ebooks Kosher Chinese: Living; Teaching; and Eating with China's Other Billion by Michael Levy in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Not a cookbook or restaurant guide. Something even betterBy OwlMichael Levy's "Kosher Chinese" came recommended by a cheerful bibliophile who runs a great restaurant. The cover looked like a big sushi with a picture of Mao on it. At the incredibly low price of a used book; why not?Readers; this is not a cookbook and that sushi is a yarmulka of an Orthodox Jew with a picture of Mao on it; the black seaweed wrapping actually Michael Levy's hair. This narrative of a 29 year old ESL/literature teacher's two years in China as a Peace Corps volunteer has plenty about eating; the alimentary canal; food and cuisine. These are incidental; compared to what else "Kosher Chinese" covers. The book is more concerned with friendships; the fiddler-on-the-roof quality of respecting an ancient; complex culture while "representing" the United States; and the dilemnas facing many us; wherever we live; when our reach exceeds our grasp however good our intentions.Levy is a fine writer and a man who goes with the flow. For example; his colleagues at the University in Guiyang initiate a Friday Shabbos; 'with Chinese characteristics.' In search of cheese for a pizza to be served by popular demand; Mike and his Chene colleague Jennifer pass through a meat market that leaves him queasy:"We listened to music until my stomach was completely settled and then entered the restaurant supply store. Towards the back; tucked into a corner; was a freezer. Inside the freezer were bricks of long-frozen cheese. I pulled out a two-foot long; twenty-five pound bag of frozen parmesan; feeling like Oliver Twist. It would be enough cheese for a year. "Now you can cook us pizza for Shabbat!" Jennifer was twitching with excitement...." (p.92)."Kosher Chinese" could be in itself; almost; a validation of relevance of the Peace Corps in the spinning political-economic globe of today. Even more; it is a reminder that way down deep;as well as close to the surface; the world has many caring; compassionate people who with humor; determination; and skill are themselves the bridges we need built----while having themselves giving to others one heckuva memorable experience; composed of moments---like the picnic with the Wang sisters and the final basketball game---great and small.Any reader alerts? Remember this is a narrative story; not an analytic tale. It is produced as a basic book. There is no index; no maps; no heavy-weight paper; no photographs----and no recipes. For those; readers would need to select from among the five Chinese Kosher cookbooks liberally available through .Highly recommended for a page-turning read that nourishes mind and spirit. Write on; Mike Levy; and may the force be with you!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. AuthenticBy PhotoBugI have taught two semesters of university sophomore English in Shandong Province. My experiences paralleled the author's. It was refreshing (not to mention validating) to have someone else's take on life as an American teacher in China.Levy's book is gently written with self-deprecating good humor. The affection that grew for his Chinese students and friends over the two years that he taught is sensitively portrayed.Anyone would enjoy and benefit from reading this account of Peace Corp work in a provincial Chinese city. It makes sense of Chinese thoughts and customs that otherwise are baffling to the average Westerner.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Kosher ChineseBy anthroI've read several books by Americans teaching in China; but this was the best. In the second half of the book Levy really gets inside the minds of his Chinese students; and shows how they face change; At first they are reluctant to speak out but they write honestly and powerfully. He struggles with Chinese methods of teaching but finally succeeds in getting them to share how they are thinking about China. A complex picture emerges of how they view their lives. The author also describes his struggles with living in a different culture (culture shock). Very honest and at times he is very funny too. For example when the students meet as a group on Friday nights to learn about Jewish ritual. Delightful read.