China's Millennials: The Want Generation

China's Millennials: The Want Generation examines the first generation born under China's One Child Policy, following them from childhood through their emergence into adulthood. The book draws on interviews and research conducted across China between 2011 and 2014. Fish focuses on three core areas of millennial life: education and career pressure, political engagement and activism, and dating and relationships. Through individual stories and broader analysis, he tracks how young Chinese navigate family expectations, government control, and rapid social change. The narrative moves between major cities and rural areas, incorporating perspectives from students, activists, factory workers, and others born between 1980-1995. Fish includes context about policies, historical events, and cultural shifts that shaped this generation's experiences. The book presents a portrait of a generation caught between tradition and modernity, highlighting their struggles with identity and purpose in a transforming China. Their stories reflect broader tensions between individual desires and societal obligations in contemporary Chinese society.

Readers note the book provides personal stories and interviews that illuminate the lives of Chinese youth born in the 1980s and 1990s. Many appreciate Fish's firsthand reporting and extensive time spent in China, which they say adds authenticity to the narratives. Liked: - Balanced perspective on both challenges and opportunities facing young Chinese - Clear explanations of complex social issues through individual stories - Focus on diverse viewpoints across social classes and regions Disliked: - Some found the structure scattered and anecdotal rather than analytical - Several readers wanted more historical context - A few noted the book already feels dated regarding tech and social media Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (31 ratings) "Fish takes you beyond the statistics into real lives," writes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reviewer critiques: "The narrative jumps between topics without fully developing any single theme."

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🔍 Author Eric Fish spent seven years in China as a teacher and journalist, giving him deep firsthand experience with the generation he writes about 🎓 The book focuses on the "post-80s" and "post-90s" generations in China - the first to grow up under the One Child Policy and during China's economic boom 💡 These young Chinese millennials are often called "little emperors" because, as only children, they received unprecedented attention and resources from their parents and grandparents 🏢 Many of the millennials featured in the book face intense pressure to buy homes in urban areas, where prices can be up to 40 times their annual salary 🌏 Unlike their parents' generation, which focused on survival and stability, China's millennials are more concerned with self-fulfillment and quality of life - leading to growing tension between traditional values and modern aspirations