Out of the Gobi

My Story of China and America

By: Weijian Shan, Janet Yellen - foreword

Narrated by: David Shih

Weijian Shan's Out of the Gobi is a powerful memoir and commentary that will be one of the most important books on China of our time, one with the potential to re-shape how Americans view China, and how the Chinese view life in America.

Shan, a former hard laborer who is now one of Asia's best-known financiers, is thoughtful, observant, eloquent, and brutally honest, making him well-positioned to tell the story of a life that is a microcosm of modern China, and of how, improbably, that life became intertwined with America. Out of the Gobi draws a vivid picture of the raw human energy and the will to succeed against all odds.

Shan only finished elementary school when Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution tore his country apart. He was a witness to the brutality and absurdity of Mao's policies during one of the most tumultuous eras in China's history. Exiled to the Gobi Desert at age 15 and denied schooling for 10 years, he endured untold hardships without ever giving up his dream for an education. Shan's improbable journey, from the Gobi to the "People's Republic of Berkeley" and far beyond, is a uniquely American success story - told with a splash of humor, deep insight, and rich and engaging detail.

©2019 Weijian Shan (P)2019 Gildan Media

Out of Gobi - A Chinese Dream

A bright young man in a tumbling society, his life is out of his control. Study is the only thing you can do in the social-form downturn. Shan was extremely lucky to be who he is now but all the efforts he paid help him along the way. I shall not say it’s a Chinese dream story because we all deserve a better living and political environment to succeed. However, it is still a good story to tell and spread, to motivate everyone in the downhill to climb. You shall shine some day in some way.
Neve give up and grab the opportunities wherever you can. Be mercy to other and sticking to your families and lover. All the frustrations shall be gone

Superb history!

Step inside the mind of a man who endured the Great Leap backward and the cultural revolution of China! Weijian, you sir are a true inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story!

Absolutely perfect story-telling

Every chapter is so attractive and I just can not stop listening. Amazing life story!

An astounding story

In astounding story of perseverance and character. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this miraculous journey.

Must read for anyone!

I thought I would be taking a risk on buying this book as there were very few reviews on Audible in comparison to other books but I saw it at a bookstore in the San Diego airport so I thought I would give it a try. I couldn’t stop listening to this book and listened to it any chance I got. The story is captivating and incredible and I enjoyed every minute of it. It teaches the importance of perseverance and hard work and making the best out of any situation.