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This Generation
Selected from blog posts from 2006-present, This Generation tells the story of modern China from Han Han's unique perspective. Writing on topics as diverse as racing, prostitution, and how to be a patriot, Han Han has written a diary that is not only invaluable for the English-speaking world to understand our rising Eastern partner and rival, but which will long be remembered as a millennial time capsule.
The core of this anthology is drawn from the collection Qingchun (Youth), published in Taipei in 2010, but it also contains a sprinkling of both older and more recent pieces. Presented in chronological order, the sequence opens with a handful of early posts; it excerpts Han Han's work more fully beginning in 2008, the year when he really hit his stride and his blog commanded a larger and larger audience in the run-up to the Beijing Olympics. The anthology closes with Han Han's controversial cluster of essays posted in the final days of 2011.
The core of this anthology is drawn from the collection Qingchun (Youth), published in Taipei in 2010, but it also contains a sprinkling of both older and more recent pieces. Presented in chronological order, the sequence opens with a handful of early posts; it excerpts Han Han's work more fully beginning in 2008, the year when he really hit his stride and his blog commanded a larger and larger audience in the run-up to the Beijing Olympics. The anthology closes with Han Han's controversial cluster of essays posted in the final days of 2011.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
10 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
Han Han
108 books54 followersChinese name: 韓寒
Han Han (born September 23, 1982) is a Chinese professional rally driver, best-selling author, singer, creator of Party, One (App magazine) and China's most popular blogger. He has published five novels to date, and is represented by the Hong Kong based Peony Literary Agency. He is also involved in music production. In May 2010, Han Han was named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine. In September 2010, British magazine New Statesman listed Han Han at 48th place in the list of "The World's 50 Most Influential Figures 2010". In June 2010, Han Han was interviewed by CNN as China's rebel writer who has become the unofficial voice for his generation.
(from Wikipedia)
Han Han (born September 23, 1982) is a Chinese professional rally driver, best-selling author, singer, creator of Party, One (App magazine) and China's most popular blogger. He has published five novels to date, and is represented by the Hong Kong based Peony Literary Agency. He is also involved in music production. In May 2010, Han Han was named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine. In September 2010, British magazine New Statesman listed Han Han at 48th place in the list of "The World's 50 Most Influential Figures 2010". In June 2010, Han Han was interviewed by CNN as China's rebel writer who has become the unofficial voice for his generation.
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 17, 2012
I loved loved loved Han Han's witty and skillfully crafted entries. Each section was thought provoking and deeply insightful.
July 12, 2013
By Katrina Hamlin
Mo Yan may have won the Nobel, but in China celebrity blogger Han Han rules online. More than half a billion readers have visited his irreverent blog. He’s also a hit on Sina Weibo, China’s answer to Twitter, where his first post attracted 750,000 followers.
In a new compilation of translated blogs, “This Generation”, Han Han comments on everything that matters to modern China’s Gen Y - from the state of Sino-Japanese relations to the price of a KFC burger. He dissects the latest news with gusto, and he condemns and criticises as he goes.
Chinese media is subject to careful control from the powers that be, so the writer’s cheek may surprise foreign readers. But it’s not easy for Han Han. “It’s a real brainteaser to work out how to write anything at all,” he concedes. His posts are deleted from time to time, and he is very conscious (and contemptuous) of the “fifty-centers”, who he believes are paid to post comments more amenable to the establishment.
But Han Han has found a way to work within his limits. He has mastered the art of saying just enough to make his point without being silenced. He has learnt how and when to shut up, and that restraint allows him a considerable degree of expression.
His lavish but ironic praise of Han Feng is a good example. The Communist Party member whose salacious diaries were leaked in 2009 was arrested and eventually expelled from the party. Han Han carefully recounts Han Feng’s working day, which consisted of bribery, boozy banquets, and extra-marital affairs, and then rushes to his defence. The cadre accepted only 60,000 yuan in bribes; he attended no more than eight-nine banquets; he kept only a mistress, and no second wife. This particular official is really not so bad - because there are so many others who are so much worse: “To sum up, in the current scheme of things Han Feng is a more than satisfactory official.”
The art of shutting up can take the Chinese writer a long way. Earlier this month, Mo Yan became the first Chinese citizen to win the Nobel prize for literature with the full support of his own government. Mo Yan, a pen name, means ’Shut up’; like Han Han the author has succeeded in speaking out without shouting. His writing does take on sensitive topics, including the one child policy and rural poverty. He does not always toe the party line on these matters, but he has seldom been censored.
It’s not only professional writers who play the game. China’s 500 million netizens are quick learners. Although the censors are out in force (Sina Weibo advertised for more ’Monitoring Editors’ earlier this year), users know how to carry out fluid discussions while dodging censor-attracting keywords. They also take full advantage of the time it takes a censor to discover a new post, and interesting material is rapidly replicated before the original is removed.
