Known in its own language as the “middle country,”¹ this country is one you probably have many preconceived notions about as it’s one with which you’re likely very familiar.
So let’s see if you can guess this country from a list of things which are world-famous though perhaps items that may not first come to mind when you think about the country:
56 different ethnic groups comprise this country.
A large number of people in this land live in underground/cave dwellings.
Its landscape is geographically diverse:²
33% is mountainous
26% is high plateaus
19% is deserts/basins
12% is plains
10% is hills
It contains both one of the lowest basins at 505 ft (154m) below sea level as well as one of the highest mountains.
One of its famous cities is known for its numerous limestone hills & caves as well as its 2 lakes in the center which are the remains of a medieval-era moat that once surrounded the city.
This country can be very cold [-40F (-40C)] & very hot [104F (40C)].
Any guesses as to which country we’ll be reading about in February?
What if I said that the name “middle country” came about because its people believed that their country occupied the middle of the earth—a place of significance in the world, surrounded by barbarians?
Or that “middle country” is the alternate name of “middle kingdom,” or as its officially known, “middle glorious people's republican country?”
SO WHICH COUNTRY ARE WE ADVENTURING TO NEXT?
We’re going to Zhonghua renmin gongheguo (the People's Republic of China)! But I’d be remiss if I didn’t first talk about Chinese food. There are a vast number of Chinese cookbooks out there, but none that surpass this authentic book written by an author from China who is known as the “Chinese godmother every chef wishes they had.”
This cookbook includes “a series of lessons to build skill, knowledge, and confidence as Lo guides the home cook step by step through the techniques, ingredients, and equipment that define Chinese cuisine. With more than 100 classic recipes and technique illustrations throughout, Mastering the Art of Chinese Cooking makes the glories of this ancient cuisine utterly accessible. Stunning color photography reveals the treasures of old and new China, from the zigzagging alleys of historical Guangzhou to the bustle of city centers and faraway Chinatowns, as well as wonderful ingredients and gorgeous finished dishes. Step-by-step brush drawings illustrate Chinese cooking techniques alongside essays exploring regional/cultural traditions and Chinese history.”
Note: Some Amazon reviews note that there are issues with the ebook version of this cookbook. I’m happy to say that these have all been corrected.
HAVE ANY BOOK CLUB SUGGESTIONS?
Just let us know your suggestions from China by Wed., Jan. 15 11PM ET.
(That's NYC time. See this converted to your local time below.)
We'll use 2 suggestions from book club members, 2 of my suggestions, & 2 of Mia’s suggestions (the club co-founder) to compile a list of 6 books on which book club members will provide their thoughts. The book judged as best from the list will then be read.
Please note - We're specific in our books, they must:
Largely occur in the location specified unless the world described is an alternate reality
Be written by an author born there who has spent a good portion of their life there
Exist in paperback & ebook available on both Amazon & Kindle at least in the US & hopefully elsewhere
¹ https://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/history/asia-africa/china-mongolia/middle-kingdom
² https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/china-facts.htm