Explaining China "inside out" - book review

Bill Dodson

Explaining China to an outside audience will never be very easy, but most (book) authors fall at least in one of two major pitfalls.
First, their writings are often meant to outsmart their fellow China experts, not to inform people. While there is nothing wrong with trying to look better than your peers, it seldom is the best way to explain a complicated China to relative newcomers. Expert reviewers often complain they have found nothing new, unless a book challenges their world view. They just fail to understand, they might not be the target audience.
On the other extreme other authors simplify what is happening in China to such a degree, to accommodate their audiene, the country becomes a cartoon of itself.
In his book China Inside Out: 10 Irreversible Trends Reshaping China and its Relationship with the World, Bill Dodson gracefully avoids both dangers. His strong story telling skills makes his explanations both entertaining and convincing. This is a must-read book all China experts should advise to their newbie friends.

Bill Dodson is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. When you need him at your meeting or conference, do get in touch.

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