Picture yourself in China with this fun, graphic-novel inspired introduction to China, its culture and people!

Ready to gain insight into Chinese culture in a fascinating way? This comprehensive introduction to Chinese culture lets you peer into what makes China unique—its people. Firsthand tips, background info, and illustrations give you graphic impressions of the real China, and allow you to get a feel for not only what it's like, but how to survive the cultural differences. You'll find out about:

• Major influences and historical events that guide Chinese behavior
• Key concepts crucial to interacting with Chinese people
• Social idiosyncrasies that surprise most Westerners
• Dealing with culture shock in China
• Peculiarities of Chinese business culture

InIt's All Chinese to Me, you'll find the core insights to help demystify Chinese culture for Westerners.

"Offers a balanced view of China's cultural strengths and weaknesses and should be required reading for international travelers. Highly recommended."—Midwest Book Review
"An excellent job of illustrating many of the common issues people may encounter while in China. Bravo!"—Mark Rowswell, AKA Dashan, performer and cultural ambassador

Pierre Ostrowski's profile page

Gwen Penner's profile page

Pierre Ostrowski has spent his time in Asia teaching English, studying languages and traveling as much as possible. He studied Chinese at Providence University in TaZchung, Taiwan for four years. In addition, he spent his leisure hours studying Chinese cuisine and perfecting his Ma Pou Doufu recipe. Although he has traveled to over twenty countries in Asia and elsewhere, some of his fondest memories are related to China. He loves the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. He also enjoys the memory of riding aroundBeijing's historic "hutong" area on a rattletrap Chinese bicycle. Finally, and as far as he's concerned, there's nothing quite as sublime as sitting on a remote section of The Great Wall of China and watching it snake off into infinity over rolling hills of green&hellipthe perfect Chinese moment.

Gwen Penner, a graduate of the University of Manitoba's Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honors) program, is the recipient of numerous awards in painting, drawing and printmaking. She has spent the last several years living in Asia. An inquisitive person, Gwen has a profound understanding of Chinese culture, and her insight into the intricacies of Chinese culture comes through in the many subtle nuances she incorporates into her drawing. She is fond of traveling throughout China and talking to the locals to findout their interpretation of what it means to be Chinese.

"A straight-talk, no-nonsense introduction to basic Chinese culture and rules for politeness. The simple, cartoony, black-and-white illustrations help drive home these absolute "must-know" lessons for tourists and business travelers.—especially anyone responsible for business negotiations! The advice ranges from common faux pas to avoid (never give clocks or cut flowers as a gift.—they symbolize approaching mortal death), to the titanic importance of allowing others to "save face" (never rebuke a Chinese person in public!), to how one should behave when invited to another's house (guests should always leave a little food on their plates - too much left suggests that the food was bad, and a clean plate suggests that the hosts have not fed the guest properly) and much more.It's All Chinese to Me offers a balanced view of China's cultural strengths and weaknesses, and should be required reading for international travelers. Highly recommended." —Midwest Book Review