West to East: A Young Girl's Journey to China

Rating:
Summary: Different than I thought
Review: I was hoping this would be a book that my daughter could read before we take her back to China to see her birth country in 10 or so years. This is a book is a travel journal of a young girl who was born & spent her first 5 years in China before moving to the United States. I was disappointed in the fact that most of the book is the young author's complaints about getting up in the morning, having visiting family that she doesn't remember and doesn't include her in many adult conversations, she loves to shop and her Nai- Nai (Grandmother) doesn't approve of her spending her money.

After spending 14 days in China when we adopted our daughter, I have to admit it is soooo different than her in the US. Yes, it is crowded with people, bicycles and cars. Guangzhou was smoggy, but it wasn't unpleasent. Sqautty potties - their restrooms are quiet different than at home, we got use to the differences. I guess being an adult I see the world much differently than when I was younger. I was hoping that the author would see some of the differences and simularities that her birth country and current home had in common. Visiting China was an experiance of a lifetime. Both my husband and I fell in love with China and when our daughter is in her 'tween years we are taking her back to see her birth country!

Rating:
Summary: China through a Child's Eyes.
Review: Qian Gao's captivating book captures the turmoil within modern China -- from a child's perspective. Ranging from cities to ancient monuments, the young author interweaves respect for her heritage with the realities of her contemporary homeland. On another level, the reader also senses Gao's internal conflict as she reconciles her American upbringing with her Chinese heritage. All considered, West to East : A Young Girl's Journey to China is an insightful and captivating first-hand account of the world's largest nation.

Rating:
Summary: Soo stooooooopid
Review: This book is so stupid...it's obvious that a elementary school kid wrote this. Tries to be all philosophical and insightful and touching at the same time...the only thing it touched was my trash can after i got through the first 2 pages. Poor read...not even worthy for on-the-toilet perusal.

P.S. I only put 1 star cuz I couldn't give it a 0.