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Nothing to Envy is one of my favorite works of nonfiction so I had very high expectations. I didn‘t find this one quite as gripping, but still very illuminating and interesting. Excellent reportage and research. I appreciated learning what life has been like for Tibetans 1958 forward and now have a greater understanding of their struggle for freedom.

“Gonpo could smell the smoke before she could see what was happening.”

#FirstLineFridays

A tragic commentary of the destruction of Tibetan culture by the Chinese government and Western influences. Author Demick focuses on a small Tibetan village and the annihilation of their culture as told by the people facing the demise of their religion and traditions leading to turmoil and extreme protests. An eye opening look into a secretive world.

This long form nonfiction account considers the history of Tibet, how China has tried to control the territory and why, all through the lens of one village that is famous for producing a high number of self-immolators. An interesting read.

I learned a lot about the recent history and current events in #Tibet in this book. Parts of it are fantastic, but the first section is such a slog I couldn‘t give it a pick. I really wish she had reworked that part. If you can get through it, the rest is worth getting to.

#ReadingAsia2021

I have always been aware of the issues in Tibet, but until I read this modern history I had never understood them. This was a fascinating book. I recommend it. #ReadingAsia2021

🎶I don‘t wanna work. I just wanna read from this book all day🎶

Enjoying on this rainy Monday morning: tagged book. I don‘t want to put it down.

Not enjoying on this rainy Monday morning: data tabulations 😵😵😵

Readathoning in between yard chores and trips to the garden center.

Just starting this one ...

I have read other reviews about this book, stating how boring it was. I found it to be everything but boring. Oppression in Tibet is real, and is very much present.

A deep dive into Tibetan history.

This was an "easy" read for a history. I am just not sure how much I will remember this over time.

The second half of the book picks up steam; the first half is a little dry as it sets the stage. Fascinating informative about the history and culture of the Tibetans- I honestly had no idea how unique their culture and spiritual life is nor how awful the Chinese have treated them. Good, not great.

I don‘t feel the same amazement about this book that I did about Nothing to Envy, her book about North Korea, but when I settled into the history of Tibet under China‘s rule, and the lives Demick chose to highlight, I found this a very informative #audiobook. 4.5⭐️

Cassandra Campbell deftly narrates. 👍🏻

Sunrise chores with an audiobook 🌅

A book about the livelihoods of people struggling to find their footing in a country they call home, which keeps robbing them of their identities, freedom & independence, repeatedly. And they stood their ground, fought back, rebelled, & self-immolated as a call for the freedom of their people & to bring their Dalai Lama back home.This is the Tibetans‘ story of their long fight to freedom while trying to preserve their culture, beliefs & language⬇️

This was a deep dive into Tibet few foreigners ever get to visit. Barbara Demick weaves both personal stories of longtime locals with the ancient history, culture, religion and beliefs of the Tibetan people. Parts were fascinating but some sections a little dry. Because I read a lot of nonfiction, I wasn‘t as riveted by this book as I was expecting. Still good and worth picking up.
#ARC #NetGalley

I‘m curious to see how this is. I loved her book on North Korea so I hope it‘s on the same level as that one 🤞🏽