Last week I read Cecilie Gamst Berg's new memoir, Don't Joke on the Stairs: How I Learned to Navigate China By Breaking Most of the Rules (Blacksmith Books, 2011).Years ago I'd read Gamst Berg's novel, Blonde Lotus (Haven Books, 2005) and enjoyed her spunky voice. She's a … [Read more...]
Book of the week–When the Emperor Was Divine
Julie Otsuka is my new favorite author. She's got style and substance. Several weeks ago I finished her new novel, The Buddha in the Attic (Knopf, 2011), which was recently listed as a National Book Award finalist.In Buddha, she doesn't use a main character and doesn't … [Read more...]
The lasting legacy of Madame Mao
Is it just me or does it seem like the spirit of Madame Mao is alive and kicking in China these days?In the excitement of the 100th anniversary of Double Ten, the Beijing debut of an opera titled Dr. Sun Yat-sen was suddenly cancelled last month. Instead it premiered in Hong … [Read more...]
Book of the week–Ghetto at the Center of the World
When I lived in Hong Kong, I always got a kick out of taking friends and family to Chungking Mansions for the first time. You should have seen the looks in their eyes when we strolled over to the elevators in the C block. They must have thought I'd gone mad in Hong Kong, and that … [Read more...]
Chicago International Film Festival
Last night it felt like I spent two hours back in Hong Kong. Actually, I went with my friend Nuria to a screening of Don't Go Breaking My Heart, directed by Johnnie To. It was one of many films screened at this year's Chicago International Film Festival.The film centered … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 169
- 170
- 171
- 172
- 173
- …
- 245
- Next Page »