It is always interesting to see something from a different perspective. Even more interesting to see something as seemingly universal as having a child from a very different perspective. “Made in China” is a look at parenting from a view I wouldn’t have otherwise gotten – a European man living in China. Simon Gjeroe relates what is on one hand extremely relatable, and on the other completely foreign (literally and figuratively).
I couldn’t say I knew much about Chinese culture or customs before I read this book, so hearing about some of the beliefs, customs, and superstitions they have around pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting was an eye-opener. Like say, placenta stew for example. Or the process of giving your child multiple names, each one with its own meaning. Not that one culture’s way of doing things is better or worse – just different – but I now have a new appreciation for customs (or lack thereof) around parenting in America. Though, I am sure my wife would have appreciated the month of doing absolutely nothing at all after giving birth. Still a hard no on the placenta stew though.
I Think Therefore I Dad 