Waking Dragon

Detailing China's economy, trade policies, political manipulations, and internal problems, Professor Navarro gives an ugly and frightening picture of out-of-control totalitarian capitalism. His lectures are well organized, though an introduction, a recap, and, especially, "answers" to supposed "student questions" make for excessive repetition. Navarro seems more accustomed to a lectern than the intimacy of audiobook narration--he sounds like he's addressing a hall instead of speaking directly into someone's ear. One grows used to it, however, and his periodic mispronunciations can be ignored. Weaknesses aside, the material is important and well presented. The situation Navarro describes is dire and bodes worse for the future. W.M. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine