NEW! 
New Illustrations (and revised, "improved" text) available April 2017*

While waiting for reviews from readers, toward the end of March, 2017, the author requested the opportunity to make a few revisions (he was adamant about wanting to "damp the tone down a bit"). In the meantime, we've added a few more illustrations. 

                                        REVIEW
                               (from yet another source)
Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Stirring Li Chao" by S.E. Brandenburg.]


4 out of 4 stars
Review by greenstripedgiraffe


Stirring Li Chao is a fascinating read for anyone interested in learning more about Daoism or Confucius. I personally know very little of China's multi-faceted history, so reading this book was a bit of an eye-opener for me. The main story centers around Li Chao, who through various circumstances, finds himself on an incredible journey through China. His ultimate goals include finding relatives he has never met and heading to America in search of fortune. Li Chao does not wish for fortune only for the sake of gaining wealth. In the Chinese mindset, one must always honor the family; Li Chao's way of doing this is to bring back fortune for the benefit of his family.

The author allows an intimate look into the mindset of a Chinese Daoist. This is either intriguing or frustrating, depending on the reader's outlook. If the reader merely wants quick entertainment, this is not the book to pick up. Rather, Stirring Li Chao is filled with philosophical pondering as Li Chao searches for wisdom and gleans all there is to know from perspectives other than his own. His journey is somewhat miraculous, as it appears that some hand is guiding and protecting him through multiple perilous situations.

Another theme the author explores is differences between various Chinese factions in the mid-1800's. The reigning emperor comes from the Manchu family. China is the midst of a struggle with Britain over trade rights and the legality of the opium trade. The gospel message spread by missionaries has been taken up as a political war cry by the Taiping rebels. Meanwhile, in another area of China the Hakka and Punti families are feuding. While on his journey, Li Chao encounters all of these groups. Each time he seeks to be humble and learn.

Li Chao's journey takes on philosophical, historical, and spiritual significance. For me, the beauty of this book was learning so much about this time period in China. The author weaves in many Chinese proverbs, which helps to provide a richness and depth to the story. I find the pace to be fairly slow, although it feels right for the subject matter. The main characters are developed very well. I don't wish to give away spoilers, but some may feel the ending was not properly resolved. However, I feel that Stirring Li Chao is more about the journey than about how it ends, so I feel that the ending fits with the character of the book.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I enjoyed learning so much about this segment of history. As a westerner, I realize that I do not understand the Chinese mindset. China's civilization is ancient and has much to teach the student of history. I recommend this book fairly highly, but with the caveat that it is a weighty work. Some may not enjoy this style.

                _____________________________________________________
Paha Sapa Press (and the author himself) asks that those who are considering a purchase of this book take note of the last couple sentences in this review. Look also at a follow up to a private reader of this review, Number:‪#8 by greenstripedgiraffe » 15 Feb 2017, 9:24
kimmyschemy06 and LivreAmour217 -

     " I really enjoyed this book a lot. It was not a quick read; it took me much longer than normal to come to the end  The reward came when I finished, though. I felt that I had gained knowledge about a people group that would not easily be forgotten."


PAHA SAPA PRESS asks that you read this notice before deciding to purchase: Please look at the review just above this paragraph. This book is not a "quick read." 

This comes with the territory.  A study of history and the events that make it so, isn't for everyone. Rather than make the book a chronological list of dead incidents, Brandenburg tried to introduce some life into an inflexible set of facts by taking a novel approach. Additionally, other dimensions (religious, philosophical, artistic, etc.), may add to the complexity and challenge for the casual reader.
                                       
Therefore, a "LOOK INSIDE" with AMAZON is recommended before considering a purchase. 

For those who might appreciate a lighter approach, a read-in-a-day type book, Chinese Proverbs: Illustrated--annotated too! is scheduled for publication during summer of 2017.  As a companion book, most of the proverbs come straight from each of its 33 chapters and annotations sometimes refer to vital substance contained within  Stirring Li Chao.



                                     Reviewers respond to a reviewer: 


          Re: Official Review: Stirring Li Chao by S.E. Brandenburg
 
Post Number:#6 by kimmyschemy06 » 15 Feb 2017, 02:31    Congratulations to S.E. Brandenburg on such an obviously well written book.
 
Post Number:‪#7 by ‪LivreAmour217 » 15 Feb 2017, 08:57 Great review! A book that both entertains and educates--sounds like a worthwhile read! I'm going to put this one on my “to read list!”
"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." - Albert Einstein

to Number ‪#9 by ‪bookowlie » Feb 2017, 10:03                   
Great review! The book sounds very thought-provoking. Chinese proverbs have always intrigued me, so it's nice that the author incorporated them into the story.

Post Number:‪#10 by ‪hsimone » 15 Feb 2017, 15:22          
   What a great review! . . .  seems like a great read to learn. It also seems like
                                        a very thought-provoking book with this statement:
            "Li Chao's journey takes on philosophical, historical, and spiritual significance."

                        Congratulations to the author for receiving such a positive review!

"Love is patient, love is kind." (1 Corinthians 13:4)