tt Savitt has immersed himself in China's history and culture, enriching his story with hard-earned wisdom and insights. He takes us on an exciting ride through his 18 years in China--from the country's first opening to American students and then on to Tiananmen and his solitary confinement in a Chinese jail. This book should appeal both to those who know China well and those who are just discovering it."--Dan Southerland, Executive Editor at Radio Free Asia, Washington Post Beijing bureau chief 1986-1990 "Savitt's memoir, the picaresque, poignant Crashing the Party, takes us beyond Zhongnanhai, the seat of Party rule, and brings us closer to the 'soul' of the country."