if you're thinking about the Peace Corp

books:


	• River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze (P.S.) Peter Hessler Harper Perennial, 2006 - 432 pages average customer review:based on 163 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

Rivertown: 2 years on the Yangtze

Peter Hessler is a well-educated Peace Corps volunteer who was sent to China to teach English at a local teacher's college. He very vividly captures the ups and downs of his experience for 2 years beginning in 1996. He was sent to Fuling, a primitive city, where the people are not familiar with Westerners. Peter describes his unusual experiences in the first person as well as giving the reader a glimse into Chinese thought, language, politics and culture. The book is quite interesting although it sounds like a documentary.

if you're thinking about the Peace Corp

If like me you're mildly flirting with the idea of doing a term with the Peace Corp, this book gives you a good picture of the day-to-day life of a PC volunteer. It sure made me think twice, or at least have a more realistic view of it. Another book that does this is This is Not a Civilization, about a PC volunteer in eastern Europe.

for more information click here

Well written

I first knew of this author by reading a few of his articles in The NEW YORKER, then I did a quick search and came across this book, which is the only book he's written so far, I believe. I really enjoyed reading this book, it cracked me up a number of times while reading it. First of all, I am a Chinese and been living in the US a little short of 8 years, so I am more or less Americanized and kind of understand how the Americans' thinkings are, for me, I have been on the both sides, I know exactly how an American would react to a Chinese's normal behaviors. Just noticed the author has another book coming out in May, can't wait. I remember a paragraph in JD Salinger's "the catcher in the rye", the idea was if you read a book you really liked, you would hope that the author was your friend with whom you could have a conversation face to face, that's how I felt after reading this book.

for more information click here

Great book.

Through the eyes of this American teacher we get to learn a lot about modern China. He has a hard time trying to adjust to his new life there, and bumps into many cultural barriers. He finally gets across to his students, learns the local languaje himself and teaches them English. It's easy to read, and has lots of good anecdotes in it.

Unique and irreplaceable,

An outstanding account of a two year teaching stint in provincial modern China, Unsentimental, accurate, and a unique road map for anyone considering teaching, or "teaching", in China, warts and all. Unflaggingly interesting, and a keeper.

for more information click here

reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, page 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

hot

not?

What's your opinion?

Write a review and share your thoughts!

recommendations

So you think you want to join the Peace Corps?
Recommended Reading on China
Foreign Dragon on China
China Books: the Best
Travel East Asia

search for books
two years on, river, town, two, yangtze, years

Impressum / about us