American Shaolin by Matthew Polly.t
Synopsis:
The raucously funny story of one young American’s quest to become the baddest dude on the planet (and possibly find inner peace along the way) Growing up a ninety-eight-pound weakling tormented by bullies in the schoolyards of Kansas, Matthew Polly dreamed of one day journeying to the Shaolin Temple in China to become the toughest fighter in the world, like Caine in his favorite 1970s TV series Kung Fu. American Shaolin is the story of the two years Matthew spent in China living, studying, and performing with the Shaolin monks. The Chinese term for tough training is chi ku (“eating bitter”), and Matthew quickly learned to appreciate the phrase. This is both the gripping story of Matthew’s journey and an intimate portrait of the real lives of the Shaolin monks, who struggle to overcome rampant corruption and the restrictions of an authoritarian government. Laced with humor and illuminated by cultural insight, American Shaolin is an unforgettable coming-of- age story of one man’s journey into the ancient art of kungfu—and a poignant portrait of a rapidly changing China.
Her reason for the choice:
I have always been fascinated by what others can do with their bodies, what they can do TO their bodies, and so as a result I have always enjoyed anything kung-fu related. I found this book and when I realized it was the story of an American self-professed weakling who went to China in search of the infamous Shaolin Temple to request training, I was intrigued. Matthew Polly's writing is witty, engaging, and easygoing. The story could have been very dry and technical, but it feels like you are sitting around a corner table at a college bar and listening to your buddy tell a story. Not only did I learn a lot about Chinese culture, but I have a new found respect for all things Shaolin. This book had me snickering unattractively to myself, reading parts aloud to ambushed family members, and inspired me to do some self-inventory of my own. I hope you all like it!
So Dan just picked this up at the library for me, and he said, "there are some, uh, explicit pictures of the Iron Crotch in there".
ReplyDeleteI checked. He's right. Yikes!
I'm now under orders to read this quickly because Dan wants to steal it from me, as it looks hilarious.
Awesome pick, Laurie!
Thanks, Schmei! : )
ReplyDeleteI love the labels you put on this post, Brandon. lol
I'm anxious to see what everyone thinks of it. I'm glad you and Dan are both excited to read it!
P.S. You are right - the pictures are pretty explicit! It cracks me UP that the Iron Crotch practitioner's name is "Dong". ha! The caption on those pictures kills me too: "For some reason Monk Dong was popular with the ladies." ha!
ReplyDeleteI'm about 3/4s the way through. This book reads so quickly. Plus: it's high larious. I really like his writing style, very approachable and engaging. Great pick Laurie!
ReplyDeleteLaurie: this book was fantastic. Excellent pick.
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree. If I had to write a blurb, I'd say it's "an educational, eye-opening romp. I couldn't put it down."
ReplyDeleteThis is true, too: I got chastised by a train conductor yesterday for having my nose in this book, rather than watching my step walking off the train.
I am so glad you both liked it so much! I used to keep it in the car with me for quick access in traffic jams or long red lights. haha! Did Dan read it yet?
ReplyDeleteBy the way - I just finished Mockingjay (the third Hunger Games book). Loved it.
I can't wait until this month's pick! Who's turn is it going to be?
Dan did read it... in 2 days!!
ReplyDeleteHe threatened to comment here about it, himself, so I won't say much, but he definitely laughed out loud quite a few times.