Mark Levine's memoir opens a window into China

By Wendy Lu
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, June 8, 2014
Adjust font size:

Mark Levine says his book “Stories from My Chinese Journey” is for those who are looking to understand a view of China. [photo by Guo Xiaohong]

Mark Levine says his book “Stories from My Chinese Journey” is for those who are looking to understand a view of China. [photo by Guo Xiaohong]



When friends and relatives responded in their letters to Mark Levine, a US country music artist and sociologist, about his travel experiences in China and told him he should write a book, Mark didn't take the suggestion seriously.

"Nah," he said. "Just what we need, another book by another foreigner."

But Mark isn't just another foreigner. He's lived in China for nine years as an English professor and singer/writer of more than 60 original songs about life in China.

From performing in front of 50,000 people at the Crayfish Festival in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province to playing a businessman in the Chinese film "Gasp" (2009) to plucking the strings of his guitar on the Great Wall of China, Mark has done more than most people have in a lifetime. He's performed at more than 20 weddings and met several nationally recognized figures, including actress Fang Qingzhuo, CCTV anchor Edwin Maher and the mayor. He's given lectures at 16 universities. He's done more.

Now, Mark has put nearly all of it into his new memoir, "Stories from My Chinese Journey," published in April by New World Press. The book's focus, however, isn't so much about his achievements, but rather the stories of Chinese people Mark has met over the last several years through his extraordinary experiences.

"It's like a talent show, but it's not your show," Mark says, comparing the book writing process to his performance at CCTV's Super Star Avenue. "It's their show."

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
1   2   Next  


Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter