After reading this book, I felt very proud that the Peace Corps had individuals like Peter and Adam.I also came to China to teach English but it was in 1979. Conditions were very poor and the influence of the Cultural Revolution could still be seen and felt.The author makes some very insightful analysis on Chinese society but he gives a background and perspective that helps the reader understand the conditions and difficulties the Chinese people had to face.Many of the observations that Peter made I observed myself. I could only shake my head in amazement as I read of his experiences. As an American black living in China, I also had some very, very interesting experiences. However, the longer one lives among the Chinese, one cannot ignore their talent, creativity, and their humanity. Peter Hessler wrote a beautiful book.My only question is how could someone only give this book three stars?brad polkbeijing, china