A Geek in China: Discovering the Land of Alibaba, Bullet Trains and Dim Sum

Geek in

by Matthew B. Christensen

**Society of American Travel Writers Foundation 2017 GOLD Award Winner**

For every fan of kung fu, steamed dumplings, Confucius and giant skyscrapers, A Geek in China is a hip, smart and concise guide to the Middle Kingdom.

Packed with photographs and short articles on all aspects of Chinese culture, past and present, A Geek in China introduces readers to everything from Taoism and Confucianism to pop music and China's new middle class. A mix of traditional culture, such as highlights of Chinese history, significant historical and mythological figures, traditional medicine, how the Chinese language works, real Chinese food, martial arts, and how the Chinese Communist Party works, is complemented with information on what makes China unique today.

Chapters discuss why China is so crowded, what it's like to work in an office, internet and cell phone culture, dating and marriage practices, top movies and movie stars, the contemporary art scene, China's incredible new architecture and infrastructure, and popular holidays. It also contains chapters on what makes the Chinese tick, such as the importance of harmony in society, the practice of humility, and the importance of hierarchy. For visitors to the country, the author includes sections on what to see, both common cultural sites and off-the-beaten-track sites, and how to get around in China. Sections on visiting Hong Kong and Taiwan are also included.

This China travel guide is a unique guide to the world's most populous and longest continuous culture. Readers will learn essential information about China's past and present to be able to understand the many references to history, politics, and pop culture that come up in everyday conversation and the media.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, China

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2016

Reviews

[Indah Threez Lestari · Rating 4 out of 5]

274 - 2020

[Jaap Grolleman · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is nothing geeky about this book. Sure, it describes China in very broad strokes — which may suit total newcomers (Did you know China is the most populous nation on earth?). Christensen's book comes across as a selection of Wikipedia pages, bundled in a bright softcover with stock photography. And it doesn't get better inside, as the magazine-like pages give the book a cheap coffee table book appearance — something that isn't meant to read from cover to cover. Where's the geek in the author? The words are bland and the contents are extremely shallow. Even the moments when Christensen does get personal are not that interesting. Instead, the book glosses over the same details I've read countless of times elsewhere, which is probably the inevitable result of trying to describe China within 140 pages — a hopeless mission when attempted without any style.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Parents got me this book as a cultural supplement as I am beginning to learn Chinese. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a quick overview and a conversational introduction from someone who has spent a lot of time in China. As I was reading through this book, I found the brevity with which the content was brought forth easy to consume. I also linked a lot of the tips that were included for those who are going to be interacting with Chinese people, whether in work or in recreation. I thought these tips were anecdotal and at the same time encompassing a wide variety of circumstances. If you are looking for a book with a basic introduction to Chinese culture, this may be the book for you.

[Chase Parsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good, PG-rated guide of all things Chinese! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Chinese culture (both past and present), its history and current politics, the different regions, and the travel suggestions. If you are planning to go to China for any reason and/or want to learn about it more, I would highly recommend this book. Also, wonderful photos accompany every page.

I wish there was a bit more on language (how to say simple phrases, etc.), more on some of the negative/controversial aspects of China, and also I noticed that Macau was completely absent. Also the title turns me off; I don't know why "geek" needed to be used. I'd give this one 4.25/5 stars. Great job, Prof. Matthew Christensen!

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

The text is intellectually very shallow and limited. The information is set "as is" and concentrates on the biggest differences. There is nothing geeky, but a lot is said to please the Communist Party orthodoxy. The collages are nice for a book printed in 1981. Only this is not a book printed in 1981.

What displeased me the most is the overall racist tone. The US, with only a few hundred million people can be separated into West Coast and East Coast. And even that is not good enough, because there is the Mid West. Than there is The Bible Belt and The Rust Belt and other garments. Now, Christensen has a billion people as "the Chinese" and that is all. North, South? Who cares!

[Bill Leach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book concentrates on Chinese culture, exploring various aspects of it including the country's history and the impact of various religions. A great book for understanding Chinese thought and values.

Of interest is the basis of the Chinese reverence for Mao because of his actions to eliminate feudalism and to improve education and healthcare, even though the effects of the Great Famine and the Cultural Revolution are known.

Good information is included on travelling and living in China, including suggestions for sampling Chinese music and film.

[Adi Fernandez Granja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the collection " A Geek in ….” is not for me. Some of the facts are interesting, and the general ideas are okay, but I get bored after a few pages.

[Lenar Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good guide of China’s in the mid-2010s. China’s a much more advanced, affordable, convenient, great place to visit.

[Piper Winchester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative in bite sized chunks.
Interesting book on the history and culture of China.
Pictures were a nice add