John McWhorter sent me here from his audio lectures, “Language from A to Z”, saying it would give a more in-depth look at Chinese (Mandarin, Shanghaiese, Cantonese, et al.). I knew probably 80% of the factual elements in this book but still very much appreciated them being placed in the context of a linguist learning the language and immersed in the country. Short chapters that offer juicy bites of insights add up to a very fulfilling and memorable meal.

Now. Let’s go learn Chinese.