[A] compelling first draft of history. Grouped by event or theme, the essays cover most of the major news stories of 2008, but with insight and perspective that never made the broadsheets. . . . It places contemporary China in a historical context that mainstream media seldom has the space to do, and offers a diverse and often very personal snapshot of China in one of its most turbulent years.

Far Eastern Economic Review

Sane, well-informed, and rich in insights.

Asian Review Of Books

Required reading for anyone trying to make sense of China's tumultuous year. This is the literary equivalent of a rowdy dinner party attended by some of the best and brightest China journalists, scholars, and thinkers. It offers a breadth of opinion and depth of context available only to those with a well-thumbed Rolodex of China specialists. But the book is accessible to the ordinary reader, and it combines the up-to-the-minute excitement of a blog with quirky academic takes on history in the making.

Louisa Lim, National Public Radio, Shanghai correspondent

I've never been to China, but I've become a China-watcher thanks to the wonderful China Beat blog. This book is the best of that blog-and more. It's a fascinating way to get under China's skin.

Mary Beard, University of Cambridge

There is more than enough here to keep any reader intrigued and instructed.

Jonathan D. Spence, from the foreword

Praise for China Beat:

Influential.

Atlantic Monthly