Mao's Last Dancer: Young Readers' Edition Audiobook (Unabridged)

" Bit of a slow starter but overall a great book "

" This is a must read. I just kept thinking that he grew up approximately the same time as I did and it blows my mind to think of what his life was like compared to mine. I liked the fact that he wasn't "born" with this talent, he actually worked hard to get where he did. "

" Very interesting book. I feel like I've read a lot of books about China recently and all I have to say is this: China is crazy. I always finish these types of books wondering why I got to be born in America. Now about the book; I was very impressed with the author's amazing family and discipline and especially enjoyed all the dance references because I actually knew what he was talking about. This was a good read, maybe not the most well-written book perhaps, but I still enjoyed it. "

" An amazing book about hard work. Also amazing in the details of a time and place with which I was unfamiliar (one of my favorite parts about books) - China in the last half of the 20th Century. Also gave me a much greater appreciation for the intracacies of ballet. Really enjoyable. "

" I adored this book. I have read other memoirs of Mau's China but this one is my new favorite. I especially loved how kind he was to his ex-wife and other people who he could have easily vilified. An incredible book. I would recommend this to anyone. "

" Interesting read on a true story of a ballet dancer that was chosen (with several other children) out of a billions children, to learn and study dance at Mao's newly built arts academy. Coming from a peasant background and having virtually nothing, he talks about rising out of the well that he was placed in. It was a story of hard work, politics and interactions with the people he loved. I didn't agree with his reasoning about defecting to the West. I think he hurt a lot of people in the process. "

" I think this book illustrates why so many autobiographies have a second author. This one probably would have made a great biography in the hands of a better writer. I stuck with it for about 200 pages, but finally, after falling asleep for the fifth time while reading it, I decided to give up. "

" Enjoyable. Amazing story. Keep with it. "

" I feel very spoiled. "

" the story was well written and the events connected together smoothly. Li really showed how he felt and his experiences were vivd. wonderful book.autobiographys...i dont normally read them but after reading this, it was awesome! so i may be reading more of these types of books in the future. "

" Great insight into Mao's Cultural Revolution. Wonderful story about a Chinese peasant boy picked to be trained in ballet as part of Madame Mao's part in China's cultural program. "

" The portrayal of the cycle of the author's life, and his extended family. The context of the authors' attitude with his parents, his respect for them and the parents love for their son are aspects I remember from this book.The theme of the purpose of adversity in someones life is inspiring. "

" My mother-in-law recommended this book and I had no idea what to expect. It wasn't what I expected at all, but the biggest thing was that I kept thinking how happy I was that I was not born in China in 1961 like Li Cunxin was. What an eye opening book! "

" Good portrayal of rural china at beginning. Great, fast read. True story. "

" Will get this on netflix instead. Interesting story but the language flow became tedious. The author would have benefited from a co-author. "

" Very interesting spin on communism and dancing - a memoir written by Li - easy read. "

" A fantastic book! "From bitter poverty to the stardom of the West - this is the extrordinary true story of one boy's great courage and determination." "

" As usual, the movie did not do this book justice! This book is so beautiful, and I particularly loved the story of Li's parents at the start. "

" It was pretty good. I had to read it for english in year seven. I would recommend this book. :) "

" I really really enjoyed this. I also studied ballet as a child which was why I was drawn to the book but it was about so much more. Although there were hardships and I was moved to tears, I loved this story. "

" Li is a very smart, talented person. He's not only superb in dancing but also he knew whom to turn to for help. "

" although I liked the story, it was a bit predictable if you've read anything else about China. "