Negative Positive
Title: China: A Nation in Transition
Review: This book, published by Congressional Quarterly, features the contributions of over a dozen authors/experts, and provides a comprehensive analysis of China's history, culture, political and economic systems as well as current challenges. It has been required reading in the senior seminar class I teach, one that requires students to demonstrate core competencies in critical thinking and analysis and oral and written expression using a cultural conceptual framework. The book was used for background and as a reference; however, students found it less than engaging, principally due to its comprehensive nature and historical detail. It is my opinion, that while the authors/editor have targeted a broad general audience, this work seems most suitable for the more sophisticated reader and one who has more than a casual interest in China. That reader will find this book to be informative, comprehensive, well-organized and timely.
Is the review positive or negative? 