A lingering question is how much further netizens and public voices like Han Han could or should push these boundaries. Both Han Han and Mo Yan are criticized for excessive self-censorship. Han Han makes his points well, but much is left unsaid. He sometimes sound more like an entertainer than a serious commentator.
In the end “This Generation” is a pragmatic guide to public expression in China. Han Han’s immodest subtitle, “Dispatches from China’s Most Popular Literary Star”, goes some way towards explaining - if not justifying - the decision to avoid riskier content. He has an audience, and a very large one, because he has not been shut up entirely.
Mo Yan may have won the Nobel, but in China celebrity blogger Han Han rules online. More than half a billion readers have visited his irreverent blog. He’s also a hit on Sina Weibo, China’s answer to Twitter, where his first post attracted 750,000 followers.
In a new compilation of translated blogs, “This Generation”, Han Han comments on everything that matters to modern China’s Gen Y - from the state of Sino-Japanese relations to the price of a KFC burger. He dissects the latest news with gusto, and he condemns and criticises as he goes.
Chinese media is subject to careful control from the powers that be, so the writer’s cheek may surprise foreign readers. But it’s not easy for Han Han. “It’s a real brainteaser to work out how to write anything at all,” he concedes. His posts are deleted from time to time, and he is very conscious (and contemptuous) of the “fifty-centers”, who he believes are paid to post comments more amenable to the establishment.
But Han Han has found a way to work within his limits. He has mastered the art of saying just enough to make his point without being silenced. He has learnt how and when to shut up, and that restraint allows him a considerable degree of expression.
His lavish but ironic praise of Han Feng is a good example. The Communist Party member whose salacious diaries were leaked in 2009 was arrested and eventually expelled from the party. Han Han carefully recounts Han Feng’s working day, which consisted of bribery, boozy banquets, and extra-marital affairs, and then rushes to his defence. The cadre accepted only 60,000 yuan in bribes; he attended no more than eight-nine banquets; he kept only a mistress, and no second wife. This particular official is really not so bad - because there are so many others who are so much worse: “To sum up, in the current scheme of things Han Feng is a more than satisfactory official.”
The art of shutting up can take the Chinese writer a long way. Earlier this month, Mo Yan became the first Chinese citizen to win the Nobel prize for literature with the full support of his own government. Mo Yan, a pen name, means ’Shut up’; like Han Han the author has succeeded in speaking out without shouting. His writing does take on sensitive topics, including the one child policy and rural poverty. He does not always toe the party line on these matters, but he has seldom been censored.
It’s not only professional writers who play the game. China’s 500 million netizens are quick learners. Although the censors are out in force (Sina Weibo advertised for more ’Monitoring Editors’ earlier this year), users know how to carry out fluid discussions while dodging censor-attracting keywords. They also take full advantage of the time it takes a censor to discover a new post, and interesting material is rapidly replicated before the original is removed.
A lingering question is how much further netizens and public voices like Han Han could or should push these boundaries. Both Han Han and Mo Yan are criticized for excessive self-censorship. Han Han makes his points well, but much is left unsaid. He sometimes sound more like an entertainer than a serious commentator.
In the end “This Generation” is a pragmatic guide to public expression in China. Han Han’s immodest subtitle, “Dispatches from China’s Most Popular Literary Star”, goes some way towards explaining - if not justifying - the decision to avoid riskier content. He has an audience, and a very large one, because he has not been shut up entirely.
September 5, 2012
I don't know what kind of image of young Chinese generation the Simon & Schuster Inc. publisher wants to present to our readers and the world by publishing Mr. Han's books. Mr. Han has been notorious for using nasty languages in his blog against others. He is currently in an scandal in China since early 2012. Many people are questioning Mr. Han Han’s ethical integrity, especially if Mr. Han did write his books and if Mr. Han Han’s entire literary career has been built on a lie and cheating. More and more evidence have showed that his father, Mr. Han Renjun, who also used the name of HAN HAN to publish journal articles in the past, has been writing books for Mr. Han Han since Mr. Han Han's first book published when dropping school at the 10th grade. The most stunning evidence is that all Mr. Han Han’s past TV talks showed a complete idiot image with no knowledge of books and writing ever (all he can talk is girls girls and race cars)! Interestingly, since the exposure of his scandal to the public, Mr. Han Han doesn't even have gut to openly defend himself on the Live TV Show. I strongly believe that Mr. Han Han has misrepresented the China and tarnished the healthy and valuable image of our young Chinese generation and this is a disgusting book!
August 30, 2012
This book is great. I love Han Han's insights into China and his whit and humor. I wish he would come to the U.S. because i would really like to meet him. He is a very forward thinking person which is quite rare in China. I highly recommend reading this book, you'll find it hard to put down.
