COMMENTS FROM READERS AFTER PUBLICATION

I accidentally found this web site you set up for Peter's book. When I got the news of the publication of the book I was in North England. It was my friend who kindly bought it in the States and posted it to me. I began reading it the minute I got it. (I never got any proper chance to read while Peter was composing it.) His language, like himself, was so hilarious that I was rolling all over the floor while reading up his discription of our university life. It was so vividly written that the book brought me back to the time we spent with him. But it hurt really badly when I was reminded at the end of the book of the loss of a truely close and great friend... I really miss him...
When I read this web site I think it is a very good idea for the readers to exchange their feelings towards the book. As a character in the book and a reader myself, I am more than willing to contribute my opinions on the forum and if necessary, answers to any question about the life in the book.

Tingting
chemial5@hotmail.com

As one of the characters in Peter's book, I read the book as soon as it was published in the US. All I want to say is the book is a very vivid reflection of Peter as the great person he was, humorous and interesting.  Whenever I open the book, his teaching and his smile always appear in my mind. It is like it just happened yesterday. His colorful descriptions always brings me back to the university life we had together.

After the book was published, I had a chance to meet Peter's family and his friends in Albuquerque and Wilmington, DE.  I also visited Peter's grave. During the time I was visiting, I had a wonderful visit with his family and his friends. Peter was just great person; he always brought happiness to people around him and helped everyone he could. When I was visiting Peter's mom in Wilmington, I had a chance to review the amazing scrapbook Peter's sister dedicated to him. When I came to the chapter of Peter's life in China, I feel Peter's time in China was a highlight of his life. He influenced so many people through his teachings. It is wonderful that he wrote all his experiences in this book to share with the world. From this book, we can see how great a person Peter was!

From Peter's truly friend and student, Janice   liyang80124@hotmail.com

COMMENTS FROM READERS PRIOR TO PUBLICATION

In Letter from China, West meets East in a manner both hilarious and touching. Author Peter Froning's entertaining account of his adventures living in Beijing tell the tale of his metamorphosis from an outsider observing a foreign culture to a devoted and beloved member of the community. His descriptions of Chinese customs and culture delight as well as enlighten the reader.

Marsha A. Cohan, J.D., M.A., International and Domestic Finance Lawyer (The first American student to be admitted to Beijing University’s Law Department, she has worked extensively in China on a wide range of commercial matters.)

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Letter from China describes a wonderful cross-cultural experience written by a foreigner with a perceptive view of what goes on around him. Peter Froning's keen sense of humor, intelligence, and, above all, kindness shine through his writing.

Pat Schofield, Ph.D., Training Coordinator, Foreign Service Institute, US Department of State

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To feel such a strong, bonded connection with a person I’ve never even met is amazing. Thank you, Peter, for sharing your life experiences with me in this extraordinary book. It was a delightful read, and one that made a difference.

B. Jeanmarie Amiri, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

 

EXCERPTS OF REJECTIONS FROM NEW YORK PUBLISHERS

I enjoyed this tremendously. In fact, I hope that word doesn't get around to [name withheld] how much I enjoyed this because it made me consider moving to Beijing to teach English myself. I found Peter Froning's voice downright likeable and I appreciated his keen eye for the details that revealed the subtle—and not so subtle—differences between Chinese culture and our own. However...

Editor at The Doubleday Broadway Publishing Group

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I found it unexpectedly funny and compelling. But...

Editor at Hyperion Books

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It appears that [the author] had quite an experience to recount!

Editor at Regan Books

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This is very moving, but...

Editor at Jeremy P. Tarcher

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I found this very entertaining and moving; nonetheless...

Editor at Viking Penguin

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Froning's letters are indeed captivating, and the portraits of the Chinese people he meets that emerge in his writing are fascinating. His humor sets this book apart from others, but...

Editor at Houghton Mifflin

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I think Mr. Froning is an appealing writer and sensibility (sic), and there is information and detail here that I like and that does feel fresh. My problem is...

Executive Editor at Henry Holt and Company

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... thanks for letting me glimpse into the life of a truly lovely man who touched so many lives. It was a pleasure and I'm only sorry...

Editor at W.W. Norton & Company

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This really is a delightful look at China, both informative and amusing, and Froning is certainly a sympathetic narrator. In the end, though...

Editor at Farrar, Straus & Giroux

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I've been reading along with great interest, but ... in spite of his fresh, unpretentious approach, I'm going to pass.

Editor at Random House