Participants joined Tese Wintz Neighbor on an engaging and touching literary ride through the streets of Shanghai and beyond. The Shanghai Free Taxi: Journeys with the Hustlers and Rebels of the New China is “a master class on how to chronicle a changing country through the personal narratives of its citizens.”
The author is NPR correspondent Frank Langfitt, who created a free taxi service offering free rides in exchange for conversation. Langfitt wears various hats throughout the book: “reporter; interviewer; driver; helper; potential scam victim; and detective. However, despite the multiplicity of personalities he embodies, he always remains in tune with his purpose: to report the inner workings of a world power facing slowing economic growth, inequality, corruption, political oppression, and a crisis of uzhi, meaning poor character or inner quality.” You can read the full book review on NPR.
This program was sponsored by the East Asia Resource Center at the University of Washington, and funded by a Freeman Foundation grant in support of the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA).
Program leader
The Book Club was facilitated by EARC China Specialist Tese Wintz Neighbor.
Date and Time
Group 1: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Pacific Time)
Group 2: Thursday, April 22, 2021 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Pacific Time)
This program was held over Zoom.
Program benefits
- A physical or digital copy of the book
- Online Resource packet
- Four free Washington State OSPI clock hours