February 23, 2023
Citaat : Het maakt niet hoe oud je bent, als twee mensen verliefd op elkaar zijn, als ze het allebei graag willen, dan zijn alle gevoelens en alle seksuele relaties een onvervreemdbaar recht, het grootste recht dat de mensheid heeft, iets waar niemand zich mee mag bemoeien en wat niemand mag verbieden.
Review : De mooi ogende Han Han (1982), autocoureur en zanger, blijkt de ongecensureerde stem van jong China te zijn. Hij komt via de moderne media op voor het recht voor vrije meningsuiting, en is daardoor zo populair en controversieel als je maar kunt zijn in China. Door zijn scherpe en geestige internetblogs groeide de jonge schrijver, zanger en autocoureur uit tot een enorme beroemdheid met meer dan een half miljard lezers. CNN noemde hem `de onofficiële stem van zijn generatie en door Time Magazine werd hij uitgeroepen tot een van de invloedrijkste mensen ter wereld.
Mijn generatie, waarin zijn beste en meest spraakmakende blogs in Nederlandse vertaling zijn opgenomen, is het boek dat zijn internationale doorbraak betekende. Han Han biedt de lezer een fascinerende trip door de moderne Chinese cultuur. Hij schrijft met ongekende vlotheid over uiteenlopende en gevoelige onderwerpen als consumptiegekte, seks en relaties, de eenkindpolitiek, onderwijs, corruptie, de Olympische Spelen, autorijden, nationalisme en spugen op straat. In een bundel van meer dan vijftig korte verhalen (voornamelijk blogs) krijgt de lezer de ongezouten mening van deze jonge, Chinese auteur (blogger, schrijver en professioneel autocoureur) over de maatschappij van zijn land voorgeschoteld. Met scherpe, humorvolle, sarcastische of bijdehandse, maar veelal wijze en ontnuchterende teksten wordt de lezer genoodzaakt kritisch te kijken naar de toestand in China.
De vertalers van het boek melden in het voorwoord dat de grapjes en Chinese uitspraken moeilijk te vertalen zijn; al lezend went dit echter snel en er wordt (in cursief lettertype) een uitleg gegeven waar nodig. Een sterk boek, waarin de kracht en het lef van de auteur om op te komen voor waar hij in gelooft bewonderenswaardig zijn. Han Han mag dan een boegbeeld van en voor zijn generatie en zijn generatie genoemd worden, toch laat hij zich regelmatig laatdunkend uit over zijn generatiegenoten, die te kritiekloos onderbuikgevoelens van getarte nationale trots volgen en zich zich te makkelijk voor het overheidskarretje laten spannen wanneer dat zo uitkomt. Toch breekt hij ook een lans voor zijn leeftijdsgenoten – hen valt niet te verwijten dat ze apolitiek zijn. Immers, “in de huidige omstandigheden is de politiek niet iets waar je je voor KUNT interesseren”. Maar gelukkig, stelt hij, neemt zijn generatie steeds meer afstand van onbeschaafde zaken en gebrek aan beschaving die precies de glorieuze tradities van de oudere generatie zijn.
Han wordt wel verweten te veel vanuit zijn comfortabele positie kritiek op de overheid te uiten en te weinig door te pakken. Een zinnige opmerking in het voorwoord hierover komt erop neer dat door te veel te snel te willen Han Hans mogelijkheid op beïnvloeding en verandering te beperkt blijft. Zijn balanceerkunst stelt hem echter in staat de grijze grenzen van het toelaatbare zoveel mogelijk op te rekken.
Review : De mooi ogende Han Han (1982), autocoureur en zanger, blijkt de ongecensureerde stem van jong China te zijn. Hij komt via de moderne media op voor het recht voor vrije meningsuiting, en is daardoor zo populair en controversieel als je maar kunt zijn in China. Door zijn scherpe en geestige internetblogs groeide de jonge schrijver, zanger en autocoureur uit tot een enorme beroemdheid met meer dan een half miljard lezers. CNN noemde hem `de onofficiële stem van zijn generatie en door Time Magazine werd hij uitgeroepen tot een van de invloedrijkste mensen ter wereld.
Mijn generatie, waarin zijn beste en meest spraakmakende blogs in Nederlandse vertaling zijn opgenomen, is het boek dat zijn internationale doorbraak betekende. Han Han biedt de lezer een fascinerende trip door de moderne Chinese cultuur. Hij schrijft met ongekende vlotheid over uiteenlopende en gevoelige onderwerpen als consumptiegekte, seks en relaties, de eenkindpolitiek, onderwijs, corruptie, de Olympische Spelen, autorijden, nationalisme en spugen op straat. In een bundel van meer dan vijftig korte verhalen (voornamelijk blogs) krijgt de lezer de ongezouten mening van deze jonge, Chinese auteur (blogger, schrijver en professioneel autocoureur) over de maatschappij van zijn land voorgeschoteld. Met scherpe, humorvolle, sarcastische of bijdehandse, maar veelal wijze en ontnuchterende teksten wordt de lezer genoodzaakt kritisch te kijken naar de toestand in China.
