4-21-09 Lost on Planet China by J. Maarten Troost - Non-Fiction

4 - Troost does not mince works. This is not some pretty travelogue. He does tell it how it is, the good and the bad. For instance, the air in most of China is disgusting. From his description picture LA on a bad smog day times 5. Foul. And some of the Chinese personal habits - spitting, snot rockets, pissing in public. But he does tell the flip side as well: the generosity of strangers, the joy of some of the tribes, the beauty of the art and architecture. He hits the reality of their politics, past and present, their wonder at and manipulation of unsuspecting laowai, and their nationalistic pride. If you are considering a trip to China read this book for tips on haggling a lower price (but not the Chinese price), reading a menu, and choosing a hotel. A fun and eye opening read that really gives you a feeling for the country that is China.