Comments for Out of Mao's Shadow by Phil Pan

Comment on Odds and Ends by Alex Kurtz

Alex Kurtz — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:36:34 +0000

This is one of the most insightful books of China I have come across in a very long time. I was reading up on China for an investment and this book as practical application for business people as a way to gauge some of the risks that are present in China–I read the book cover to cover in about 2 days and it raised as many questions as it answered….I hope Mr. Pan continues his work as it was incredibly insightful and courageous.

Comment on One Last Media Push by W.D. Box

W.D. Box — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:08:49 +0000

Mr. Pan,

As an American expat living in China for the past three years, I have come to the realization that I will never truly understand China. To tell the truth, it is likely that I now know less about China than I did when I first got here.

Very perplexing – this nation and her people.

Superb book. I read it beginning to end without putting it down.

Comment on Odds and Ends by Brian Bailey

Brian Bailey — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:47:11 +0000

A simply brilliant book – I couldn’t put it down! I hope China’s leaders read it.

Comment on One Last Media Push by Gary W

Gary W — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:38:35 +0000

Philip:
I enjoyed your book very much. I am particularly nterested in learning more about Lin Zhao. I understand that her gravesite is in the vicinity of Suzhou. I will be visiting Suzhou next month and would like to visit the gravesite. Do you know where I can find information as to its location and what arrangements need to be made to be able to visit the gravesite? Thank you.

Comment on One Last Media Push by Bryan C

Bryan C — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:30:02 +0000

Philip,
I recently finished your book, and I very much enjoyed it. I was hoping to share it with my father – do you know when it might be available in Chinese translation in Taiwan? Thank you.

Comment on The Latest Review by ChangeIsGood

ChangeIsGood — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:25:05 +0000

Hi Philip,

I’m a faithful reader of WashingtonPost’s coverage of World News, esp. of the Asian/Pacific section. Bought one copy and in the middle of reading. First of all, I want to commend you on your effort and vision to bridge the communication between the East and West, which is much needed. It’s a great book and I wish all of Chinese people would read it – esp. those middle and upper class, who are now content with their financial situation but totally ignorant of their political jeopardy.

I have to say that the content of your book is no surprise to me. My attention has recently been on the human right issues thanks to the writings of an author called Yu Jie – no, not the Yu Jie mentioned in your book who documented Lin Shao’s story. But they are in similar position – revealing the true history and helping the world to know the true face of communist regime. His website is http://boxun.com/hero/yujie/

I’ve bought a few copies of his books. I will be delighted to donate some of them to you if you’re interested. You can learn more about China and the way its people think and the way it operates. I would also love to discuss with you any issue you might regarding China and its polical issues.

Cheers.

Comment on One Last Media Push by Wayne

Wayne — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 06:20:22 +0000

Chairman Mao was one of the, if not greatest man of the twentieth century. If he truly was a monster, then why is he still so popular among the Chinese people? Without Mao, there would not be the resurgent China of today. He made some mistakes for sure, but most were well-intentioned. But his great contribution was to drive out the imperialists, unite the country and give us the atom bomb. He also defeated the Americans in Korea, his own son was killed.

And you, a complete running dog nonentity think you have the right to pass judgement on one of history’s greatest ever men?

You make me want to vomit.

Comment on The Latest Review by coffee messiah

coffee messiah — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:03:41 +0000

I too saw your interview on BM and enjoyed hearing you speak.

I have ordered the book and look forward to reading it.

Cheers and Good Health! CM

Comment on An Interview, a Review, and a Request by Dave

Dave — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:19:23 +0000

My congratulation with first place in overall count on Olympic Games. Volleyball team was the best!

Comment on The Latest Review by Art

Art — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:50:22 +0000

Hi Philip,

I just finished watching you discuss your book with Bill Moyers. I also watched your discussion with John Stewart on the Daily Show.

I am a huayi and I’ve read a little bit of Chinese history. I tend to view 1949 to the present as the Communist Dynasty. So given this perspective, I’ve always thought that China throughout her history has always been a one-party state. It seems to me that there’s always a contract between the emperor (the CCP is kind of an emperor) and the people that emperor will deliver the economic goods and the people will leave the emperor alone. A few of the dynasties fell because of peasant revolt. My first and only visit to China in 2006 made me think the Communist Party would last a little bit longer than most people are hoping for because because the party has been delivering prosperity to many people. Granted the countryside needs a lot of improvement, but I am under the impression (from reading various things about China) that there some in the party who are worried that if the economic bonanza doesn’t reach the countryside, another peasant revolution would take place.

As for human rights in China, I wonder what the West would think it’s viewed more broadly. Instead of looking at today’s China, what if this issue were viewed from the beginning of the Qin Dynasty? Throughout China’s history, what happened when individuals or groups protest loudly enough against those in power? Did the Chinese state throughout her history come down harshly against those complained and protested against injustice and unfairness?