and how it end feudalism in China. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Chinese history.

This book is a model for what a cultural survey should be. It begins with an excellent brief survey of Chinese history of the fifteenth through nineteenth centuries, then surveys many things I wanted to know about an alien culture. I was most intrigued by the chapter on "Language and Symbolic Reference" (read after my brief traveller's survival course in Manderin). Dr. Smith explored not only the differences between the language and those of the West, but their implications for the Chinese style of thought: e.g., the spoken vocabulary is rich in homonyms and puns, leading to a style of reasoning by analogy and verbal similarity that comes far less naturally to speakers of the Romance languages.

Smith also covers, for instance, social class, economics, religion and philosophy, art, literature, popular culture...an endless parade of the things mere histories rarely mention.
This is certainly the most interesting book I've read in a decade. I highly recommend it.

This book is full of contents while it is easily understandable and fun. After reading this book, you'll have images of China in the futures in your mind that help you plan your busines strategies pretty well. Therefore, those who want to set up a firm in China are highly suggested to read it.

I have lost count of how many books and articles I have read on the past, present and future of China. Without doubt, this is the most readable, the most concise and the most word-economical of any.

The authors claim no special knowledge of China but apply general scenario techniques to the situation and come up with sensible and understandable alternative futures.

As a side benefit, the book contains a lot of socio-economic data.

My only complaint..I find the conclusions slightly pessimistic but can't fault the logic of reaching them

China is the world's third largest economy and America's biggest trading partner in Asia. The path China takes over the coming decades will have a profound impact on business and the economy all around the world. The authors of this book are neither futurists nor experts on China, but practitioners of the art of scenario planning.

In this book, Ogilvy and Schwartz draw on a range of studies conducted for companies anxious to understand the future consequences of the decisions they're making today with respect to China. They present three versions of what China's future might look like and what that will mean for the governments and companies that will be doing business with or in China. Their scenarios are in an absorbing narrative form, like histories written twenty years from now. They explain the predetermined elements, assumptions, and variables that underlie each scenario. They also draw implications and make suggestions about how companies can use each scenario to plan business strategy.

The insights into China's future provided in this book will help global business managers, strategists, diplomats and government policy makers prepare for what many predict will be the Asian Century.

James A. Ogilvy and Peter Schwartz (1946- ) are partners in Global Business Network, a consulting and research firm. They are responsible for the widespread use of scenario planning in business, a process-blending research, trend analysis and well-tutored imagination-that they pioneered in the early 1990s and which Schwartz made popular through his book The Art of the Long View. Joe Flower is a professional writer in San Francisco.

See also my review of THE NEW SILK ROAD: Secrets of Doing Business in China Today by John B. Stuttard.

Author Gu is a brave fellow. He offers straightfoward info and analysis on what is really inside Chinese business and political world. He is highly critical of the Communist ills that continue to cause hellish problems for China and foreign operations inside. Other than this abusive bureaucratic power, Chinese people are very diligent and creative. But the key is to get rid of the overextended bureaucratic power, as so claims by Gu.

This book is a must read -- it is a rare book that reveals the inner workings of the Chinese bureaucratic system. This new edition is very nice, which is sharply revised and expanded. (Five stars for his new edition)

This book is for all readers. Not to mention other things, it contains several dozen case studies on global multinationals doing business in China, like Wal-Mart, P&G, Intel, HSBC, Bank of America, Ford, Siemens, BP, Unilever, Sony, GE, GM, Morgan Stanley, and Microsoft. (Amazingly, this revised and updated volume gives most current info on China -- even events happened in May 2006 are contained here.)

It also gives huge info on emerging Chinese multinationals. All the leading Chinese companies such as Haier, Huawei, TCL, Lenovo, China Telecom, Baosteel, China Oil, Sinopec, CNOOC, and Ping An are studied here. Furthermore, comparisons are made between the Chinese companies and their international counterparts. These discussions are straightforward, covering both strengths and weaknesses.

Its scope is rather wide: the author aims to identify key factors behind global development: causes, effects, and consequences. He offers vast info and analysis on a changing global production, investment and trade map, which involves all nations, rich or poor. Interesting comparative studies involve US, Canada, Europe, India, Japan and China. Above all, he pinpoints opportunities and challenges under globalization.

Also it is highly critical of the abusive Chinese bureaucratic power. Gu claims that China's fundamental weakness is with this overextended, self-appointed bureaucratic power. Vast info and facts are presented to support his statement.

