Postcards from Tomorrow Square Book Summary

In 'Postcards from Tomorrow Square', James Fallows unveils a captivating exploration of modern China, blending personal anecdotes with profound insights. As he navigates the bustling streets of Beijing, he captures the vibrant heartbeat of a nation on the brink of transformation. Through detailed narratives and vivid observations, Fallows challenges preconceived notions, revealing the complexities of Chinese society and its dynamic future. This book serves as both a travelogue and a thought-provoking commentary on globalization's impact. Prepare to embark on a journey that transcends borders and invites reflection on the world to come.

By James Fallows

Published: 2008

"In a world growing ever more connected, the true challenge is navigating the distance between our dreams and the reality of everyday life."

Book Review of Postcards from Tomorrow Square

“Americans need not be hostile toward China's rise, but they should be wary about its eventual effects. The United States is the only nation with the scale and power to try to set the terms of its interaction with China rather than just succumb. So starting now, Americans need to consider the economic, environmental, political, and social goals they care about defending as Chinese influence grows.” —from “China Makes, the World Takes” Since December 2006, The Atlantic Magazine's James Fallows has been writing some of the most discerning accounts of the economic and political transformation occurring in China. The ten essays collected here cover a wide-range of topics: from visionary tycoons and TV-battling entrepreneurs, to environmental pollution and how China subsidizes our economy. Fallows expertly and lucidly explains the economic, political, social, and cultural forces at work turning China into a world superpower at breakneck speed. This eye-opening and cautionary account is essential reading for all concerned not only with China's but America's future role in the world.

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In a world growing ever more connected, the true challenge is navigating the distance between our dreams and the reality of everyday life.

Postcards from Tomorrow Square

By James Fallows