Country Driving by Peter Hessler is a non-fiction book that explores the transformative impact of China's rapid infrastructure development and car culture on its cities and rural areas. Through his travels from Beijing to the Gobi Desert, Hessler documents the country's expressway expansion, driving culture, and significant migration to urban and factory zones, as well as the transformations in village life and urban development. The book contains graphic descriptions of car accidents and fatalities.

Informative

Adventurous

Contemplative

Humorous

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.4

8,570 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Peter Hessler's Country Driving has been praised for its insightful and vivid portrayal of contemporary China, blending travelogue, reportage, and personal narrative. Reviews commend Hessler's engaging prose, keen observations, and humorous anecdotes. However, some critics find the book lengthy and meandering at times. Overall, it offers an enriching, albeit occasionally slow, exploration of a transforming nation.

Who Should Read Country Driving?

Readers who enjoy blending travel memoirs with cultural and social explorations will find Country Driving by Peter Hessler fascinating. Similar to Bill Bryson's Notes from a Small Island or Paul Theroux's Riding the Iron Rooster, this book caters to those interested in modern China's transformation through the lens of personal journeys and detailed observations.

4.4

8,570 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

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Book Details

Pages

448

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre

Journalism

•

Chinese Literature

•

Travel Literature

Setting