He is a high-profile newspaper commentator/consultant that adds much color to his discussions. The book's key strengths come from the fact that the author has vast first-hand experiences, so that he gives countless insider's stories. Its style and presentation is very reader friendly and straightforward, but its analysis is overpowering.

Author George Zhibin Gu is a high-profile Chinese journalist whose powerful newspaper pieces are widely read. This book is a must read. The reason for my recommendation is simple: This book summarises the key lessons from a fast-changing China under globalization and capitalism.

These lessons are powerful. First, an open society is a must in order to gain true development. Second, having foreign involvement is a key driving force for China's quick development in this era. Third, a truly meaningful development must depend on individual private initiatives other than government bureaucracy.

This book gives rather straightforward analysis on what is behind China's new development. It gives tremendous information on foreign multinationals and investors doing biz inside. Furthermore, it gives huge info on how this foreign involvement affects China's society, government and economy. In particular, it is extremely open about the ills of the Chinese bureaucracy. To overcome bureaucratic barriers, it emphasizes the need for greater private initiative as well as openness, among other things.

Also, the book talks about the ever-increasing influences of China's surge on global development. It gives very insightful analysis on a changing global production, investment, and trade map, as well as manufacturing and job transfers, among other issues.

The book also offers much practical advice on doing biz in China. Numerous case studies are presented, including both successes and failures.

This book, though short, provides a remarkably detailed survey of the Chinese dragon as represented in the art of his native land. Beginning with an overview of early dragon representations and possible sources of inspiration, Mr. Bates' book goes to considerable effort to describe the many variant images and beliefs that may be found regarding dragons throughout China. I have a hard time finding the kind of information brought together here - dragons in architecture, dragons as represented on dragon robes, the beings and images popularly represented as sons of the dragon - anywhere other than highly specialized scholarly tomes. Finding as much as Mr. Bates has put forth in Chinese Dragons in such an accessible volume is a remarkably pleasant surprise. The twenty-four colour plates are just about worth the price of admission all by themselves. The author clearly knows and loves his subject.

For many centuries that the dragon has been the symbol of China, and has been considered as immortal and omnipresent ever since ancient times. It has belonged to the people, and it has also been the symbol of monarchy and supreme power. The dragon was a mythical beast. It was a concept. But most Chinese people, indeed most Asian people, were convinced that it existed. There are many occasions when there were claims that it had been seen, even as recently as 1920. No other creature in the world could have produced such a far-reaching influence on the mind of man.

Unlike the European dragon, it was considered a beneficent beast, until the Buddhists introduced the concept of evil dragons. Yet the basic belief was always that it had noble spiritual qualities that were unconquerable.

This book has been written by an author who has lived for many years in China researching into its history. It is in an easy-to-read style and is dedicated to the dragon and its many offshoots and variations. The pictures are delightful. It gives details of what a dragon was, where it was used, and what it was called. The reader will become more acquainted with the dragon, and will gain a greater understanding of this magnificent beast. It will interest and please the serious student and the enthusiastic Chinaphile alike.

It would make a perfect Christmas present.

This is a fascinating book, and I concur with the other reviewers. It is erudite, authoratative, and written in an easy-to-read style. The pictures are a delight.
It would make a perfect gift for anyone who has been to China or wants to go there,

I've enjoyed all of Jennifer's books, but I think this one is the strongest yet. A funny, engaging look at one girl's unexpected (and at first unwelcome) overseas journey--with humor that deepens, rather than trivializes, the book's more serious moments.

I can't begin to express the enjoyment I and my daughter had of this book. We still refer back to it seven months after we read it. This book shows the value of giving your children a true WORLD of experiences. It was very hard to put down and we faced a range of laughter, suspense, sadness, reflection and happiness. My daughter and I read the book one month before a three week family trip to Brazil (including the Amazon Jungle and indigenous/African cultural sites). It was a perfect read from the child travelers point of view and even more perfect was the importance of being open to learning about other people's cultures and experiences. No travel guidebook could have been as exciting and fun as this book for my child. If you can't fly to some distant place, pick up this book with your child and have an adventure. I recommend it for children 8 years and older.

"Close Encounters of a Third World Kind" lives up to its title. Twelve year old Annie is off on the adventure of her life, as she treks to Nepal with her family (Mom, Doctor Dad, and little sister) to provide health care in a rural village. This is definitely an out of the mainstream book with its exotic and unusual setting. Author Jennifer J. Stewart's trademark humor is always there, as well as a certain ick factor in common medical complaints, but this is much more than a lighthearted tale. The friendship Annie develops with a younger Nepal girl is genuine. Highly recommended.