
The Shanghai Free Taxi
Journeys with the Hustlers and Rebels of the New China
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Narrated by:
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Frank Langfitt
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By:
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Frank Langfitt
As any traveler knows, some of the best and most honest conversations take place during car rides. So, when a long-time NPR correspondent wanted to learn more about the real China, he started driving a cab - and discovered a country amid seismic political and economic change.
China - America's most important competitor - is at a turning point. With economic growth slowing, Chinese people face inequality and uncertainty as their leaders tighten control at home and project power abroad.
In this adventurous, original book, NPR correspondent Frank Langfitt describes how he created a free taxi service - offering rides in exchange for illuminating conversation - to go beyond the headlines and get to know a wide range of colorful, compelling characters representative of the new China. They include folks like "Beer", a slippery salesman who tries to sell Langfitt a used car; Rocky, a farm boy turned Shanghai lawyer; and Chen, who runs an underground Christian church and moves his family to America in search of a better, freer life.
Blending unforgettable characters, evocative travel writing, and insightful political analysis, The Shanghai Free Taxi is a sharply observed and surprising book that will help listeners make sense of the world's other superpower at this extraordinary moment.
©2019 Frank Langfitt (P)2019 Hachette AudioListeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
"The Shanghai Free Taxi presents a unique, kaleidoscopic view of Chinese society. Characters in this book open up, talking freely and truthfully in a way unimaginable elsewhere under the oppressive regime. It is a must read for anyone trying to gain rare and insightful glimpses into that complicated country." (Qiu Xiaolong, author of Shanghai Redemption and nine other Inspector Chen novels)
"Frank Langfitt devised an ingenious way to burrow into everyday Chinese life, and he came back with stories that are humane, candid, fast-paced, and compulsively readable. The Shanghai Free Taxi gives you the marrow of today's China in all its kindnesses and cruelties and wonders and absurdities." (Evan Osnos, author of Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China, National Book Award winner)
"Frank Langfitt's stint as a taxi driver collecting tales of modern China has created a rollicking, delightful read. Enchanting." (Mei Fong, author of One Child, and Pulitzer Prize winner)
Informative & Fascinating
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Excellent Book
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It is a little frightening to contemplate what could happen in China. Then the author steers us back from the edge. Now I'm just concerned.
The book is a great listen with outstanding narration.
Spot on discussion of modern China
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I can’t decide if Langfitt was the best narrator. I generally prefer authors lending their own voice, but Langfitt is clearly accustomed to delivering short and fast stories. With so many words and descriptions that are literally foreign to these ears, my brain often lagged behind and it often impeded comprehension. But I could not have appreciated the way he acknowledged that his own life has been what so many pursue in all parts of the world.
Overall, a great story that’s piqued my interest in learning more about China.
Informative and thought provoking.
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Highly Recommend!
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Good read
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Great concept, great insights.
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Inside China
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It is narrated by the author, NPR correspondent Frank Langfitt. It is always a treat when an author narrates their own book, special little nuances in their voice and personal pride always shine through.
Great book by one of my favorite reporters.
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Pull back the curtain
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