I spent the last 15 months working in and out of Beijing, Shenzen and Hong Kong. During this period I read everything I could and found this book, "A Million Truths", the best single book on modern China. Linda Jakobson is Finnish and is untainted by both the western and eastern xenophobia that each feels towards the other. It is a very remarkable book which highlights China's progression to modernity, including Tiennaman Square and its aftermath, while also exploring and detailing the rich cultural traditions and continued relevance of Han society.

I recently took a trip to China and had difficulty finding a book that would give me insight into the real China and her people. This book provided that insight. During my trip, I found many of the anecdotal accounts Ms Jakobson wrote were validated by my experience. In addition the descriptions of the political situations, recent and past history, cultural differences, beliefs, and lifestyles provided a view of China that I might not have recieved in my short visit. Several of the questions raised by my visit were answered as I continued to read this interesting account of Ms Jakobson's 10 year stay in China. Her discussion of her own experience and understanding of this mystical country is enlivened by quotes and paraphrases of discussions with her Chinese students, friends, neighbors, and the people she met in her travels. For anyone who wants a look at the real people and the real China, beyond the tourist trappings, this is an excellent book!

It's a shame the publisher hasn't bothered to provide a short description. The author is a reporter with an excellent grasp of conditions in China in the late 90's. Because of her friendships with a number of Chinese people and because of her understanding of Chinese culture, she is able to present a fresh perspective on conditions in China. This can supplement or even replace books by other reporters like "China Wakes", "Chinese Awakenings," or "Red China Blues". Why isn't it in paperback?

The stories of healing with Qigong are not exaggerated. Lay people can generate sufficient healing energy using Dr. Chow's methods to be felt by others and to assist healing, in our case, my daughter's very severe ulcerative colitis.

This books is good for the beginner or advanced. It goes into the history, where it is now, and where it could go.

An excellent book for the beginner and the advanced. Lots of very informative information and sources given. Describes Qigong in the past, present and future. A powerful Qigong system that really does give quick results.

This is the book I have been waiting for for seven years. If it sounds like high praise it's meant to be. I have been trying to sort out the intelligence and clandestine operations in the CBI Theatre for years. The outline has been clear for Burma but the situation in China was obscured not only by the necessity for secrecy but also by the overlapping and disputatious command setup and the rivalry between General Stillwell and his factions, and General Chennault and his. Now we have a new work of organizational history "OSS In China" (cf) to add to the personal memoirs of the major participants and others. When the U.S. Army official "Green Books" were published so long ago, any mention of intelligence was very limited and most of the sources were then in the hands of the CIA---there were no official documentary sources.I have about 2000 pages from the archives and they still do not tell it all. And there were no official books on intelligence either. Now we have a new GPO book on WW II Air Intelligence with many pages on the Far East and an Air University book on Air Force clandestine activities from WW II to the second Vietnam War to give us more leads into this story and its consequences. But, back to the book at hand. Wichtrich was the commander of the MIS-X agency in Kunming, China, which was in charge of establishing "ratlines" and giving E & E training to U.S. personnel in China. In China most were Fourteenth Air Force personnel assigned to Gen. Chennault at Kunming. In China, if a downed airman was not immediately captured by the Japanese or their puppets, he would be immediately hidden away by the locals until U.S. personnel could come and get him. There were many safe havens between and behind the Japanese lines and it was sometimes possible to take a train, a plane, or a jeep, and not have to hoof it halfway across China to get back. As an E & E agency, Wichtrich's outfit's cover name was Air Ground Aid Section (AGAS). AGAS was not involved in active sabotage or intelligence activities but if intelligence could be had it would be brought in. As to the relationships with other agencies in the area, the closest was with the "big brother"--the British MIS-9. There was little with the OSS which was in Chungking and which cooperated with the Koumintang Secret Police under Gen Dai Li, and much with the AGRFRTS, the 14th Air Force intelligence agency. The AGAS also ran agents in Indochina, including Ho Chi Minh, in cooperation with the BDT group. (cf Ronald Spector's official U.S. Army history concerning the early advisory days.) For the higher relationships of AGAS to its parent at Fort Hunt, Va, see my review of Shoemaker's The Escape Factory on this site.

A story that has never been told. It is written by the man who lived it. His insight into the history of the U.S. intelligence division that handled the rescues in China is incredibly accurate and revealing. This is a story that needed to be told.

This is the type of book that should be in schools it show's the way life was not the way history showed it. This was written by a man that lived it.

From Nina Simonds, comes an entertaining activity book that combines the enchantment of ancient Chinese tales with lessons of tradition and history. A blending of delightful storytelling and colorful illustration makes this a cultural delight.

