This weekend as part of the Wuxilife BBQ they will also be hosting a charity foreign book sale. If you read, and I assume that if you are reading this then you do, you already know that finding a good book to read in Wuxi can at times be impossible. The Xinhua Book Store at best has a limited selection. The last time I looked it carried, like all book stores in China,  a collection of the great classics of western literature.

In my first year in China I was able to read all the great classics of western literature that I never had the time or inclination to read when I was back in Canada. Over ten years, I have read and in some cases reread Moby Dick, War & Peace, Vanity Fair, Jude the Obscure and other great examples of 18th century literature. I believe that I am qualified to give a graduate level seminar in 18 th century English literature. I confess however I am sick of 18 th century literature and yearn for more modern reading experiences especially science fiction.

It was with some surprise then last night, as I was heading to the Cozy Cafe Coffee Shop to purchase my Wuxilife BBQ tickets, I stumbled upon what I can only describe as the best English book store in Wuxi! Of course as with many things in China there is a catch!

The best English language book store in Wuxi has none of the great classics, but neither does it have anything that I want to read! The kids Bookstore, close to the north gate of Yangtze International Gardens, does however have a large select of original English language children books.

Walking with my four year old son I was dubious at first. Ten years in China has taught me to lower my expectations when it comes to good desserts and English books. Yet, entering the store I found a treasure trove of great children's literature. Green Eggs and Ham, the Cat in the Hat and dozen other children's books were all for sale at a reasonable price. I purchased a copy of 50 Children's bedtime stores (a very large book) for 88 RMB.

This bookstore of course does not solve my reading problem! I read fast and like to read a lot especially science fiction, but it does solve one problem I have when it comes to finding new bedtime reading material for my son.

If you are raising a young child in Wuxi and want to expand your choice of English language children's literature www.wuxiguide.net recommends the Kids Bookstore as the best book store in Wuxi! (see the Visa's & Stuff Map for it's location)