The Greatest American "Autobiography, China" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Autobiography

Autobiography is a literary genre that focuses on the life story of the author. It is a first-person account of the author's experiences, thoughts, and emotions, often including significant events and milestones that have shaped their life. Autobiographies can be written by anyone, from famous public figures to ordinary people, and can cover a wide range of topics, including personal growth, career achievements, struggles, and relationships. This genre provides readers with a unique insight into the author's life and perspective, making it a popular and engaging category of books.

China

The "China" category for books encompasses a wide range of literature that explores the history, culture, politics, and society of China. This includes works of fiction and non-fiction, spanning from ancient times to the present day. Books in this category may delve into topics such as Chinese philosophy, art, cuisine, and language, as well as contemporary issues such as economic development, human rights, and environmental concerns. Overall, the "China" category offers readers a diverse and rich collection of books that provide insight into one of the world's oldest and most complex civilizations.

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  1. 1. The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts by Maxine Hong Kingston

    This memoir explores the life of a first-generation Chinese-American woman, navigating the complexities of her dual heritage. Through five interconnected stories, the book delves into the author's childhood experiences, her mother's tales of old China, and the struggles of reconciling these two worlds. The memoir is a blend of reality and mythology, illustrating the author's struggle with her identity, the expectations of her traditional Chinese family, and the challenges of growing up in a predominantly white American society.

    The 558th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

    This gripping non-fiction book recounts the tragic events of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster. The author, a journalist and experienced climber, was part of a commercial expedition to summit Everest. The expedition soon turned disastrous due to a severe storm, leading to the death of several climbers from various teams. The book provides a vivid, personal account of the harrowing ordeal, detailing the physical and psychological challenges faced by climbers at high altitudes, as well as the ethical and commercial aspects of mountaineering expeditions.

    The 1784th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Travels With Myself And Another by Martha Gellhorn

    In this vivid memoir, a renowned journalist recounts her adventures across the globe during the mid-20th century, sharing tales of her journeys alongside a mysterious companion referred to as "another." With a sharp wit and a keen eye for detail, she navigates through various landscapes, from the treacherous terrains of China during the Sino-Japanese War to the unforgiving deserts of Africa. Her stories are filled with humor, humanity, and a relentless quest for truth, offering a window into the tumultuous world events of her time as well as a deeply personal narrative of a woman who lived fiercely and fearlessly, embracing the world with an insatiable curiosity.

    The 2359th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Daughter Of Earth by Agnes Smedley

    The book is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the life of Marie Rogers, a woman born to a poor, rural American family at the turn of the 20th century. It explores her struggles with poverty, gender inequality, and political awakening as she moves from the American Midwest to the West Coast and eventually to international locations. The protagonist's journey is marked by her involvement in the labor and feminist movements, her complex relationships with men, and her unyielding quest for personal and social liberation. The narrative delves into themes of class struggle, identity, and the intersection of personal and political realities, offering a raw and poignant look at the challenges faced by women and the working class in the early 1900s.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Under A Lucky Star by Roy Chapman Andrews

    "Under A Lucky Star" is the autobiography of a renowned naturalist and explorer, chronicling his thrilling adventures and groundbreaking expeditions across the globe. The narrative captures his early passion for the natural world, his rise to fame as a leader in the field of paleontology, and his most famous exploits in the Gobi Desert, where he made unprecedented dinosaur discoveries. His story is not only a testament to personal courage and determination but also a vivid account of the scientific spirit and curiosity that drove early 20th-century exploration, laying the foundations for our understanding of the prehistoric past.

    The 5882nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. American Shaolin by Matthew Polly

    The book is a captivating memoir of a young American's experience in China where he spends two years studying at the Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of kung fu. The narrative follows his journey as he immerses himself in Chinese culture, learns Mandarin, and trains with the monks, becoming the first American to be accepted as a disciple. The author's transformation, both physically and spiritually, is depicted in a humorous and insightful manner, providing a unique perspective on Eastern philosophy and martial arts.

    The 6080th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Iron & Silk by Mark Salzman

    This book is a memoir that recounts the experiences of an American teacher and martial artist who spends two years in China during the early 1980s. The narrative delves into the cultural exchanges and misunderstandings between East and West as the author teaches English and studies kung fu with master practitioners. Through a series of vignettes, the memoir paints a portrait of a China still recovering from the Cultural Revolution, exploring themes of connection, tradition, and the nuances of human relationships across a vast cultural divide. The author's journey is one of self-discovery, as he navigates the complexities of life in a foreign land, building friendships and gaining insights into the subtleties of Chinese culture and society.

    The 6454th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Man Who Stayed Behind by Sidney Rittenberg

    This book is the remarkable memoir of an American who became deeply involved in the Chinese Communist movement from the 1940s through the 1970s. Initially arriving in China as a U.S. Army interpreter during World War II, he chose to stay in the country after the war ended, drawn by the promise of the Communist Revolution. Over the years, he became a close associate of key revolutionary leaders, including Mao Zedong, and played a significant role in the Communist Party's propaganda efforts. Despite his deep commitment to the cause, he faced suspicion and was imprisoned twice for a total of 16 years on charges of espionage. The narrative provides a unique insider's perspective on the Chinese Communist Revolution, the Cultural Revolution, and the complexities of being a foreigner deeply embedded in one of the most significant political movements of the 20th century.

    The 6977th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Years Of Upheaval by Henry A. Kissinger

    "Years of Upheaval" is a detailed and introspective account of the author's tenure as the U.S. Secretary of State during the tumultuous years of the early 1970s. The book delves into the complexities of international diplomacy and political maneuvering during a period marked by the winding down of the Vietnam War, the historic 1973 Yom Kippur War in the Middle East, and the consequential peace negotiations that followed. It also explores the intricate dynamics of U.S.-Soviet relations and the strategic arms limitation talks, providing a deep insight into the challenges and intricacies of Cold War diplomacy, all set against the backdrop of domestic political upheaval and the Watergate scandal.

    The 7020th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. I Wonder As I Wander by Langston Hughes

    In this autobiographical work, the author takes readers on a journey through his varied experiences as a young African American man during the early 20th century. Spanning continents and cultures, he recounts his travels from the United States to the Soviet Union, Asia, and Europe, sharing his observations on race, politics, and the human condition. His narrative weaves together personal anecdotes with broader social commentary, offering insights into the life of a creative mind seeking understanding and connection in a complex world. Through his wanderings, the author explores not only the diverse landscapes and societies he encounters but also delves into the depths of his own identity and the universal quest for artistic expression and freedom.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Everest: The West Ridge by Thomas Hornbein

    This book is a firsthand account of a daring and historic climb of Mount Everest via the treacherous West Ridge - a route that had never been successfully ascended before. The narrative vividly describes the extreme physical and mental challenges faced by the climbers, the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, and the camaraderie and teamwork that was essential for survival. The author's detailed and compelling recounting of the expedition offers an intimate look at the perils, triumphs, and the sheer magnitude of human endurance in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

    The 8632nd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download