Met the authors at a book signing- although this is a fast-aced thriller, I found the historical aspects of the student uprising in China in 1989 the most interesting aspect. Definitely recommend for those who like learning a little history while reading a good story. Perfect ending ( )

Just a great read. Fun, adventurous, suspense-filled novel. The reader gets the added bonus of an extremely well-researched novel set in China. One really gets a feel for China and its customs. Would have been a terrific book club read. ( )

Page turner, fantastic cultural details ( )

This book doesn't really fit one genre-it's a thriller, but it's also historical (1989), suspense, romance, political. You could even say it's a little bit of a travelogue through China. My husband and I really enjoyed it because we'd just been to China. ( )

My book group spent two hours discussing this book and we could have spent more. Like Michael Chrichton, the physician authors pose a what if question: in this case, what if someone had found the key to extending life. The backdrop of the story is the short-lived student democracy movement in 1989 which ended at Tiananmen Square. The authors pose this as a generational conflict between the very old leaders who want to hold onto power and the young who want reform. Told in the context of a thriller, one can just enjoy the fast-paced story. But underneath is a wealth of information about China and a lot to think about for our own society as people are living beyond age 100- even without this elixir of life. Highly recommend if you liked The Kite Runner ( )