
Lost on Planet China
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Narrated by:
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Simon Vance
As Troost relates his gonzo adventure - dodging deadly drivers in Shanghai, eating yak in Tibet, deciphering restaurant menus (offering local favorites such as cattle penis with garlic), and visiting with Chairman Mao (still dead) - he reveals a vast, complex country on the brink of transformation that will soon shape the way we all work, live, and think.
This insightful, hilarious narrative brings China to life as you've never seen it before.
©2008 J. Maarten Troost (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.Listeners also enjoyed...




















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Well worth the listen
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Funny but harsh with some underlying truth.
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I suspect strongly that Simon Vance's narration is all that saves this book from utter unbearability - his soothing, very British intonations smoothing-over and camouflaging a tale that should, in justice, probably be delivered in a nasal, wheedling, north-American whine.
The Chinese, you see, in Troost's eyes, simply cannot do anything right.
His account is in the gonzo comic style, and might almost be compared to Bill Bryson, except that Troost has little interest in the locals' opinions. After all, he has so many of his own to give us.
Make no mistake - this is an entertaining account, and doubtlessly, of course, much of his criticism is justified, particularly of the regime. But it's striking how his cynicism - and, I'll add, his skepticism - switches off the moment he crosses the 'border' into Tibet.
Probably one to digest before traveling there yourself for the first time, on a forewarned is forearmed basis; hell, after all, it's unlikely your own experience would be worse!
Simon Vance; redeemer of one long whinge?
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Thanks for writing this book
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This book made me want to go.....
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So needless to say I could not wait to get my hands on this book, or er my ipod. I have studied China in school for many years and have friends who live there or have lived there.
I was disappointed. Maybe it is because he did not live in this area like in his previous books but the book has little continuity and he fails to grasp so much of Chinese culture. I was also horrified by his depiction of Chinese history. He generalizes such a great deal of the history in a biased and inaccurate manner. Whether it is their ancient history or current times, Troost just did not get the Chinese. I don't think he liked China much at all. There is a falseness about his writing that becomes even more obvious when his journey takes him to Tibet, which he obviously did like and relate to, and his writing all at once seems more easy and honest. He is not blatently hostile. He generally tries to be fair but does not seem to gather the empathy that is evident in his earlier books. This is evident in the title, to him China is another planet and he does say this. I don't feel his heart was in this book.
That being said, it is worth a listen. Just don't take his interpretation of history too literally, especially the ancient. The book is not fluid and does not seem as put together or complete as his previous novels. This writing is more what I'd expect from a professional blog than a book. I hope the next one is better.
I love Troost but...
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Single Best Travel Book on China
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What made the experience of listening to Lost on Planet China the most enjoyable?
While extremely informative, the book was quite funny. The narrator was likely a factor in presenting an audiobook which caused me at numerous points to burst out laughing.What did you like best about this story?
This book is about the travel all over China of a man from California whose family was considering moving to China. He traveled not only to Beijing and the coastal cities, but also to Tibet and the northern provinces. He did this as an individual who spoke very little Chinese.Incredibly Humorous Book about China Travel
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The book was funny and witty in the authors social commentary sort of way.
At a point, I was slightly suspicious that perhaps the author had a negatively bias view on China. So I did research some of his observations. I was disturbed to discover his facts in regard to everything I questioned were accurate. California IS affected by China’s pollution, the air quality IS below standards in the majority of Chinese cities, AND they have been harvesting prisoners’ organs. There were many other revelations that I was astounded by - although I’m not sure why. I am of the age where I remember watching the Tiananmen Square Massacre on the nightly news as a kid. I suppose I had assumed the Chinese government policies would have become more *civilized* or even vaguely more humane. This book was quite a wake-up call.
The narrator is wonderful. I have purchased books he narrates just because he chooses excellent books and he has a great voice.
Fascinating - for those of us who know nothing about China!
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Just like being there
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