Xiong nian ji shi

"Diary of a Bad Year takes on the world of politics and explores the role of the writer in our times with an extraordinary moral compass. At the center of the book is Senor C, an aging author who has been asked to write his thoughts on the state of the world by his German publisher. These thoughts, called "Strong Opinions," address a wide range of subjects and include a scathing indictment of George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, and Tony Blair, as well as a witheringly honest examination of everything from Machiavelli and the current state of the university to music, literature, and intelligent design, offering unexpected perceptions and insightful arguments along the way. Meanwhile, someone new enters the writer's life - Anya, the beautiful young woman he hires to type his manuscript. The relationship that develops between Senor C and Anya has a profound effect on both of them. It also changes the course of Anya's relationship with Alan, the successful, swaggering man whom she lives with - and who has designs on Senor C's bank account."--BOOK JACKET.