The Class of ‘77: How My Classmates Changed China

by Jaime FlorCruz

Jaime FlorCruz was a student leader in the Philippines when he arrived in 1971 to take a look at Mao's "New China". On the same day, the Marcos government declared a state of emergency and Jaime was stuck - if he returned he could be jailed, so he stayed in China, and ended up being one of the famous Class of '77, the first intake of students into prestigious Peking University after a decade of chaos. His classmates included many of the people who have remade China since, including the current premier Li Keqiang, former high-flyer and now imprisoned Bo Xilai and various entrepreneurs, dissidents and scientists. It was the core of the new elite and Jaime was at the center of it. He went on to become one of the top foreign correspondents in China, as bureau chief for both TIME magazine and CNN. The story of how he established himself in China is a unique reflection on the momentous changes that have shaken this country in the past five decades.

Genres: China, History, Memoir, Nonfiction

236 pages, Paperback

Published July 3, 2024

Reviews

[Tian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd heard of Jaime FlorCruz from his CNN reporting for years; I hadn't, however, known about his fascinating life story of being 'trapped' in Beijing on a trip in the early 1970s after the Marcos government barred his return to the Philippines. I'm glad and grateful that this book exists.

I wish FlorCruz had incorporated more of his later reporting career into the narrative. Granted, he was perhaps one of the few English-speaking expats living in China in the 1970s, which gave him almost unrivaled access. But how did his connections at Peking University impact his journalism career? FlorCruz briefly mentions interviewing Bo Xilai in Dalian, during which they recollected memories at Beida, but one suspects there are more stories to tell.

This book could also use heavier editing and copy-editing.

[Victoria Rodgar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting first-hand account of the post-Mao era from the eyes of an outsider who found himself forced to learn how to navigate different layers of a yet to be opened Chinese society. It that outsider happened to be an inquisitive journalist by heart, you end up with a very interesting and accessible book that will satisfy the curiosity while help understanding the radical and frenetic transformation of China up to becoming the economic giant that it is today.

[Javo Pacheco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book. I’ll write my thoughts on it another time. Only qualm with it was that it was bitin.

[Migo · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://migoaguado.com/2024/10/12/the...

[Haze · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story seems like a fictional movie and yet Jaime Flor Cruz who - another plot twist - has become the current Philippine ambassor to China - has really lived it.

While reading, you can’t help but marvel how a person has experienced such a unique, storied life. From being a student activist during Martial Law to being marrooned in China where he is privy to the secretive country’s drastic changes and development. And he’s not just watching from the sidelines, he’s part of the student body who participated in the nation’s growth.

I feel though that the book doesn’t fully express the author’s candid reactions. It’s as if it’s told through his journalistic lens which is more reserved and balanced.

It’s still a very interesting read and with the author’s personal stories and observations, it gave an intriguing behind the scenes look into China during those pivotal times.

[Ran · Rating 4 out of 5]

One in a billion chance of life experience. The perspective is so unique that it is a must read for people who are interested in contemporary China.