This is a beautifully executed book. The watercolors alone are worth the purchase, but it also includes very clever, not too difficult activities. How can you not be enthralled by thousands of years-old traditions and folklore??

what a delight for children and their parents and teachers!! in a world consumed by suspicion and fear of "the other" here is a wonderful and friendly guide to a culture teeming with fabulous cuisine and colorful celebrations. this is indeed one world, and introducing young children to each other in this gentle journey through kitchen and holidays has to point to a better world for all children. beautiful, colorful, easy to follow recipes, and wonderfully interesting, this book is a winner! enthusiastically recommended! norman d. levine, md

I highly recommend this book, which recounts the story of Orgyen Trinley, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu, one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The Karmapa, now eighteen years old, made a daring escape from Tibet to India in early January of 2000. He was born in 1985 to a nomad family in eastern Tibet. From an early age he showed special qualities, and in 1992 was discovered and brought to Tsurphu, the main Kagyu monastery in Tibet, which was being rebuilt after its destruction during the cultural revolution. Karmapa was recognized by the Chinese government as well as by the Dalai Lama, but decided to leave when the Chinese would not allow him access to his main teachers to receive the special training necessary to continue his lineage. He now lives in Dharamsala, the home of the Dalai Lama, where he gives teachings and audiences and writes poetry as well as pursuing his studies, and from which he travels to teach and visit pilgrimage sites. Michelle Martin tells his story, including the thrilling details of his escape, and then presents translations of his teachings and poetry. Well researched and beautifully written, Music in the Sky introduces Karmapa to the world as a profound leader of a deep spiritual tradition.

This book begins with an intriguing look into the life of the famous Buddhist teenager from Tibet, head of one of the four traditional lineages, who escaped over the Himalayas to India. Bound under one cover are actually five small volumes. The first is the Karmapa's life story from the time of his discovery and return to his monastery through to his education, escape from Tibet (a thrilling adventure) and his residence in India. The second section is a selection of his teachings, including a series on meditation that would allow anyone to begin. There are also sophisticated descriptions of the nature of mind according to different philosophical schools.

The third section presents his wonderful and varied poetry with notes to elucidate it. The fourth is a history of his previous reincarnations and a traditional narrative of his lineage. The fifth generously provides 40 pages of color photos of the Karmapa, his teachers, and family. The book is rich in Tibetan lore and Buddhist teachings, accessible to the beginner, and also full of treasures for one familiar with this tradition.

The Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism has gone through a rough spell since the death of the 16th Karmapa in 1981. Twenty years later his reincarnation has returned, and he is about to light up the Vajrayana world big time. When first reading this book, I engaged the hair-raising story of his escape from communist-suppressed Tibet with an open, but discriminating mind & heart. His teachings are profound, and rock solid for any Buddhist practicioner (let alone a teenager). The initial signs emanating from this young man are of impending spiritual greatness...emptiness, compassion, and bliss will be flowing from him,as lineage source for (hopefully) many years to come. We have waited a long time for his return, and it's with joy and celebration that we welcome him back. The world desparately needs genuine bodhisattvas...and he clearly is one already. His poems have plenty of depth and beauty already, and his Dharma talks are stunningly clear, for someone his age. The thought of what he may evolve into 20 years from now is staggering!

The photographs in this book are simply breathtaking. The daily life of the everyday Tibetan come across vividly. The commentary by the Dalai Lama gives insight to the photos. I don't know if I would want to ever move to Tibet, but this book made me realize that it's a beautiful country.

I received this book today ... and I'm stunned ... don't hesitate, just order it ... put together by 2 individuals, each enlightened in his own unique way ... a king in exile, a monk, a man ... the other, an image maker, who sees with his soul, and lives for his craft ... about a land on top of the world, with history and culture as old and deep as the Himalayas are high ... the results are magical ... the photography and text flow from page to page ...

My husband bought this book to use the images of buddhist monks for a tattoo. He was going to leave it with the tattoo artist as a gift but decided to bring it home instead. I am so very glad he did!!!! I have become very interested in Tibetan Buddhism as well as the nature of the Tibetan land and people. Of all the information I have come across, this book is by far the most beautiful! The photography is stunning and the Dalai Lama's text is very moving. I highly recommend this to anyone who has an interest in Tibet or Buddhism. It is simply awe inspiring!