De vertalers van het boek melden in het voorwoord dat de grapjes en Chinese uitspraken moeilijk te vertalen zijn; al lezend went dit echter snel en er wordt (in cursief lettertype) een uitleg gegeven waar nodig. Een sterk boek, waarin de kracht en het lef van de auteur om op te komen voor waar hij in gelooft bewonderenswaardig zijn. Han Han mag dan een boegbeeld van en voor zijn generatie en zijn generatie genoemd worden, toch laat hij zich regelmatig laatdunkend uit over zijn generatiegenoten, die te kritiekloos onderbuikgevoelens van getarte nationale trots volgen en zich zich te makkelijk voor het overheidskarretje laten spannen wanneer dat zo uitkomt. Toch breekt hij ook een lans voor zijn leeftijdsgenoten – hen valt niet te verwijten dat ze apolitiek zijn. Immers, “in de huidige omstandigheden is de politiek niet iets waar je je voor KUNT interesseren”. Maar gelukkig, stelt hij, neemt zijn generatie steeds meer afstand van onbeschaafde zaken en gebrek aan beschaving die precies de glorieuze tradities van de oudere generatie zijn.
Han wordt wel verweten te veel vanuit zijn comfortabele positie kritiek op de overheid te uiten en te weinig door te pakken. Een zinnige opmerking in het voorwoord hierover komt erop neer dat door te veel te snel te willen Han Hans mogelijkheid op beïnvloeding en verandering te beperkt blijft. Zijn balanceerkunst stelt hem echter in staat de grijze grenzen van het toelaatbare zoveel mogelijk op te rekken.
Read
October 6, 2021Translating humor cross-culture, let alone cross-language, is hard; as far as I can tell, the translator of this book did a pretty good job of the latter. Seems like a good jumping off place for people not familiar with early 2000s-2010s Shanghai (and environs), as long as you keep in mind that these essays were originally blog posts and written from the particular vantage point of the author.
Disclaimer: Received this book for free through Goodreads' First Reads giveaway program.
Disclaimer: Received this book for free through Goodreads' First Reads giveaway program.
December 1, 2024
A surprising reminder that politics is the same everywhere. Unfortunately, so-called western democracies have more in common with chinese politics than everyone cares to admit. Everyone is in it for money and corruption is everywhere.
August 30, 2017
It was a good book.
Read
March 24, 2023nice
August 11, 2016
A selection of Han Han's blog posts written between February 2008 and January 2012 are presented here translated by Allan H. Barr. The selection presents Han Han's ruminations on a small number of themes he is preoccupied by in his various careers, particularly freedom of the media, State corruption and cultural degradation.
Han Han writes about contemporary events, particularly exposed corruption scandals and national disasters underplayed by the Press, and so we are given a critical reaction of large stories from the perspective of a young, idealistic yet sceptical, internet-age national, whose opinions are shared by many likeminded Chinese men and women, but are poorly expressed in international publications. As a result, reading this book is extremely illuminating, and gives the reader a fuller picture of the attitudes of the many young Chinese people who prefer Google Hong Kong to state-monitored search engines.
The world Han Han presents to us is one of state-sponsored internet trolls, get out of jail 'free' cards, nationwide boycott trends, snobby charities, and everchanging cities where your childhood playground turns into a chemical plant. These startlingly cartoonish elements of contemporary Chinese society are mocked, as well as frequently commended sarcastically in Han Han's self-censoring and self-aware prose. The original blog form allowed the writer to continuously acknowledge his audience's reaction, and so he is always conscious to address criticisms aimed at his arguments for gradual reform, and this evolution you can see play out through the book. The final essay highlights his transition from hotheaded revolutionary to a father who simply demands freedom for his art.
Recontextualised from their original form, these blog articles analysing the root evils of major disasters and scandals can come across as repetitive, and his angry sardonicism is probably best digested in a bitesize format i.e. his own blog. The translation from chinese also comes across as short and inconclusive - imagine non-fiction Murakami - which left me imagining a disgruntled Han Han taking to his laptop to vent a short, furious article, before going back out with the many friends he habitually mentions, eyeing up girls in the bar, which he admits to proudly. But the extended metaphors are always memorable, unique, and provide a figurative avenue to understand the Chinese mentality that little bit more, his anecdotes provide us with a narrator we care for and understand, and his passion for his country is never far from view.
I would really recommend this novel to someone who wants to read about the China that real, young Chinese people live in. It is a refreshing contrast to the numerous studies of this enormous, confusing country researched by Western academics and Sinophiles with endless anecdotes that never fail to blow the emphasis away from the Middle Kingdom itself.
