Gang of One: Memoirs of a Red Guard (American Lives Series)

Rating:
Summary: A Book of Stunning Power!
Review: "Gang of One" is truly a book of stunning power. All of us in our book club were thoroughly moved by the strength and the drama in the book. Some of us read the book in two sittings. Jay Nordlinger of "National Review" was quite right when he wrote about the book: "'Gang of One' is full of death, and worse, as mass sadism took hold of an entire country (the world's biggest). But it is also full of humanity, and at times, funny as hell. (You should listen to 'Comrade Thus,' so named because of his propensity to use the word 'thus.') There is even, shockingly, a love story toward the end of the book. It is as shocking and beautiful as that in '1984.' Hypnotically rendered, 'Gang of One' is a high literary achievement, documenting an even greater achievement, by which I mean the life of this awe-inspiring man, Fan Shen." We couldn't agree with Jay Nordlinger more. Pick up this book and laugh and cry with the author! No doubt, this is the best memoir that we have read in the last five years. Breanna, Chicago

Rating:
Summary: A Good Story to Share with Friends
Review: A friend in my bookclub recommended "Gang of One" and we all read the book with great interest. The story, though disturbing at times, is deeply moving and we had a heated discussion of the book after reading it. I hope more people will read this story. Sharon from Miami, Florida

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Summary: A Most Enjoyable Book!
Review: Anyone interested in a true and inspiring story will certainly like this one. "Witty, humane, a page turner"--Philip Gambone, Harvard University. "Shocking and astounding"--Publishers Weekly.

Rating:
Summary: Must Read
Review: Here is more enlightenment on the Cultural Revolution in China. This personal story highlights how impossible that time was for Chinese in China. Even devoutly following party guidelines did not keep one safe from the chance of being a target of the political crazy making. This book is an enjoyable read from start to finish; a short book without a dull momment. I will remember this book out of the many I have read as contributing to my own personal development. A friend of mine has the book now, and I expect to continue to loan this book often. Thanks to Fan Shen for sharing his memoirs. My dream is that this book would benefit many more individuals in comparison to the number that have been hurt by the Cultural Revolution (impossible).

Rating:
Summary: Must Read
Review: Here is more enlightenment on the Cultural Revolution in China. This personal story highlights how impossible that time was for Chinese in China. Even devoutly following party guidelines did not keep one safe from the chance of being a target of the political crazy making. This book is an enjoyable read from start to finish; a short book without a dull momment. I will remember this book out of the many I have read as contributing to my own personal development. A friend of mine has the book now, and I expect to continue to loan this book often. Thanks to Fan Shen for sharing his memoirs. My dream is that this book would benefit many more individuals in comparison to the number that have been hurt by the Cultural Revolution (impossible).

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Summary: Avid Reader
Review: I enjoyed the personal account of the cultural revolution. The authors first hand description of the trials endured in his quest to freedom was very interesting. A well written book and an excellent read.

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Summary: A Young Man Survives Dangerous China Cultural Revolution
Review: The 1966-76 Cultural Revolution is a blot on Chinese history, a time when youth ran amok humiliating or killing the remaining middle class businessmen, doctors, lowyers and academics. to grip the country in chaos and fear. As a Chinese emigre, I was initially reluctant to recall this disastrous period. But, as I read Dr. Shen's harrowing experiences, I was thrilled by the triumph of his spirit and intellect. His fast moving narrative shows us the inner dynamics of the painful emergence of the nation that will dominate Asia, and seriously effect us all. I highly recommend his book to every throughtful reader.

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Summary: A Truly Inspiring Story!
Review: The story reads like a serialized novel and I just could not put it down. I was deeply moved by the struggle of the character and would recommend this book to anyone who has struggled through life.

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Summary: An Exciting Memoir to Share with Friends!
Review: This is a compelling story, one of the best memoirs that I have read in years. It is such a page turner that I read it in just two days. I just could not put it down until I finished it. Allen

Rating:
Summary: An Inspiring Story, Very Enjoyable
Review: This is a quiet story, but very inspiring and moving. I also liked the clever play of Lao Tzu's wisdom on the meaning of life that the author used as titles of each section. I know more people will enjoy reading this book. Mary