Arranged by letter of the alphabet, with at least one entry per letter, these short pieces capture the variety of daily life in contemporary China.

Writing about traditions that endure in rural areas as well as the bureaucratic absurdities an American teacher and traveler experiences in the 1980s, Holm covers such topics as dumpling making, bound feet, Chinglish, night soil, and banking. In a new afterword to the second edition, Holm reacts to recent changes.

Holm's view is entertaining, thought-provoking and touching. After reading his book, you won't look at the United States or China the same way. --Philadelphia Inquirer