Hong Kong State of Mind: 37 Views of a City That Doesn't Blink

Hong Kong State of Mind collects 37 essays that capture life in one of Asia's most dynamic cities. Through observations of daily experiences, cultural practices, and social phenomena, author Jason Y. Ng documents both the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of Hong Kong. The essays range from reflections on food and dining culture to examinations of political activism and economic disparity. Ng, who returned to Hong Kong after years abroad, brings both an insider's knowledge and an outsider's perspective to his observations of the city. These interconnected pieces paint a portrait of Hong Kong during a time of rapid change, as traditions meet modernity and local identity evolves. Ng's essays explore universal themes of belonging, cultural identity, and the complex relationship between people and the cities they inhabit. The collection serves as both a time capsule of early 21st century Hong Kong and a meditation on how urban spaces shape human experience. Through precise observation and cultural analysis, the book reveals the multiple layers of meaning contained within seemingly simple daily interactions.

Readers describe the book as a personal, street-level view into Hong Kong life through short essays. Many note it provides cultural context and insights that tourists and guidebooks miss. Likes: - Writing style captures Hong Kong's energy - Mix of humor and serious social commentary - Helpful for understanding local customs and etiquette - Authentic perspective as both insider and outsider Dislikes: - Some essays feel superficial or rushed - A few readers wanted more historical background - Writing occasionally turns cynical about Hong Kong's changes Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (186 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (31 ratings) "Reads like having coffee with a witty local friend" - Goodreads reviewer "Perfect introduction to modern HK culture" - Amazon reviewer "Some chapters lack depth but overall captures the city's essence" - LibraryThing review The book resonates most with expats and visitors seeking to understand daily Hong Kong life beyond tourist attractions.

City of Devils by Robert French A narrative history of 1930s Shanghai reveals the parallel world of foreigners, criminals, and outcasts in a Chinese metropolis.

The Last Kings of Shanghai by Jonathan Kaufman The story follows two rival Jewish dynasties who shaped Hong Kong's business world through war, revolution, and China's rise.

Diamond Hill by Kit Fan A tale set in Hong Kong's last shanty town captures the city's transformation through multiple perspectives during the British colonial period.

Kowloon Tong by Paul Theroux The narrative chronicles a family business in Hong Kong during the months leading to the 1997 handover to China.

The Piano Teacher by Jan-Yok Lee The interconnected lives of Hong Kong residents during and after World War II illuminate the city's complex social hierarchy and colonial dynamics.

🌆 Jason Y. Ng wrote this essay collection while living in the United States, drawing from his experiences of returning to Hong Kong after spending 15 years abroad. 🖋️ The book's title pays homage to Japanese artist Hokusai's famous "36 Views of Mount Fuji," with Ng adding one extra view to represent Hong Kong's constant state of change. 🗣️ The essays were originally published as blog posts on the author's website "As I See It," where he gained a following for his candid observations of Hong Kong life. 🏙️ The book explores uniquely Hong Kong phenomena like "umbrella soldiers" (people who aggressively navigate crowds with their umbrellas) and the practice of "living like sardines" in the city's notoriously small apartments. 📚 Following the success of this book, Ng went on to write two more books about Hong Kong: "No City for Slow Men" and "Umbrellas in Bloom," forming an unofficial trilogy about life in the city.