Catching Up to America: Reader Reviews & Ratings

Yvonne2026-10-18 14:06

I found Zhu Tian's argument about Confucian thrift and education being the real drivers behind China's growth much more convincing than the usual explanations about exports or state power.

Caroline2026-10-13 10:45

This book finally explained why China grew while others failed, focusing on culture instead of just policy.

Harrison2026-10-11 07:44

I found Zhu Tian's argument about the middle-income trap convincing because the data shows China is still investing heavily while other nations stagnate.

Danielle2026-10-07 12:59

I found the debunking of the export-led growth myth really convincing. Zhu shows how exports were actually a result of China's growing capacity, not the cause of it. This perspective shift changes how I view global trade dynamics today.

Daniela2026-10-04 04:23

I was shocked to learn that low starting income isn't the real reason for China's success. The data shows most poor countries actually grew slower, making China's 8.5% average rate truly an anomaly that defied global trends for decades.

Momo2026-09-26 02:22

I was shocked to learn that China's high savings rate wasn't just about policy, but deeply rooted in Confucian values of thrift.

Tommy2026-09-17 06:48

This book makes me realize that China's success wasn't luck but a unique mix of culture and reform.

Rodney2026-09-15 16:21

This book really challenges the idea that China's success was just luck. It shows how cultural values like thrift and education drove real growth.

Davis2026-09-08 21:19

Interesting take on culture.

Diego2026-09-03 08:14

Zhu Tian shows thrift and trust drove China's growth better than exports or state control, making the cultural argument clear for understanding the unique success story compared to other developing nations that failed.

Winston2026-08-26 00:34

I found Zhu Tian's argument about Confucian values driving China's savings rate really convincing and fresh.

Lilia2026-08-11 05:19

Good data on why China grew fast.

Cordelia2026-08-09 11:06

This book made me realize China's growth wasn't luck, but driven by deep cultural values like thrift and education.

Evie2026-08-03 03:52

The book explains that savings, education quality, and social trust worked with reforms to drive growth, while other countries lacking these cultural traits failed despite similar policies, making the analysis of the middle-income trap convincing.

Skye2026-08-02 10:36

I felt the data on savings and education quality was strong, but the cultural explanation for why these traits existed felt a bit stretched compared to just institutional factors.

Joaquin952026-07-29 01:37

Zhu Tian proves that Confucian values like thrift and education explain China's growth better than state power alone.

Zelda72026-07-23 02:42

The book explains why China grew so fast compared to other poor nations, showing that culture matters more than just policies.

Phil2026-07-12 05:32

I found Zhu Tian's argument about Confucian values driving savings really convincing and eye opening.

Stephen022026-07-03 03:45

I was shocked to learn that China's high savings rate comes from Confucian thrift, not just lack of social safety nets.

Agnes2026-07-01 11:26

Zhu Tian proves that China's success wasn't luck, but driven by deep cultural values like thrift and education.