BootsnAll Travel Community

Guys,

I am just beginning to travel a lot in China and other Asian countries. I wonder if anyone can suggest some books that are either about or set in these areas...I have just finished the Asian saga by James Clavell (how brilliant are they??) and am now looking for something to slip in my bag for my next trip...

thanks

Philip

There are so many good ones out there--hard to narrow down. The ones I like the best center around the time of the Cultural Revolution. OK, it would help if I could remember any of the names or authors. I'll look at my bookshelf and get back to you

cs

right then, sorry for the delay. I would suggest the following:

Born Red by Gau Yaun--one boys struggle to negotiate the Cultural revolution

Wild Swans by Jung Chang--3 generations of Chinese women and their stories

China Wakes
Shanghai Baby

I just read and loved
Balzac and The Little Chinese Seamstress (novel set in Cultural Revolution)

for Chinese American perspectives - and the clash between the generations:
Who's Irish? by Gish Jen (short stories)

and although the modern sections began to lose my interest, The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan had some fascinating scenes that are based on her grandmother's experience.

movie - Raise the Red Lantern

No Touch Monkey! And Other Travel Lessons Learned Too Late by Ayun Halliday
http://www.ayunhalliday.com