Learn how to Mao's Last Dancer
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"From a desperately poor village in northeast China, to a career that took him across the world, this is the incredible story of Li Cunxin -- a story that almost vanished, like so many other peasants' lives, amid revolution and chaos. At age eleven, Li was chosen by Madame Mao's cultural delegates
… More »"From a desperately poor village in northeast China, to a career that took him across the world, this is the incredible story of Li Cunxin -- a story that almost vanished, like so many other peasants' lives, amid revolution and chaos. At age eleven, Li was chosen by Madame Mao's cultural delegates to be taken from his rural home and brought to Beijing, where he would study ballet. In 1979, the young dancer arrived in Texas as part of a cultural exchange, wary of class enemies and prepared to "serve glorious communism." It didn't take long for him to fall in love with America--and with an American woman. Two years later, through a series of events worthy of the most exciting cloak-and-dagger fiction, he defected to the United States, where he quickly became known as one of the greatest ballet dancers in the world. This is the remarkable story of his journey--a heartening rags-to-riches story [and] a fascinating glimpse into the history of Chinese-U.S. relations and the dissolution of the Communist ideal in the life of one fortunate individual."--From p. [4] of cover.
« LessPart two: Beijing. Feather in a whirlwind ; The caged bird ; That first lonely year ; The pen ; My own voice ; Teacher Xio's words ; Turning points ; The mango ; Change ; On the way to the West ; The filthy capitalist America ; Good-bye, China
Part 3: The West. Return to the land of freedom ; Elizabeth ; Defection ; My new life ; A millet dream come true ; No more nightmares ; Russia ; Mary ; Going home ; Back in my village ; Another wedding: Qingdao, 1988
Part one: My childhood. Home ; My Niang and Dia ; A commune childhood ; The seven of us ; Na-na ; Chairman Mao's classroom ; Leaving home -- Part two: Beijing. Feather in a whirlwind ; The caged bird ; That first lonely year ; The pen ; My own voice ; Teacher Xio's words ; Turning points ; The mango ; Change ; On the way to the West ; The filthy capitalist America ; Good-bye, China -- Part 3: The West. Return to the land of freedom ; Elizabeth ; Defection ; My new life ; A millet dream come true ; No more nightmares ; Russia ; Mary ; Going home ; Back in my village ; Another wedding: Qingdao, 1988
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Add a CommentA very good book. Beautifully written. A book for all age groups!
I loved this book! I think any age group would enjoy it! I loved how it gave such a clear insight to China, during Mao's reign. It was really fascinating!
Wow. This was a really beautiful and inspiring story! My teacher actually lent it to me and I just got around to reading it (so I can return it) but I'm so glad I did! I found that the beginning was a bit slow, but that was mainly to introduce the setting, family etc. Once he got into the ballet academy, I was truly hooked. I haven't actually finished it yet (almost there!) but am really excited to read the ending to this. This book really opened my eyes to the world: the poverty, the politics and the different forms of art.
I loved the book and movie . Elena A.
What a great book, beautiful story. I recommend this book ! Li really have you hook on, cannot put it down. One of the best in a long time.
I enjoyed the movie first, then wanted to read the book. The book has something for the athletic, artistic, and politically minded reader. It was very inspiring. I recommend it.
I originally reserved this "book" thinking it was the DVD of a trailer I had seen. I decided to read the book when it came in and found an amazing story. I don't see how a movie would be able to tell Li Cunxin story and give the same feel as the book. The way Li wrote his story I felt I was there with him. It was an eye opener into the Chinese culture.
It's not only the story, but the way it is written that makes this book compelling.