In 'China Wakes' the authors give a remarkable insight into life in China in the 90s. Although written some years ago, the main issues such as economic transformation and corruption remain still up-to-date. Based on anecdotal evidence gained from their work as N.Y. Times correspondents, the authors raise interesting points and persuadingly analyse the ambivalent state of Chinese affairs: the economy takes off and the system decays. However, the book has its weak points when the authors try to put the Chinese development into the broader context of world history or when they use labels such as totalitarian or fascist in a superficial way. Nevertheless, on the whole this vivid portrayal of today's China is worth recommending.

Just came back from 3 week trip to China on my own. No tour group. I don't speak Chinese but had similar experiences as the authors. I travelled by trian to Beijing, Xi'an and Urumqi. Spent time in Tianchi with the Kazaks. I came back with similar ideas as the authors. Not as in depth because I was limited by language, time and places I travelled. I thought I got a slanted view as I had no problems, but it was refreshing to know I saw China in the same light as the authors. Easy reading with lots of insight especially for those that want to relive their China experieces. Found book purely by accident. I would personally like to thank the authors for their devotion to China. I am more optimistic then the authors were 3 years ago. I think China is going to be a great economic superpower for years to come with minor political upheavels.

The authors of this book were working as journalists for the New York Times at the time of the Tiananmen Square Incident. They paint a vivid picture of a China caught between two futures. Even though there has been great progress in certain things since the Mao era, there are still many things that are terribly wrong with China. Will progress overcome corruption or vice versa?

This book was published in 1994, so many recent developments (Hong Kong's intergration into China, and the spy plane incident for example) are not included. Despite the age of this book, the commentary on the Chinese government still seems to be accurate. It provides a window into the government of one of the most important countries in the world. Check it out.

Mr. Kristoff and Ms. WuDunn have written a very interesting and engaging book about one of the most important areas of the world. The strength and weakness of the book derives from the authors' close contact with average people in the areas the write about. This puts a wonderfully human face on an area that for too many Americans becomes a faceless mass of statistics. But sometimes I think the authors are too quick to jump from anecdote to larger societal truth.

I found some of the early history of the region especially fascinating having never been exposed to that before. Like the authors, I spent time afterward thinking about what might have been had China not destroyed its 15th century navy. It is a useful counterpoint to the common argument that the triumph of the West over the past several centuries was inevitable.

The book also provides many good insights into Asia's potential for the future. I was also impressed that the authors seemed very cognizant of the limits of their predictive powers and often pointed the wide variety of things that could happen to change their overall outlook. I would recommend this book for all but the most serious scholars of Asia.

The authors write of their experiences and observations in a number of Asian countries. Their story is greatly helped by conversations with people from all walks of life, from world leaders to the desperately poor. Their story is very well told, and is consistent with my experiences in Asia.

Anyone who aspiring to "think globally and act locally" needs to read this book. Opponents of globalization are especially advised to read this book -- the world looks a lot different on the ground in parts of Asia than it does from the comfort of a North American or Western European armchair. High-minded ideals can cause a lot of real damage to the poorest of the poor, to those in most need of help.

Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporters Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn spent 14 years covering Asia. Their talents, insight and experience shine in this informative and provocative look at the region's economic rise and diverse cultures. The authors brilliantly weave economic, political and historical data into chapters that tell the stories of the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people from all walks of life. From their understanding of Asian economies to their perceptions about the ambitions, emotions and determination that shape individual lives, the authors create a verbal photo album of Asian culture. We [...] highly recommend this beautifully written page-turner to all readers.