Rating: 
Summary: An absolute delight!
Review: Iron & Silk was the only optional book on our list of reading for a Freshman Symposium course on Chinese culture. It turned out to be the only enjoyable book of the lot! Salzman's writing is beautiful, delicate, deeply touching and often humorous. I've been a fan ever since. I was lucky enough to meet him when he visited our college campus, and he is by far more hilarious than any comic I've ever seen! (When queried about symbolism of the book's title, he replied, "I just wanted the title to have two nouns, with an 'and' in between." The look on the professors' faces was priceless!) Salzman's books are a joy to read. Every line should be savored! (And don't miss "Lost in Place" - the delightful and witty account of his youthful fascination with China.)
Rating: 
Summary: How could you let such a racist review appear?
Review: On my original note, I think Mark Salzman wrote a very charming and entertaining book. He shows the Chinese culture from his point of view and shows the humor both sides encounter. I would recommend anyone who is interested in visiting China to read this book first and then reread it after to compare notes
Rating:
Summary: Easy to read, hard to put down, Chinese culture, martial art
Review: My flatmate was reading this book and I read a bit of it when he wasn't home. I had to keep reading it, so did our other flat mate. The three of us were taking turns to read it at the same time. My flatmates are going to China to teach English, I am interested in martial arts. This book makes you want to go to China to teach English and learn martial arts.This novel is easy to read, funny in parts and discusses some of the political problems that face foreigners in China. The author shares his experiences with the special police when trying to travel with friends, and explains how the police tried to stop famous martial art instructors from teaching him. Salzman also intrigues you with his many different martial art instructors and the styles he learnt, coupled with Chinese calligraphy. A must read, wonderful book.
Rating:
Summary: a must read
Review: Iron and Silk is simply the best book I have read in quite some time. It's effortless to read and thouroughly enjoyable. Having read all his other books, I eagerly await his next novel.
Rating:
Summary: A Great read about China
Review: I truly believe travel narratives are the best ways to learn about a country outside of visiting them. Iron and Silk is one of those great books that give you the feel for China and the Chinese people. I read this book before my trip to China in the summer of 1998. Though the book is dated a bit, it is a must read before any trip to China or for any armchair traveller. I loved the way Salzman combined martial arts, calligraphy, tai chi with his other observations about China. My only problem with the book is that Salzman comes off a little to perfect...he always succeeds in this or masters that.....just a little to self serving. But that is just a little criticism of an otherwise great read about China.
Rating:
Summary: A wise tale
Review: Each time that I teach Intro to Cultural Anthropology, I show this video to my students. It prompts lively discussions about culture shock and cultural relativism. Each time I watch Iron and Silk, I find myself moved by the simple and direct style, and the humor and poignancy of the story. A wise tale about transcending cultural barriers to relationships which never minimizes the hard reality of those barriers. END
Rating:
Summary: Delicious, ate same
Review: Tuning a piono, kissing, the understanding of manners, silly ... but not stupid, art in exchange for a song, fish caught to avoid wives' scolding. I am a sucker for heart felt vignettes stated simply.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely fun and interesting to read!!
Review: I've already read and re-read this book 10+ times. I would've given this book more than 5 stars if there had been a choice. It's just an amazing book!!
Rating:
Summary: Charming summer reading, light and entertaining
Review: A highly enjoyable "tour" of China and the Chinese with an overachieving Yalie working as an English teacher. Salzman's better adventures cast him not as a teacher but as a _student_, as renowned masters of calligraphy and martial arts in remote Hunan Province seek out the Westerner to add him to their list of proteges. Salzman's writing is deft and understated, if a trifle meatless and disjunct at times. Although there's some food for thought, it's more like a travelogue. But you'll smile many times in the course of this book and, if you're like me, you won't want it to end.
Rating:
Summary: Dare to do. Dare to Dream.
Review: Iron and Silk remarkably captures the tension that exists between Eastern and Western society while portraying the heart in human interaction. Iron and Silk takes you to the center of the Chinease culture, but still retains the subtle perspective of an outsider It is a journey of strength and great courage that quietly compells the reader to open their own hearts and dare to question and to dream. This book was an incredible inspiration for me that I will carry inside forever.
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