Dreaming in Chinese: Mandarin Lessons in Life, Love, and Language
Deborah Fallows and her family move to China for two years, and Fallows recounts the experience of living in China through the lens of her attempts to learn Mandarin.
I enjoyed this a lot. I am always fascinated by cultures different from mine, and Fallows' point of view is sympathetic with mine. Examining the disconnect between the Chinese and American meanings of phrases like "I love you" or "not allowed" is a great way of exploring the greater disconnect of her cultural transition.
What Went Well:
- Insights seem genuine and not forced
- The new culture is approached with an open mind and heart
Even Better If:
- Chapters were longer
- More phrases were covered
- More narrative connection between chapters
