Strange Stones

By: Peter Hessler

Narrated by: George Backman

Full of unforgettable figures and an unrelenting spirit of adventure, Strange Stones is a far-ranging, thought-provoking collection of Peter Hessler’s best reportage - a dazzling display of the powerful storytelling, shrewd cultural insight, and warm sense of humor that are the trademarks of his work.

Over the last decade, as a staff writer for The New Yorker and the author of three books, Peter Hessler has lived in Asia and the United States, writing as both native and knowledgeable outsider in these two very different regions. This unusual perspective distinguishes Strange Stones, which showcases Hessler’s unmatched range as a storyteller. “Wild Flavor” invites listeners along on a taste test between two rat restaurants in South China. One story profiles Yao Ming, basketball star and China’s most beloved export, another David Spindler, an obsessive and passionate historian of the Great Wall. In “Dr. Don”, Hessler writes movingly about a small-town pharmacist and his relationship with the people he serves.

While Hessler’s subjects and locations vary, subtle but deeply important thematic links bind these pieces - the strength of local traditions, the surprising overlap between apparently opposing cultures, and the powerful lessons drawn from individuals who straddle different worlds.

©2013 Peter Hessler (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Armchair journeys and expat living in China / USA

This series of experiences shared in one book are a very enjoyable way to learn about China and some of the Chinese people encountered at a time when there is a great change in their country.

The narration is Fantastic! because George Backman speaks the Chinese names in Chinese, so it is a fascinating listen to hear a sentence start off in English, break into the Chinese name pronounced authentically, and resume in English.

Peter Hessler lived in China many years, speaks the language, and lived in neighborhoods where he was the only foreigner. His experiences with neighbors, businesses, authorities, and with other non-Chinese people living, working or studying in China are really interesting and sometimes funny and poignant.

The book also includes his move back to the US west, and readjustment to American society and people. Which is also an interesting point of view and also a bit humorous.

Entertaining

These stories were very entertaining although a little eclectic. They gave some interesting insights into the Chinese culture. The narrator was very irritating, almost enough to make us stop listening. After persevering we got used to the narrator I would not get another book read by him.

FUN

Entertaining and educational, especially if you have an interest in Chinese history. The author spent seven years in China. With a somewhat dry sense of humor, he tells stories of his interactions with the locals.

Expat observations

A good reflection from an experienced expat. His reflections keep your eyes open to the essence of being Chinese and being American.

Another Classic from Hessler...

First off, I don't speak Chinese (Mandarin or Cant) and I wouldn't know if someone mis-pronounced something in that language or not. So, I couldn't tell you if the narrator butchered the Chinese parts or not like some other reviews have mentioned.

What I can tell you is that Peter Hessler's storytelling ability is simply masterful! No matter what the topic, it seems he can make any situation come alive and give feeling / emotion to characters you've never seen or met.

If your even mildly curious about Chinese culture and truly want an inside look at their common people, you won't regret giving this book a shot!

Perceptive book, great narration

As someone who lived and worked several years in China and studied the language intensively, I've always enjoyed Peter Hessler's insightful and respectful writing about China. I found the material here about the Olympics and the Great Wall particularly engaging, and his strong sense of Chinese culture lends his work a real authenticity.

I particularly appreciated that all the Chinese names and words in the audio book were correctly pronounced by the narrator. Regardless of the foreign language, it's amazing how rare this is in audio books. If you are going to the expense of recording an audio version of a book, how much more trouble is it to get the names and occasional expressions right? I suspect those of us who care about such things (I realize we're a small group) we have Mr. Hessler to thank for that.

Peter Hessler is a true storyteller

I love the topics he writes about. It feels as though he's sitting at my dinner table telling me about his travels and experiences in a relaxed way.

funny, entertaining

I played this while driving with others, thinking it would have the broadest appeal. In that it was very successful. However, when one loves an author, one tends to devour his or her work and I found I'd heard most of these stories already in shorter forms in The New Yorker.

Great stories with incite into China

Where does Strange Stones rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Its full of good stories, the reading was too slow and distracting. By speeding up the reading speed to 1.25 the listening improved by 100%. I was tempted to stop listening until I tried the speed up trick.

Great collection of stories

I have always liked Hessler's books. While he talks about himself and his family occasionally, he is humble and largely sticks to facts and not whining or overly emotional stuff; instead, he focuses on the people around him with empathy and curiosity. It's the day-to-day of people's lives that fascinate him (and me).

The only thing I was annoyed by in this audiobook was the lack of clear delineation between chapters (or stories). Sometimes it would take me a few minutes to realize I was listening to a new story since there was nothing in the narration to indicate that. But that's a small quibble.

Highly recommend all of his China based books.