This is about orphaned teen, Hai Long, growing up in Dailin, in north-east China and is set during the year of the SARS epidemic in 2002/03. He lives with his Uncle who is very exact in his style of living. The NBA, fast food, and movies are the new passions for Hai Ling and his friends, while the older generation still seem to be trying to get over the past. What stands out in this book are the memorable characters on the city streets and in his apartment building that Hai Ling befriends when he stops going to school. There's also a fun look at studying for the IELTS English test. Overall I found this a highly enjoyable read that brings the urban life in present day China to life. ( )