This was such a page turner.... you wouldn't think so maybe from the subject matter it covers! But it reads a lot like a novel. I bought this in a Hong Kong airport and read half of it on an overnight flight. I had to stop myself from reading the rest because I had to show up at work the next day.The only reason why I won't give this five stars is that it can tend to say the same thing over and over again. But it's a great book.Who is it for? I'm studying town planning, and was coming home from doing a field subject about Chinese town planning. I thought it would teach me a little bit about how the manufacturing sector works so I could be better informed about the subject. I suppose in a way it did. It talks about the philosophy behind the development of the manufacturing sector, so that was handy. Who else would read it? Not sure. I think this deserves a broader audience than those who may be curious about importers or learning about economics. I'm lending it to my mother, and I will see what she thinks. An absolutely fascinating read. Scary, thought-provoking and funny in equal measure. I initially thought it would just be China-bashing criticism and bias, but as you read it, you find that Midler actually has a lot of respect for the Chinese and the way they do things. It helps that he's a westerner who lives there, can speak the language and is fully immersed in the whole process; I think this makes his story more credible and makes him the perfect mediator for both sides of the story. I like that he just focused on one example of manufacturing throughout (the manufacture of shampoo) which makes his points easier to follow, whereas other books of this kind will quote many many different anecdotes to make their case, but Midler doesn't need to here, because he tells this one story so well.
What do You think about Abal-Abal Produk Cina (2010)?
Extremely informative of what happens behind closed doors in China's factories.
—Audrey
Between all the books about doing business in China, this is one of the best.
—Lisa
If you're coming to China to do busines better add this one to the list.....
—mitch69
