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Read in September, 2009
If alarm bells ring at a book title beginning ‘American’ rest assured, this is an unexpected gem. Matthew Polly writes with wonderfully self-depreciating humour that makes for a very enjoyable read. Better still, he delivers real insight into modern training at the Shaolin temple.
There is a sense of genuine warmth for the people he meets and every word rings true. Polly is not afraid to expose the less spiritual side of Shaolin, with its tourist traps, political intrigues and the ...more
There is a sense of genuine warmth for the people he meets and every word rings true. Polly is not afraid to expose the less spiritual side of Shaolin, with its tourist traps, political intrigues and the ...more
Read in March, 2008
"Fish out of Water" story of an aimless young man who lives at the modern day incarnation of the fabled Shaolin temple for two years to learn Kung Fu. The descriptions of the ways that China has been changing for the last few decades are fascinating. The fact the the author is usually sensitive enough to know how insensitive he can be makes his story worthwhile.Being able to point out his own foibles makes his descriptions of cultural blunders and misunderstandings all the more readabl...more
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Read in April, 2007
A great book for any fan or student of the martial arts
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