Book cover of The Troublemaker

Book description

The astonishing story of the billionaire businessman Jimmy Lai who became one of Hong Kong's leading activists for democracy and is today China's most famous political prisoner.

Jimmy Lai escaped mainland China when he was twelve years old, at the height of a famine that killed tens of millions. In…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Troublemaker as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I grew up in Flint, Michigan, and think I’ve lived a pretty good and courageous life. But I’m so humbled and inspired after reading this biography of Jimmy Lai.

His life—internal refugee during the famine of the Great Leap Forward, then fashion entrepreneur turned media mogul who pushed to make China more democratic, and now political prisoner held in solitary confinement since 2020— is a testament to courage. 

From Ken's list on books that describe China today.

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A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

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