Review: American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey In the New China by Matthew Polly

Matthew, Polly. (2007). American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey In the New China. New York: Gotham Books. 224 pages. ISBN 9781592402625

Awards/Selection Lists:
- A Compilation of Nonfiction titles on Best Books for Young Adults Top  Ten lists, 2001-2010
- Alex Award-Winning Nonfiction Titles, 1998-2013

Author's Website: http://mattpolly.com/

Brief Summary:  This is the story of author Matt Polly, and his rise from a skinny American kid, lost in the ways of the world, with only one desire, to go to China and learn KungFu from the Shaolin Monks themselves, to the defender of Shaolin tradition, tournament style. He learns discipline, he learns pain, he learns how to navigate the turbulent waters of China a mere stones throw in time from the period of Tiananmen Square, and the prejudice that Americans are expected to endure as foreigners in a contradictory land of corruption, honor, tradition and change. Because of his dedication and skill, Matt Polly became the first American ever inducted into the Shaolin Temple but it was not without sacrifice and an emotional inner journey.

Personal Reaction: Matt Polly writes of his 2 year journey in China with style and wit. He is undoubtedly funny and has maintained a sense of humor, even when recounting the most humiliating and difficult times of his journey in a country where walking on eggshells was necessary for daily living, as loyalties shifted as easily as a rolling tide. At times some of the technical jargon of KungFu can become distracting, but I found myself still enjoying the story, as if a favorite friend was telling me a story of their great adventure. Even though it wasn't one of my favorite books, it is one of my favorite stories and his reactions then, and the flavor of his address is charismatic and familiar. I would definitely recommend this book to reluctant readers who may be feeling a little lost in the world, but who also have some interest in martial arts. The chapter on Iron Crotch Kungfu alone had me in stitches. His reactions and recollections were priceless, and very easy to relate to. I love this man's writing style.

Front/Back Matter: Title page, dedication, table of contents, a note on spelling and pronunciation, secondary title page, Chinese proverbs, prologue, author's note, acknowledgments.

Content Evaluation: I would have liked to have seen a little more about Chinese culture, as references or appendixes in this book, but a beginning primer for the more important Chinese names, and Polly's explanation of his education in Chinese culture is enough to get you through. The tone is funny and relatable, at times serious, but still maintaining and element of play. It is laid out logically and does not include an index or source notes, typically because this is a first hand telling, an autobiography, rather than a research project.