11 episodes
Letter from China Peter James Froning
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- Society & Culture
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4.8 • 21 Ratings
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This is a poignant and irreverent diary of the author's yearlong (2001-2) experience of teaching English to college students in Beijing, People's Republic of China. From the very first pages, the author draws you into his struggle with a culture worlds away from his comfort zone. The author's generous and compelling personality allowed him to gain access to the lives of his students and their families, who became characters in his tale. One can experience the author's wit and humanity throughout the narrative.
The author's humorous view of China is especially timely and dovetails with the current explosion of interest in that country as it enters the modern world. The book is neither a travelogue nor a look at the government, although elements of those subjects are woven into the story. Instead, it is an engaging look at China, tailored toward those who know little about it. Still, those who have lived and/or traveled there will also enjoy the book as it reminds them of the absurdities they, too, experienced.
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Installment 9
Weeks 36-39. Peter finally gets a key to his classroom and teaches his students how to root for the home team.
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Installment 7
Weeks 28-31. Peter attempts to describe authentic Chinese food and goes traveling with Wang Lu.
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Installment 6
Weeks 24-27. The students find out Peter is writing a book. Peter's American friend, Martha, comes to visit and promptly has her backpack stolen.
Customer Reviews
Engaging, witty, and endearing book
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It is taken from emails the author sent home during his year long experience as an English teacher in China. You get to know the author and his students and before long you can imagine yourself on the 503 bus or attending English Corner. A lovely book and well worth a listen!
Enternaining and Informative
I loved this book. It was very emotional and I found that I laughed and cried through the whole thing. I regretfully have to give it four stars though because I found the narrator to be a bit dull off the get-go, but got better as the story went on. Great overall though!!
So Strange
I've only listened to about a third of the podcast but I feel that it should be retitled 'Letters from an Alternate Universe'. The descriptions of life in China and their way of life are so strange and humerous. Well worth the listening.