Han Han writes about contemporary events, particularly exposed corruption scandals and national disasters underplayed by the Press, and so we are given a critical reaction of large stories from the perspective of a young, idealistic yet sceptical, internet-age national, whose opinions are shared by many likeminded Chinese men and women, but are poorly expressed in international publications. As a result, reading this book is extremely illuminating, and gives the reader a fuller picture of the attitudes of the many young Chinese people who prefer Google Hong Kong to state-monitored search engines.
The world Han Han presents to us is one of state-sponsored internet trolls, get out of jail 'free' cards, nationwide boycott trends, snobby charities, and everchanging cities where your childhood playground turns into a chemical plant. These startlingly cartoonish elements of contemporary Chinese society are mocked, as well as frequently commended sarcastically in Han Han's self-censoring and self-aware prose. The original blog form allowed the writer to continuously acknowledge his audience's reaction, and so he is always conscious to address criticisms aimed at his arguments for gradual reform, and this evolution you can see play out through the book. The final essay highlights his transition from hotheaded revolutionary to a father who simply demands freedom for his art.
Recontextualised from their original form, these blog articles analysing the root evils of major disasters and scandals can come across as repetitive, and his angry sardonicism is probably best digested in a bitesize format i.e. his own blog. The translation from chinese also comes across as short and inconclusive - imagine non-fiction Murakami - which left me imagining a disgruntled Han Han taking to his laptop to vent a short, furious article, before going back out with the many friends he habitually mentions, eyeing up girls in the bar, which he admits to proudly. But the extended metaphors are always memorable, unique, and provide a figurative avenue to understand the Chinese mentality that little bit more, his anecdotes provide us with a narrator we care for and understand, and his passion for his country is never far from view.
I would really recommend this novel to someone who wants to read about the China that real, young Chinese people live in. It is a refreshing contrast to the numerous studies of this enormous, confusing country researched by Western academics and Sinophiles with endless anecdotes that never fail to blow the emphasis away from the Middle Kingdom itself.
March 16, 2016
Han Han seems to have already passed into legend. A browsing of his Wikipedia page reveals any number of conspiracies suggesting he doesn't write his own material. It's just as well, I guess. As one of the few Chinese voices to have penetrated the West, he already has an incredible distinction to his name. Why not add the legend and be done with it?
My last bout with Chinese literature was Mo Yan's exceptional novel Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out, in which he journeys through the Communist era with a man who keeps reincarnating as different animals. Han Han's commentaries on what it's like to live in modern China are every bit as relevant, whether as insight into a country with one of the oldest civilizations but newest ambitions or as a window into how society in general tends to operate. Repressed people can be found anywhere, and so you can read This Generation as a broad statement on the world and only mildly notice that everything in it happens in China.
One of the oddest discoveries to be found within concerns actor Jackie Chan, who is best known for his comedy martial arts movies, including the Rush Hour series. How he operates in his native land may be surprising. Not as surprising is all the corruption in government, which again is a truly universal affair, even though the specific ways exhibited in China may come off as comedic as Jackie Chan's movies (presumably it's less funny experiencing it firsthand, but Han Han does his best to approach everything sarcastically).
Since the book is made up of blog posts, Han Han's observations tend to be episodic, which is unfair for the reader to expect anything else, but also kind of natural, because once you read a little you want more. He has opening and concluding thoughts in essays written several years apart, as he reflects on what it's like to be the unexpected voice of a generation still yearning to be heard unfiltered. It may be safe to say any dissatisfaction you experience was felt by Han Han first.
Hopefully there will be much more to read from him in the future.
My last bout with Chinese literature was Mo Yan's exceptional novel Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out, in which he journeys through the Communist era with a man who keeps reincarnating as different animals. Han Han's commentaries on what it's like to live in modern China are every bit as relevant, whether as insight into a country with one of the oldest civilizations but newest ambitions or as a window into how society in general tends to operate. Repressed people can be found anywhere, and so you can read This Generation as a broad statement on the world and only mildly notice that everything in it happens in China.
One of the oddest discoveries to be found within concerns actor Jackie Chan, who is best known for his comedy martial arts movies, including the Rush Hour series. How he operates in his native land may be surprising. Not as surprising is all the corruption in government, which again is a truly universal affair, even though the specific ways exhibited in China may come off as comedic as Jackie Chan's movies (presumably it's less funny experiencing it firsthand, but Han Han does his best to approach everything sarcastically).
Since the book is made up of blog posts, Han Han's observations tend to be episodic, which is unfair for the reader to expect anything else, but also kind of natural, because once you read a little you want more. He has opening and concluding thoughts in essays written several years apart, as he reflects on what it's like to be the unexpected voice of a generation still yearning to be heard unfiltered. It may be safe to say any dissatisfaction you experience was felt by Han Han first.
