Mao's Last Dancer in Around the World in 80 Books

May 15, 2012 Ellen Librarian rated it really liked it

I recommend this book to anyone interested in China, ballet or the life of someone plucked by fate from an impoverished peasant's existence, brought to Beijing to study ballet at Madame Mao's academy, who later defected to the United States and became an international ballet star. Although Li is clearly thankful for having led a miraculously charmed life, what makes this book is how he also shows the burdens that came with his gifts: the loneliness, the drive to live up to what was given to him ...more

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May 20, 2013 Sera rated it really liked it

Shelves: biography-memoir, library, non-fiction

Li's story about how he went from Chinese peasant to world class ballet dancer. Although the story has a YA feel, it is very engaging and moves quickly. Note that there is an actual YA version, which is a short form of the story with fewer facts. I would recommend the longer version since it provides more information about Li's life and the happenings of China during that time.

This book is a definitely a win for the good guys. ...more

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Aug 17, 2008 Sunflower rated it really liked it

Shelves: nonfiction-2020-and-before

Written with humility and an abiding love for his parents and six brothers, this is the incredible journey of one small boy from a Chinese commune. From the life-changing moment when his teacher pointed him out, his determination and spirit led him to where he is now.
Interesting to read this during the Beijing Olympics for its perspective on China, especially during the Mao years. Imagine students at our ballet schools spending more time on political dogma than dance! Imagine them being selecte ...more

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Mar 27, 2013 Sarah rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction, asian, book-club-dm

I think this would be a good starter book for someone who doesn't know anything about the Chinese cultural revolution. It doesn't go into a ton of detail, but I think it would be a good place to start. Also, I looked up some YouTube videos of Li's dancing, and he's really fantastic. So it was interesting seeing how hard it was for him when he started. He makes it look effortless. ...more

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Sep 01, 2010 Erin (NY) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, books-i-own, read-in-2013

I liked reading this book. It reads like a fiction novel, yet it is a historic account. I never new much about the cultural revolution in China, and I appreciated learning more about it.

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