"A valuable account. Hessler's attention to detail is impressive, and certain passages resemble photographs that capture a fleeting moment in time. China has not always been so effective at historical preservation, so future generations of Chinese may thank Hessler for his efforts. Hessler effectively demonstrates that there are in fact millions of 'China stories'--and they are all hurtling into the future without a roadmap." - The New Republic "Peter Hessler, a modern Marco Polo crossing China in a rented Jeep Cherokee, has witnessed signs and wonders worthy of a Coen brothers film. Every so often, I read a book that upends my perceptions about a place. This is one of them." - Bloomberg News "Exceptionally moving.
Hilarious. An absolutely terrific book, at once highly entertaining and deeply instructive, as he paints a portrait of a country in the midst of change so widespread and profound that it can scarely be grasped. Hessler clearly came to love China in the more than a decade he spent there, and he was endlessly surprised, amused, and delighted by it. Country Driving is a wonderful book about China that also happens to be a terrific book about the human race. - Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post "A fascinating road trip through a land in transition. Hessler's description of China's new drivers is hilarious. Country Driving tells us as much about contemporary China even when Hessler is not on the road." - The Christian Science Monitor "Exceptionally moving.
Hilarious. An absolutely terrific book, at once highly entertaining and deeply instructive. Country Driving is a wonderful book about China that also happens to be a terrific book about the human race. - Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post "Hessler's genius has always been in his wry commentary and ability to transcribe the rhythms of his environment onto the page. From this cast of thousands emerges a picture of great hopes tinged with sadness at what is being cast aside without second thought." - The Wall Street Journal "Unforgettable. Hessler's experiences on Chinese superhighways, local paved roads, and dirt paths paralleling the Great Wall are simultaneously hair-raising and humorous. Unlike most journalists, Hessler is able to immerse himself in the culture, befriending Chinese of all ages and ranks.
Westerners who want to understand the faraway nation must hope Hessler visits China often." - The Seattle Times "Delightful. Epic. The reporting in Country Driving is impressive in its scope. Hessler delivers eloquent disquisitions on everything from how to buy a used car in China to the history of the Mongol conquest. Impeccable. Affecting. Hessler is a fine tour guide for the new China.
" - Dwight Garner, The New York Times "Delightful. Epic. The reporting in Country Driving is impressive in its scope. Hessler delivers eloquent disquisitions on everything from how to buy a used car in China to the history of the Mongol conquest." - Dwight Garner, The New York Times "Extraordinary. Country Driving , like Hessler's previous works, tells the story of China's transformation powerfully and poetically. Through the lives of the ordinary Chinese he gets to know so well, he explains the country's complexity, insecurities and tensions better than many of the more analytical works that have appeared in recent years." - The Economist "Extraordinary.
Country Driving , like Hessler's previous works, tells the story of China's transformation powerfully and poetically." - The Economist.