While Troost insists that he is not a travel writer because he writes about places he has lived, this book covers his short travels in China (several months) and definitely qualifies as travel writing. Just not the kind you’d expect from Condé Nast Traveler or National Geographic Traveler. Speaking absolutely no Chinese of any dialect, Troost embarks on a cross-country journey to figure out the curious blend of millennia of history and rapidly growing economic powerhouse that is modern China. Along the way, he visits cities large and small (relatively speaking - small being under 10 million inhabitants), examines the changing face of Chinese communism, learns to haggle, repeatedly fends off opportunists of all persuasions, and delights in the culinary adventures of not being able to read the menus at restaurants. Along with highly entertaining, if not especially enlightening, lessons in Chinese history, Troost details memorable trips to Beijing, Nanjing, Hong Kong, and Lhasa in Tibet. Most remarkable, however, is the author’s snarky yet completely unpretentious narrative voice, just a few ticks wide of black cynicism and possessed of wonderful self-depreciation - imagine Anthony Bourdain without the epicurean know-how or a reliable handler. Frequent explicit language, moderately suggestive language and situations, drug use. This book has high YA interest, if limited to ages 14 and up due to content.
"Those looking for tips on Hong Kong night life or other touristy secrets will be disappointed-few names are named-but readers interested in a warts-and-all look at this complicated, evolving country will find this a rich education." - Publisher's Weekly, starred review
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