Book Review 2016: One in a Billion - Journey toward Freedom

5.0 out of 5 starsA harrowing, incredible tale of brutality, deprivation and courage

ByPassenger on the Titanicon March 26, 2016

Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase

This is the kind of book that should be required reading for every American -- in fact, anyone who was fortunate enough to be born in a democratic country. The incredible hardships, relentless propagandizing (resulting in a correct "attitude" being much more important than literally anything else, including, in Chen's case, talent, physical discipline and athletic performance) and brutal control of every aspect of an individual's life left the vast majority of Chinese citizens beaten down and hopeless, constantly living in a state of fear and anxiety. Kai Chen's successful defection and finding love and happiness in America is a searing testament to his strength, intelligence and courage. What an eye-opening and inspiring story! The details are fascinating, from his humiliation and fear of almost losing his coveted position on a basketball team over not eating a dirt-encrusted potato skin ("It is a serious crime to be wasteful!") to his fury at a superior throwing away new tiny goldfish he'd been hiding to his embarrassment that rivals en route to the championship were throwing games so the military team he was on wouldn't lose face.

One cannot read about the hardships endured by this young man without being incredibly grateful that not only we as Americans were lucky to have been born here, but that Kai is now an American too. A brilliant, moving book by a man who is truly "one in a billion."

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Kai Chen announcement:

I will give a speech for the SoCal Republican Men & Women group on the subject of Reaffirming American Purpose - through a challenge from mutated communism.

Time: 11:30 am, September 23, 2017

Location: 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant, 16320 Raymer St. Van Nuys.

I will be signing my book as well there. One in a Billion - Journey toward Freedom.

Hope those who are interested in the subject of China, America and American Asian policies come and attend.