Hopefully there will be much more to read from him in the future.
April 23, 2013
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads, and I thank Goodreads, Han Han and Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to delve into such a captivating book with so many thought provoking topics.
I actually didn't realize how little I new about China before reading this book. It feels good to have captured it a view of the country from someone middle of the road, young and open-minded. Through his writing you can feel the love he has for his country, as well as the obvious disagreements and concerns with how the government is running the show. His essays were both insightful and eye-opening, to be sure.
Han Han's character, personality and humor is what keeps you turning through the pages more than anything. His voice is one I can appreciate and relate with. While a bit monotonous at times, it kept flowing through enough of a variety of subjects that it remained interesting.
As much as he thinks he knows about other countries, including the United States, it sounds as though he hasn't had enough long term stays to actually appreciate and understand the differences of our governments and societal standards of living. It's when speaking of other countries is where is devotion to his own country shines through, despite how much complaining he has already done.
I would encourage you to read this one, so long as it sounds even just a little interesting; it will surprise you in ways you didn't expect.
I actually didn't realize how little I new about China before reading this book. It feels good to have captured it a view of the country from someone middle of the road, young and open-minded. Through his writing you can feel the love he has for his country, as well as the obvious disagreements and concerns with how the government is running the show. His essays were both insightful and eye-opening, to be sure.
Han Han's character, personality and humor is what keeps you turning through the pages more than anything. His voice is one I can appreciate and relate with. While a bit monotonous at times, it kept flowing through enough of a variety of subjects that it remained interesting.
As much as he thinks he knows about other countries, including the United States, it sounds as though he hasn't had enough long term stays to actually appreciate and understand the differences of our governments and societal standards of living. It's when speaking of other countries is where is devotion to his own country shines through, despite how much complaining he has already done.
I would encourage you to read this one, so long as it sounds even just a little interesting; it will surprise you in ways you didn't expect.
July 6, 2016
This book contains a selection of blogposts by China's (then) most popular blogger Han Han written and posted between 2008 and 2012. Han Han is a controversial popular cult figure: racing car driver, pop singer, novelist and magazine editor. He is most famous for his personal blog in which he comments on Chinese contemporary society and reacts critically to a variety of themes and current events. Han Han criticises China's educational system, officialdom, corruption, inequality, censorship, and nationalism. His blogposts are clever, humorous and often sarcastic.
I was eager to read this book because I had heard a lot about Han Han and his blogs. I enjoyed reading the early blogs at the beginning of the book. I know China well and recognise the problematic issues he writes about. I admire his honesty and daring to voice his feelings and views on various controversial subjects. Towards the end of the book however, I lost interest, it all seemed just more of the same harping on about things. A repetitious political view, and trying to hard to be clever. I missed real personal sentiment, and some less political writing.
The book does gives an interesting insight into the state of affairs in China of the period 2008-2012, from a different point of view. It may be difficult to follow for readers who do not know China well. May be interesting for people studying Contemporary China.
I was eager to read this book because I had heard a lot about Han Han and his blogs. I enjoyed reading the early blogs at the beginning of the book. I know China well and recognise the problematic issues he writes about. I admire his honesty and daring to voice his feelings and views on various controversial subjects. Towards the end of the book however, I lost interest, it all seemed just more of the same harping on about things. A repetitious political view, and trying to hard to be clever. I missed real personal sentiment, and some less political writing.
The book does gives an interesting insight into the state of affairs in China of the period 2008-2012, from a different point of view. It may be difficult to follow for readers who do not know China well. May be interesting for people studying Contemporary China.
November 11, 2012
Thanks to First Reads and Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of This Generation.
This was a very interesting read that I'm still trying to make my mind up about. On one hand, it was a little repetitive as it seemed that every essay/post dealt with Han Han's reaction to some tragedy or crisis in China that I had no idea even happened. This made me desperate for an overarching narrative that could provide a little more context for Han Han's comments and give a little more information about the events (the footnotes were far too brief for me). On the other hand, any insight into China's culture is interesting to read about as basically the only information that I ever hear about here in the U.S. is how quickly China's economy is developing and how much the U.S. is in debt to them. And Han Han's occasionally sarcastic, occasionally satirical and occasionally humorous voice is, at times, captivating.
In the end, I think I just wanted more. More context, more information, and more diversity in subject matter. But, considering how difficult it is for China's own citizens to get information out of their government, I think this is a pretty solid effort and a good jumping off point for anyone interested in China's current political/cultural climate.
This was a very interesting read that I'm still trying to make my mind up about. On one hand, it was a little repetitive as it seemed that every essay/post dealt with Han Han's reaction to some tragedy or crisis in China that I had no idea even happened. This made me desperate for an overarching narrative that could provide a little more context for Han Han's comments and give a little more information about the events (the footnotes were far too brief for me). On the other hand, any insight into China's culture is interesting to read about as basically the only information that I ever hear about here in the U.S. is how quickly China's economy is developing and how much the U.S. is in debt to them. And Han Han's occasionally sarcastic, occasionally satirical and occasionally humorous voice is, at times, captivating.
