Good Books of China

[david_dawei]

I am really enjoying "The Chinese have a word for it." Well writtren and enjoyable.

That was my Bible when I lived in China. Probably saved my life a few times!

Steve, here, turned me to this book.. but I personally didn't like it... I've written here in the past about it so won't repeat it.

 

I think asking about books of china is similar to asking 'what is dao'... if someone say it is a philosophy [only], they have very little understanding of it... it encompasses so much more since it predates it's philosophical side.

 

I approach studying about china in the same way; diversify yourself.

- The Chinese Mind (old but good)

- A short history of Chinese philosophy (Yu Lan Feng)

- A daoist theory of chinese thought (caused a hugh academic debate)

- The Three character canon (see how so little can say so much)

- 100 Pearls of chinese wisdom (also is the 100 idioms)

- Poetry: I have my favorites and like David Hinton's translations but if you at least stick to Song and Tany dynasty you will find most of the classics. There is a CFL link for some classics.

- Ten chinese myths of the creation (really has about 100 stories in 10 categories)

- The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine (although it can be a dry read, if you ignore reading about traditional chinese medicine--TCM-- then you ignore a hugh historical part)

- Chinese foods for Longevity (must read something about Yin and Yang foods if you ignore the TCM)

- Chinese teaching books by Yong Ho; he brings the social and historical connections to words and manners.

- Movies; Just too many... just watch them for social and historical value.

- some book on tai ji or gi gong or else you miss out on another important historical part [about qi].

[Reddragon75]

Here is one:

 

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416N6SJCZBL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg

 

http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Have-Word-Co...t/dp/0658010786

 

OR

 

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51yxs9e60NL._SL500_BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg

 

http://www.amazon.com/China-Culture-Smart-...e/dp/1857333047

 

A few notes, when in China don't discuss politics, and religion in public.

 

 

Just got these 2 books from amazon.com. So far they are great and have a lot of very useful information in them.

[Guest WenDylan]

I know this thread is on Culture and History books... but I thought I would just throw out the book I am using. It is great for anyone learning Mandarin... because although tones are important, I think the way a child and the way an adult tackle learning a language (or second language) is very different. It's called Urban Chinese. This book is fantastic for the adult learning Mandarin, and it has a section that relates language to historical facts, as well as Chinese tradition and folk-lore. It explains a lot of saying and explains it easily for any foreigner to understand, and use the knowledge appropriately. Actually I think a lot of things are humorous and it is made that way intentionally because to share life, is to laugh and love it! It is written by a very good source, the Beijing Language & Culture University.

 

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/e5/b8/efac228348a020b4a4d2f010.L.jpg

 

http://www.amazon.com/Urban-Chinese-Mandar...5151&sr=1-3

 

I have a newer version than the photo that is a different color, but I'm sure the context is the same, and maybe even updated a little!

[shaffej7070]

I am really enjoying "The Chinese have a word for it." Well writtren and enjoyable.

That was my Bible when I lived in China. Probably saved my life a few times!

Steve, here, turned me to this book.. but I personally didn't like it... I've written here in the past about it so won't repeat it.

 

I think asking about books of china is similar to asking 'what is dao'... if someone say it is a philosophy [only], they have very little understanding of it... it encompasses so much more since it predates it's philosophical side.

 

I approach studying about china in the same way; diversify yourself.

- The Chinese Mind (old but good)

- A short history of Chinese philosophy (Yu Lan Feng)

- A daoist theory of chinese thought (caused a hugh academic debate)

- The Three character canon (see how so little can say so much)

- 100 Pearls of chinese wisdom (also is the 100 idioms)

- Poetry: I have my favorites and like David Hinton's translations but if you at least stick to Song and Tany dynasty you will find most of the classics. There is a CFL link for some classics.

- Ten chinese myths of the creation (really has about 100 stories in 10 categories)

- The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine (although it can be a dry read, if you ignore reading about traditional chinese medicine--TCM-- then you ignore a hugh historical part)

- Chinese foods for Longevity (must read something about Yin and Yang foods if you ignore the TCM)

- Chinese teaching books by Yong Ho; he brings the social and historical connections to words and manners.

- Movies; Just too many... just watch them for social and historical value.

- some book on tai ji or gi gong or else you miss out on another important historical part [about qi].

 

 

"100 Pearls of Chinese Wisdom" is one of my favorites. These idioms contain the Chinese characters with pinyin and English translation.

 

One of lao po's favorite is:

 

"ren wu wanren jin wu zuchi"

 

"It is as impossible to find a perfect man as it is to find 100 percent pure gold."

[Toplaw]

When you tire of reading the hard core books that take you where you want to go with your knowledge, you can learn a few things when reading fiction written by Chinese (or part Chinese) authors who include Chinese history and culture in their books.

 

I suggest Ha Jin, Amy Tan, and Lisa See for your consideration. I would start with "Waiting," "The Joy Luck Club," and "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan."

[Ovahimba]

I am currently reading this book. "China Road: A Journey into the Future of a Rising Power". It's an easy read, presenting images of modern China and it gives you some insights into Chinese thinking.

[corvette]

My country and my people by Lin Yu Tang. A must read!

[Dave&Hong]

I just finished "Oracle Bones" by Peter Hessler. Great read and a lot of insight from an American who obviously loves China.

[canrun]

River Town by Peter Hessler

Chinese Lessons by John Pomfret

Wild Swans by Jung Chang

Mao:The Unknown Story by Jung Chang

Out of Mao's Shadow by Philip Pan

 

Hope that helps! Every western spouse here should read those books.