Letter from China

This is a poignant and irreverent diary of the author's yearlong (2001-2) experience of teaching English to college students in Beijing, People's Republic of China. From the very first pages, the author draws you into his struggle with a culture worlds away from his comfort zone. The author's generous and compelling personality allowed him to gain access to the lives of his students and their families, who became characters in his tale. One can experience the author's wit and humanity throughout the narrative.The author's humorous view of China is especially timely and dovetails with the current explosion of interest in that country as it enters the modern world. The book is neither a travelogue nor a look at the government, although elements of those subjects are woven into the story. Instead, it is an engaging look at China, tailored toward those who know little about it. Still, those who have lived and/or traveled there will also enjoy the book as it reminds them of the absurdities they, too, experienced.

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Recent Reviews

Vandazle

Enternaining and Informative

I loved this book. It was very emotional and I found that I laughed and cried through the whole thing. I regretfully have to give it four stars though because I found the narrator to be a bit dull off the get-go, but got better as the story went on. Great overall though!!
Kittythepoohbear

Engaging, witty, and endearing book

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It is taken from emails the author sent home during his year long experience as an English teacher in China. You get to know the author and his students and before long you can imagine yourself on the 503 bus or attending English Corner. A lovely book and well worth a listen!
UnCommon Bob

So Strange

I've only listened to about a third of the podcast but I feel that it should be retitled 'Letters from an Alternate Universe'. The descriptions of life in China and their way of life are so strange and humerous. Well worth the listening.
dancemonger

Good Listen

This is a great book. The naration is well produced and the story is wonderful. Told through Emails back home, it's like Peter is writing to you about his experiences in China. Lovely
LisaKR

Accurate and Entertaining

I have visited China on business trips, through this podiobook I re-lived many interesting experiences. The reading is excellent and the story very engaging, I felt like I was there (except I could turn off my ipod and go home in America). Great if you want to know what it's like to be a China university student (from American view).

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