Cross-cultural, Daily Living, & Adjustment Issues

Hi! Can you recommend a few good books on modern Chinese culture, and perhaps a "Chinese History for Dummies" type book?

I just started seeing a Chinese girl here in the states (who is in the country on a student visa for a second degree), and I'd like to learn more about her country and its history. She's born and raised in Shanghai if anyone has specific suggestions regarding that city and its history.

Thanks for your time!

About a year ago, I reviewed Britannica Encyclopedia’s (then) new book on China titled Britannica Guide to Modern China. If you are looking for both valid and reliable information about China’s modern history and culture (1912 to present), then it is as good a book as any. It suffers greatly, however, from any interpretation or analysis of all the historical events that unfolded and it’s pretty dry reading.

Although somewhat dated now, much of the information contained in Scott Seligman’s Chinese Business Etiquette (1999, Warner Press) is still valid and was particularly helpful to me in my preparation for China.

I think your best source of information will be the girl herself because no textbook or guide can alert you to what her personal experience has been like in Shanghai or how her personal history has helped shape her development, perceptions, and sensibilities. If I tell you that I’m a second-generation Greek-American male born and raised in Queens, New York, precisely how much will reading a book about American history, Greek history, or Queens, New York inform you about what kind of person I am and what is and isn’t important to me?

Dr. Greg wrote:About a year ago, I reviewed Britannica Encyclopedia’s (then) new book on China titled Britannica Guide to Modern China.

I saw a reference you made to this book in another post too. Doesn't sound terribly exciting, but I'll check it out.

I think your best source of information will be the girl herself...

Fair enough. However, a bit of background knowledge ain't going to kill me.

Thanks again for your time.