Comprehensive- well translated- and with extensive commentary, both erudite and pratical,by Lama Gyaltrul, on this famous Masterpiece of Tibetan meditation technology,a hertofor untranslated section from a large set of cannonical works known collectivly as Karma Lingpas "Shi- Tro Bardo Rangdrol,{from which the well known Tibetan Book of the dead is also derived}A jewel of a Dharma book-brings one of the best Lamas and most highly qualified translators of 20th century(Gyaltrul and Wallace) togather with one of the finest works previous generations of Tibetan scholars and meditators so as to make this book a completly traditional,while at the same time up to date modern classic a welcome addition to any library,Buddhist or other.

Padmasambhava's teachings on the six bardos is truly brought to life by Gyatrul Rinpoche's commentary, and B. Alan Wallace [as usual] does a superb job of translation.

This book should be read by all those who are interested in practicing Buddhism, whether of the Vajrayana, Mahayana, or Theravaden tradition. Here you will find the words of a master, whose words will engage you and urge you to change your life. Those who find this book and begin its practices are indeed fortunate.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those involved in making this book availible to the public.

Occasionally - very rarely - the wish-granting gem is placed in one's hands. This text, a skilful interweave of the root verses by Guru Padmasambhava and a commentary given recently on the US West Coast by the Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche, is exactly one such opportunity. As a long-term practitioner of the Düd'jom Lineage of teachings, and translator to His Holiness Shenphen Dawa Norbu Rinpoche, I cannot too strongly recommend this book to all those who feel they would like to undertake the Buddhist path. The Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche skilfully steers the practitioner - be they beginner or mature student - through the various reefs of hope and fear attached to such an undertaking, and brings them clear to at least a vision of the path that leads to the other shore, beyond, and back again. He is to be thanked profoundly for his great compassion, humorous skill and wisdom.

A lot of praise is often given to books Chinese but this is probably among the best somebody should read when doing business in Mainland China. It does not only summarizes all of what you need to know about Chinese philosophy but compares the negotiation process step by step comparing between Western and Chinese methods.

Confirming information found in New Asian Emperors, a book talking about Overseas Chinese, it explains the relation between outsiders and insiders of the Chinese group. According to Confucian principles, relations with outsiders (the Westerners) are not the same than Mainland Chinese. Second it explains how Chinese are strongly integrated in their society and that any mistake will follow them all their lives meaning they do not have much room to make favours to outsiders but only to abide by the rules of their superiors and the group.

Chinese slice negotiations in 22 pieces and go step by step from A to Z negotiating each step in detail (forget about jumping steps because they will come back to it later and start the negotiation all over again), comparing the offer available on the market, playing market players against each other to obtain the best deals, reneging on their previous agreements in the negotiation if necessary to put pressure on the outsider. They also want to obtain as much information as possible and expect them to be ruthless. Everything is permitted.

But on the other side, be careful not too loose temper (loss of face is terrible and make any favourable issue impossible), use pressure when required (books explains when to do this), pull strings whenever you can and never forget information flow is never open either because Chinese do not want to explain an embarrassing matter and find excuses which have nothing to do with the matter or they do not have the power to decide and you should find out who really does.

Even after a contract has been signed, expect that you will have to follow up and negotiate again. Author explains the different cases you can encounter.

What Chinese appreciate above all is somebody which is tenacious. Their favourite proverb is 'You can move a mountain stone by stone' and anybody adopting this tactic will be considered a valid player. Of course you must see if the cost are really worth it for you or your company. Therefore China can only be considered a good market if ready to invest there for a long time. Once your reputation as negotiator (the Chinese way) is established, you will find that dealing with Chinese will be much easier, since the word will spread quickly.

But a reputation is linked to a person, not to a company. So when a person or a team of a company is successful, do not change this person or team in your dealings with China because once they are gone, so are the relations.

Thousands of good advices based on case studies in an easy to read book which will learn you more about China than any other one and save you months of painstaking learning experience and probably millions of dollars too.

negotiating China is clear, concise and full of usefull tips and case studies. Anyone who is thinking of doing business in China should peruse this little book.

The Secretary of State and all her cronies at foggy bottom would also do well to read this so they could figure out why they never get anywhere with the Chinese.

