Tibet is a fascinating place. I’ve not been. But I’ve spent the better part of the last thirty years, on and off, reading about the place. I even went to the Richard Gere exhibition while living in Los Angeles. (I know his gallerist.) His work is solid by the way. One of those rare times when celebrities deserve their place on those sacred walls. Barbara Demick is a journalist, a job I have great respect and passion for. Yes, still, in the age of post-truth nonsense, it is refreshing to read a basic, historical, journalistic take via “Eat the Buddha.”
I was also around in the photojournalism world when Steve Lehman did his book on Tibet. I also went to that show, several talks and actually met him a few times before he seemed to vanish from the industry. (He was very good.) Hopefully he is still out banging away on projects.
Demick gives us a history lesson but through the eyes of specific Tibetans who have lived a rough life in a rough time with Chinese occupation and atrocity front and center. I’m drawn to Tibet by the landscape and elements, not to mention the culture. The roof of the world sounds like music to my ears and the harsh terrain calls my name. (Bolivia was like this.)
If you are interested in the past, present and potential future situation in Tibet then, by all means, get it, read it.
Comments 4
Hi Dan, thanks or your recommendations. I’m really liking Lawrence Osborne’s books and I’ll check this one out as well.
One of my favorite books about Tibet is Ian Baker’s “The Heart of the World”. If you haven’t read it, it’s an amazing physical and spiritual journal to sacred places. I’ve been lucky to have trekked in the some of the areas he writes about, which I believe now have been closed to foreigners. But this book can transport you there in a deep way.
Thanks again!
Author
Bill,
I don’t know that book but sound like it was written for me! Thank you!
what a great book.
I am glad you posted this – it was my christmas reading book (among others) from my library.
Not only does this talk to Tibet in specific, but to a large extent give context to China’s bizarre political, soci-economic, policies that continue to morph/contradict itself like a crazy virus.
Author
Aaron,
Yes, that story and history are fascinating.