Dating in China was quite an exceptional book. Before I begin with this long review, I would heavily suggest enjoying this book with a good cup of coffee in an indie coffee shop. It will add to the sort of traveler's mood the book puts you in, though it isn’t quite necessarily to enjoy this lovely read.
The book is very structured with a very descriptive lead. Very livid and colorful descriptions, I always find myself drawn to a book that makes you feel as if you were actually there. That was the exact feeling I got with the way that the book was constructed: poetic, graphic, and genuine.
You can find it all here! From prestigious law students and trendy office workers to fellow travelers, writers, cheaters, tourists, and secret freaks in bed. This book has it all and will probably either leave you laughing hysterically, rolling your eyes at crazy chicks, or feeling deeply saddened/pissed off with what happens to the author. You will find yourself snickering about the gang bang pictures that were sent to the writer but you will also embrace discomfort when reading how the author witnessed a crush having sex with another man in his house. A book that erupts your feelings, in my opinion, is a book that will take you away every time. Very well done.
As someone in a dating profession, I have to say that this book is rather heartwarming for two reasons. The first reason is the social value and the goals that the author set out for himself in dating. As a seduction instructor, it was wonderful to hear that the author’s behaviors reflect many of the teachings that we teach our students. It was wonderful to hear how he was advancing- with traveling, with writing, with his passions- and really trying to build wonderful human connections with the women in his life. In general, women prefer a man who is up to himself with standards- not just with appearance and grooming, but also with their careers and the value of life experience (traveling, a social circle, passions for writing are all demonstrations of fun and a way to escape- which is what many women find attractive). Pearl River Drama is written from a personal vibe- not a guy who is actively looking to play women and view them as ways to advance, but as people who are worth getting to know, date, and have a fun time with. If they aren’t worth his life, he puts them aside to seek his bigger passion in life. Which makes the book more understanding of the male psyche- and not at all a ‘creepy white guy’ read.
The second reason I appreciated this book has to do with personal feelings around the idea of Asian Women with White Men (though there were a few relationships where Asian women weren’t the love interest). I have always had a slight reserved feeling about this type of relationship because the usual people that I know who go for this are usually creepy white weeaboo men who want to pursue Asian women because of the docile and anime stereotype that they absolutely adore. But, this book was not that at all. It was pretty genuine- where someone seemed to be interested in meeting and hanging with different girls depending on who they are. A white guy with standards, a career, and an interesting life seeking women for dating and a connection, not a lay count. The book didn’t exoicize Asian women at all, which I very much appreciated. It really opened my mind to have a brighter perspective regarding the WMAF interracial relationship group.
All in all, this is an amazing read. Recommended for everyone, particularly those who love tourist memoirs. Highly recommended for those who like curling up in coffee shops with a mocha latte and a good book!