shanghai

Shanghai (City Guide)
$19.99
I spent roughly two weeks in Shanghai and this book made my life a lot easier. On the other hand however, I have used lonely planet books that have better descriptions / suggestions, so there is definitely room for improvement. I say purchase this book and another.

Time Out Shanghai (Time Out Guides)
$19.95
This book has some interesting information about Shanghai, but is not a useful travel book.

There is zero information about dangers and common scams. I am an experienced world traveler, but was stung by a scam in Nanjing Road area. I searched the web and found plenty of information after the fact. This is why I buy travel books first - I expect some practical information. This book specifically says that crime is not a concern.

There is no real guidance as to what someone should see given limited time. This is an enormous city and everything is new. I found the Oriental Pearl Tower a good starting point to take in the scope of the city. I also learned to avoid the subway trains during rush hour - they are insanely crowded - beyond most Westerners' comfort level - this is information that is not in the book.

I can't say that any other books are better since I only read this one.

Shanghai: The Architecture of China's Great Urban Center
$45.00
After my trip to Shanghai I put my photo album together. I searched and searched for names for the many buildings in Pudong that I'd photographed from the Bund and river cruise. I could only find a few. Then I got the great idea to get a book!
This book is just what I was looking for. I was able to identify virtually all of the skyscrapers I had photographed and was able to include biographical data as well. I am thrilled. This book is exactly what I expected and more.
Thank you.

Shanghai Girls: A Novel
$25.00
For those eagerly awaiting the sequel to "Shanghai Girls", I suggest "Lotus Land" and "110 Shanghai Road", which were co-authored by Lisa See, her mother, Carolyn, and John Espey under the pen name, Monica Highland, in 1985 and 1987, respectively.

Lisa is spell-binding even at this early stage of her literary career. There are brief portions of both books where you will find yourself saying, "That's not Lisa", however, the remaining 95+ percent of these books reveal that captivating style that she seems to have been blessed with from birth.

You'll have to try Alibris or eBay to find them but you won't be disappointed. It may help satisfy that craving for more Lisa See, as it has done for us. But when will the "Shanghai Girls" sequel be published? You're driving us crazy, Lisa!