AGE OF AMBITION Chasing Fortune, Truth and Faith in the New China

Evan Osnos, Beijing correspondent for THE NEW YORKER (2005-2010), has written an outstanding book covering the political, economic, and cultural aspects of China. Narrating his own work is a wonderful addition as his command of Mandarin and in-depth knowledge of the country are apparent. Observations and interviews are crisp and timely whether the subject is a billionaire online matchmaker or the dissident Ai Wei Wei, who has many critical and pithy comments. Osnos's apt delivery of humor—both his own and Chinese—adds authenticity and fun. Most revealing are his observations during a European tour with a Chinese group. (He was the only non-Chinese person.) Osnos excels at getting people to open up; he then adds luster with his spirited delivery of their thoughts. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2014]