I’ve been waiting a long time for this week! Tonight marks the 14th anniversary of when the UK handed Hong Kong back to China. And to mark this occasion, I’m giving away two copies of a book I was honored to contribute to several years back.
Fifty-Fifty: New Hong Kong Writing (Haven Books, 2008) looks into the question of Hong Kong’s chances leading up to 2047, when its autonomy expires. Will Hong Kong be absorbed into China in 36 years? Or will China and Hong Kong continue to run on separate paths?
The book is filled with eclectic creative non-fiction, short stories, and poetry, and has received critical acclaim in Hong Kong. I wrote an essay about my experience with language in Hong Kong.
So here’s how the giveaway works. Simply leave a comment under this post with the first word that comes to mind when you think about Hong Kong. (I once dated a guy whose parents had recently returned from a package tour to Hong Kong and Japan. Upon hearing that I’d lived in Hong Kong, the mother asked if I spoke Japanese. So even if “Japanese” is the word that comes to mind, leave it as a comment.)
I have to approve the comments, so they won’t appear right away. I’ll send a copy of this book to the first two people (anywhere in the world) who comment, but you won’t see your comments until maybe tomorrow.
The book has gone through two printings and the cover I’ve posted is from the second printing. I’m going to give away copies from the first printing, so the cover will be different, but the content the same.
Have fun and good luck!
I have never seen the complete movie, but I caught bits on TV. I didn’t even realize that it was a book (until I just read your previous post).
I think there was a play-version of the story on Broadway before our time, too! I just sent you a copy of Fifty-Fifty and that ballet book, The Sugarless Plum. Media shipping is super cheap, but it might take a week or two to get to you!
Suzie Wong. I know that is more than one word, and i hope I am not mixing up the movie location.
Thanks, Helen! That counts, too, and yes, it took place in Hong Kong! I have a third copy, so will send you a book, too!
Congratulations, Eve and Jens! Can you please e-mail me your addresses? My e-mail is susan@susanbkason.com. I love your one-word descriptions. Yes, 24h counts and it’s so true. I get so depressed when I can’t find a restaurant in Chicago open beyond 10pm! No wonder the economy here stinks. And I just love Kowloon. My favorite part of HK! Thank you both!
24h. (Hope that counts as one word!)
Kowloon! (ahaha)