This 205 page paperback book is a must reading for anyone intending to go to China in any business capacity. Especially useful is a 4 page quick reference chart to Chinese negotiating characteristics. This chart is essentially a concise summary of the thesis of the book. The author makes it quite clear that it is extremely unwise to go uninformed and expect to successfully negotiate with the Chinese. Why is that so? Because of the dramatically different cultural complications, transference of negotiation skills that are successful in the west is not a given. Personal relationships and friendships are very important factors in helping to cut negotiating time and in helping to obtain favorable financial terms. Negotiations from the Chinese side will entail time and many people in the decision making and negotiation process. You should be prepared to exhibit great persistence for the long term. The author discusses what to expect during the pre-negotiation, the negotiation, and the post-negotiation phases. This book is an excellent reference for preparing yourself. Case studies and analyses review both successful and unsuccessful negotiations in various industries. Chapter headings are: 1. The Haggling Society 2. The World of the Chinese Negotiator 3. Preparing to Negotiate in China 4. The Formal Negotiation 5. Chinese Influence Factors 6. A Bridge Between East and West: the Overseas Chinese 7. Coming Out of China Crying 8. Working the Network 9. Taking Control 10. Stepping Back 11. Demonstrating Commitment 12. Conclusion

Being a traveller who usually swears by Lonely Planet guides, I have to admit that when it came down to taking one or the other, the Lonely Planet book stayed at home and this one made it into my backpack. It's just plain good. I will be sure to check out other Moon Guides in the future. Their series might soon be alongside my LP and Footprint Guide collections.

This may be the best guide book I have ever used. I think I should write Kerry Moran a fan letter for helping me to have an amazing and wonderful time on my six-week trip to Nepal without always feeling like a clueless tourist. This guide is so well written and interesting that I read it cover to cover during the trip-- even the sections about places we weren't planning to go. The cultural descriptions are informative and sensitively written, but not unrealistically rose-colored. The guides to towns and trekking routes give you an accurate and practical idea of what to expect when you get there without being overdetailed or bossy about telling you what do. The Nepali vocabulary and grammar in the appendix really came in handy and Nepalis, even when they could speak English, seemed genuinely pleased that I was trying to speak Nepali. The maps are not especially good, but then even with maps you would still have to ask directions. This is a great guide for anyone whose itenerary is not set in stone and who wants to get some genuine insight into Nepali culture.

This may be the best guidebook I've ever used-- I read it cover to cover during my trip, and feel like I ought to write Kerry Moran a fan letter. The advice and information in this book helped me to have an amazing and wonderful experience Nepal without always feeling like a clueless tourist. The descriptions of Nepali culture and customs are sensitively written and indespensible for a mystified first time visitor. The guides for trekking routes and towns are right on the mark but not overdetailed, so you get an accurate idea what to expect without being told exactly what to do. The Nepali vocabulary and grammar in the appendix were very handy and I really had fun trying to speak the language. This book does not have good maps, but I was able to get pretty good maps in Nepal.

This was a personal account of what it was like for a girl and her family to be on the wrong end of the stick when Chairman Mao instigated the cultural revolution in China. The universal cult of this old bag of wind is revealed and implemented by the simpletons. This is a personal account that takes place within a historical happening. It is of subjective perceptions, emotions, and experiences. It is a biographical account that covers many, many different areas of political, sexual, familial, and professional life. Her intimate friendships were described as well as the "gang" of folks she gravitated towards while she was shunned by her community. How her grandparents were treated right in front of her was disgusting. What is such a paradox about the Communist cultural brainwashing was that the "heroes" of the cultural revolution, became the vermin and enemy in the snap of a finger. Almost always, the victims were innocent. Niu-Niu grew and succeeded and wrote a book about it. The cultural revolution seems to parallel the Salem Witch trials. Hopefully, the Chinese will have the objectivity to think for themselves and realise what a disaster it was. Give it a spin.

This is a truly frightening tale of perhaps the darkest days in human history. Compared to the evils of Chinese Communism, the crimes of Western Colonialists seem to pale in comparison. The Nanjing Massacre is nothing when compared to a Red Guard raid of a "counter-revolutionary" enclave. Chinese do not like to admit it, but more Chinese were killed by Chinese than by British, Japanese, or Russians. This book shows in great detail just how evil the Chinese Communists are, and also shows a lot of the dark side of Chinese culture. Chinese tortures are very real, and these evil acts are still being carried out today. Let this book be a reminder: do not trust what Beijing says about world peace. They are evil.

This is a powerful book. It should be read by anyone who thinks that socialism offers a chance to better humanity. I found the book engaging, uplifting, sad and horrible all at the same time. This was especially true because the book is not fiction. The arm chair socialist of the US and Europe would do well to look at the terrible cost their politics have extracted from the poor all over the world. This book is a good place to start. China has not recovered from these events and the memory of them should not be allowed to die. The cultural revolution was a natural outgrowth of socalist ideas as articulated by Marx and every nation with a communist government has had similar episodes. Mao killed millions. Millions more than Hittler, Millions more than the Crusades. He was the greatest murderer of all time. This book tells the story of one person who escaped, if only just barely.