In the end, I think I just wanted more. More context, more information, and more diversity in subject matter. But, considering how difficult it is for China's own citizens to get information out of their government, I think this is a pretty solid effort and a good jumping off point for anyone interested in China's current political/cultural climate.
July 30, 2013
Much as with Beijing Baby, I'm tempted to remark that if this is the sort of thing that passes as dangerous dissidence in the PRC, that probably says more about the state's attitude than about the actual criticism... But then, Han makes the same point himself several times over: if China is really as powerful, just and fair as the official story claims, why do they need censorship? Why do they need to block search engines? Why do they need to command demonstrations against foreign interests while banning them for domestic issues? What are they so afraid of?
As with any collection of blog posts, there's a lot of "I think" and "In my opinion" here that isn't necessarily of interest, but Han has a good ear for satire ("Would you believe a capitalist country like Australia is so poor, they can't even afford tollbooths on the highways?") and occasionally delivers some quite bitter pills, directed both towards the government and those looking for a simple way of changing it. Of course, he has to work within what he can say and get away with it, which is often half the fun.
You can skip many of the bits about rally driving, though.
As with any collection of blog posts, there's a lot of "I think" and "In my opinion" here that isn't necessarily of interest, but Han has a good ear for satire ("Would you believe a capitalist country like Australia is so poor, they can't even afford tollbooths on the highways?") and occasionally delivers some quite bitter pills, directed both towards the government and those looking for a simple way of changing it. Of course, he has to work within what he can say and get away with it, which is often half the fun.
You can skip many of the bits about rally driving, though.
June 6, 2015
Han Han is one of China's biggest bloggers and a master at pithy comments that call out the problems in the mainland's communist regime. He's also representative of a lot of young people who live in the country today - worldly, educated and witty when it comes to circumventing the Great Firewall and venting their viewpoints on the internet. This book focuses on his writings from about 2006 to 2011, getting into topics like the Beijing Olympics, race car driving, sexual education in China and the strong tendency that Chinese people have to become offended at perceived slights against them.
If you're familiar with recent Chinese social issues or an expat trying to get a decent idea of modern mainland youth sentiment, there's a lot to take in here. However I would not recommend this book to a China newbie or someone who's never logged onto Weibo and isn't well-versed in the intricacies of the Chinese internet; a lot will go over your head if you don't have at least some rudimentary knowledge of the stuff Han Han gets into.
If you're familiar with recent Chinese social issues or an expat trying to get a decent idea of modern mainland youth sentiment, there's a lot to take in here. However I would not recommend this book to a China newbie or someone who's never logged onto Weibo and isn't well-versed in the intricacies of the Chinese internet; a lot will go over your head if you don't have at least some rudimentary knowledge of the stuff Han Han gets into.
October 15, 2012
I totally agree with Sherlene's review.
Mr Han is a make-up symbol by :
1st by the Southern Media Group, the strong supporter of HanHan, who has published a numerous of articles in the past 13 years to set HanHan as a Symbol of a ‘Spokesman for Youthful Discontent in China’;
2nd by SINA Media Group, where Mr Han's Blog lives, it is believed that the over 50,000,000 viewers is a made up number too.
3rd by the Chinese Government, as a symbol of the modern Chinese Youth who has freedom of speaking….
There are strong evidences show that Mr Han has no ability to write, he has poor writing skills, his so called "the Biggest Blogger in the World" is managed by SINA; the Publisher - Mr. Lu Jin Bo; and his father. In fact, the Blog has been stopped updating for some reasons.
So before you publishing any HanHan’s book, please think twice or do more research in China. You need to listen to more voices.
Mr Han is a make-up symbol by :
1st by the Southern Media Group, the strong supporter of HanHan, who has published a numerous of articles in the past 13 years to set HanHan as a Symbol of a ‘Spokesman for Youthful Discontent in China’;
2nd by SINA Media Group, where Mr Han's Blog lives, it is believed that the over 50,000,000 viewers is a made up number too.
3rd by the Chinese Government, as a symbol of the modern Chinese Youth who has freedom of speaking….
There are strong evidences show that Mr Han has no ability to write, he has poor writing skills, his so called "the Biggest Blogger in the World" is managed by SINA; the Publisher - Mr. Lu Jin Bo; and his father. In fact, the Blog has been stopped updating for some reasons.
So before you publishing any HanHan’s book, please think twice or do more research in China. You need to listen to more voices.
