Where Underpants Come From: From Checkout to Cotton Field – Travels Through the New China by Joe Bennett
Joe Bennett is a New Zealand author. He was previously an English Master at Christ’s College, Christchurch, New Zealand ( rather similar to Melbourne Grammar – an Anglican Boys’ Boarding School. He also writes a column for the Christchurch Press – the daily newspaper for Christchurch. He has written a number of books which have been very successful. His latest book is a real hoot – describes his quest to discover where his five pack of “made in China” underpants in the NZ supermarket come from. He is intrigued to know how anyone can produce garments so far away and make any money out of it at all. He goes to Shanghai then to the remote cotton fields of Xingjiang province on the border with Afghanistan. Along the way he discovers how global trade works and the history underlying the Chinese economic renaissance, a renaissance that is rapidly elevating China to the status of world economic superpower. He also grapples with chopsticks, as well as his own prejudices, and marvels at the contrasts in one of the world’s oldest, but fastest changing societies. It is an easy and enjoyable read.
Mr Connew
July 24th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
I read an article about the book in the newspaper, actually, though haven’t yet read it. I wonder whether the Chinese might find that cover a bit offensive. Perhaps the publisher/author/cover designer should have chosen something less radical.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:19 am
it mite be a bit “radical” but I think its very effective in catching a persons attention. It makes me want to read it.
August 5th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Also, the book seems to be focused on an issue that has occurred in many countries – industrialisation. I find it quite unhelpful of the author to simply attack a country for advancing. In fact, the western media has really overexaggerated this issue. However, I would support the book if the author actually wrote about the real issue, though without reading it I will never know…
August 5th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Tyrone i didnt read this book admire you work and i love all your blogs. I think you are the best blogger I LOVE UR BLOGS.
LOVE YOUR WORK BUDDIE AND I HOPE TO SEE MORE!!!!!!
August 5th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Nice blog Tyronec. i think tyrone_jr is a bit too much on the positive side… anyways i will look for this book in the library for what will hopefully be a great read!
iamthe1