May 2, 2013
A great look into the underbelly of the Chinese Youth and critique of the governments. The translations of different blog post of one of the most prolific bloggers in China is a very interesting look into the controversial (to the communist party) opinions of one of it's citizens. There are plenty of people living in China who probably have the same feeling as Han Han but are unable to make those thoughts heard due to the high censorship levels.
Reading the blog posts was interesting and showed a different side to a lot of the huge media events that happened in China over the past few years. The only thing is that if the reader is unfamiliar with past events that happened in China, it is easy to be confused as there is not much background explaining any of the posts.
Reading the blog posts was interesting and showed a different side to a lot of the huge media events that happened in China over the past few years. The only thing is that if the reader is unfamiliar with past events that happened in China, it is easy to be confused as there is not much background explaining any of the posts.
June 18, 2014
Great book if you want to start the process of breaking down the current state of Chinese affairs. I am left with more questions than before I even started reading. Han Han's political position is quite complex in my opinion; at least for me. I feel he has a simplistic view of politics, but to understand his thought process (inside the mind of a Chinese person), one must do some serious digging. Often I cannot decide if he is either being completely sarcastic, or if he is being completely honest. Beware, he loves to leave open-ended "answers" to questions given by his followers; maybe being Chinese warrants this trait? Well, I leave this book content in knowing more about the Chinese way of life; some expected realities and some surprising realities of "Communism."
February 11, 2015
I first heard about Han Han in Evan Osnos' book about New China - "Age of Ambition". I was surprised how little I knew about Chinese pop culture.
With censorship being what it is in China, I was even more surprised to read Han Han's essays that so openly criticize the ruling party and Chinese society in general.
Don't expect much in terms of literary excellence, take it for what it is - a compilation of essays from Han Han's blog - very casual with a high dose of sarcasm.
But it is amazing that his writing is available in English so all of us can have a sneak peak into what's really happening in China from an ordinary citizen's perspective.
With censorship being what it is in China, I was even more surprised to read Han Han's essays that so openly criticize the ruling party and Chinese society in general.
Don't expect much in terms of literary excellence, take it for what it is - a compilation of essays from Han Han's blog - very casual with a high dose of sarcasm.
But it is amazing that his writing is available in English so all of us can have a sneak peak into what's really happening in China from an ordinary citizen's perspective.
February 27, 2013
Quick, easy read, in the vein of translated blog posts (which read like short essays) on a variety of topics. Great for getting a sense of what is going on in Chinese pop culture and on the minds of contemporary young Chinese, in a way that is not quite as filtered as through NYT articles. Great selection for a school library with world history and current events research projects.
*ARC provided by publisher via Goodreads giveaway.
*ARC provided by publisher via Goodreads giveaway.
December 1, 2012
I really enjoyed this collection of essays by Han Han. The humor was well thought out and well placed in his essays, and though the author said all of his wordplay didn't transfer over to english, what did was funny and clever. Although i didn't know about alot of the events that were mentioned in the book the writing style made them entertaining and i couldn't put the book down.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
February 23, 2013
Even in translation, it is clear that this guy is a hell of a writer. The book is a collection of essays from his blog. Though the themes are similar (mostly critique of Chinese gov't/society) his style is humorous and entertaining. I'd be interested to read some of his fiction if any of it has been translated.
February 16, 2016
I really enjoyed Han's criticisms as well as his humor. I think it's definitely a must read to, in a way, accept the indelible differences in class and corruption in governments. Although Han talks about his China and its "shortcomings," I think some of the problems are still relevant in almost all democratic nations. Very refreshing book, must keep an eye out for the author.
February 16, 2014
4/5
An excellent collection of jottings from a brilliantly ethical, humourous but fundamentally naive Chinese personality.
Discusses various topics from politics, to fashion to cultural trends within the worlds emerging superpower. Constantly pushing the boundaries of how far he can get ahead of official censorship. Easily read, strangely satisfying.
Worth a read every time in my book.
An excellent collection of jottings from a brilliantly ethical, humourous but fundamentally naive Chinese personality.
Discusses various topics from politics, to fashion to cultural trends within the worlds emerging superpower. Constantly pushing the boundaries of how far he can get ahead of official censorship. Easily read, strangely satisfying.
Worth a read every time in my book.
November 23, 2012
Han Han's influence in today's China shouldn't be underestimated, though I've always wondered how he'd come across to foreign readers, and how his writing would fare if it is valued independent from the specific social context he is living in.
October 30, 2012
I thought the book was okay. I wasn't quite sure about the honesty of it all.
October 31, 2012
I had some issues with this book. But I still thought it was worth the time reading it just to understand China's culture just a little bit more.
Want to read
October 23, 2012I just wanted to write something short to let you know that I'm excited to have one the giveaway that just ended. I'll be sure to write a proper review once I receive and read the novel. Thanks!
November 10, 2012
I thought that the book was okay and I at least finished it, it just didn't feel honest and genuine to me.
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