LA Wanderings

Author: Cai Kangyong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: The Wanderings of a Los Angeles Outsider is a story collection with autobiographical elements, containing 18 stories, plus exclusive revelations of Cai Kangyong's student photos. It tells the story of Cai Kangyong pursuing a master's degree in film at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), his endless fun and adventures with friends, and the extraordinary anecdotes that occurred. It not only brings readers joy but also inspires them. Treating study abroad as wandering, turning youth into an adventure, and pretending to be a "wanderer in the world," Cai Kangyong's youthful LA wanderings are particularly playful! This book has the potential to become a "classic youth reading material." Additionally, the book's promotional slogan: "You must have at least one self-indulgent experience in your life!" Holds considerable appeal and persuasiveness for young people. In the City of Angels, LA, Cai Kangyong endured a devilish test, adapting a Peking Opera story into an R-rated Hollywood-style script?! Dined with the "Professor of the Ghosts" for a "Ribs" dinner, discussing deadly bullets and unwavering true love! Traveled thousands of miles to a Washington supermarket to purchase various bizarre props! Assisted in filming a killer movie, challenging himself to be stuffed into a trash bag, trunk, dryer, fireplace, and seven other scenes within 20 minutes! Wore a shiny platinum wig, snake-skin boots, and a leather skirt, strutting down the street with a flamboyant long-haired big brother who loved makeup! Every one of Cai Kangyong's books has a unique personality, and this one is particularly amusing. The author's perspective in the book is not that of a wise, seasoned "media person" or "writer," but rather that of a young student full of freshness toward the UCLA world. The stories he tells lack distance and are easy to relate to. I've lent this book to several people, and their responses have all been, "Very interesting." No need to overthink it—just enjoy the fun. Behind the impression Cai Kangyong leaves as being "playful and amusing" lies a sensitive, profound, and compassionate heart. He is someone who truly perceives the world, with a heart that truly knows gratitude. Then, he conceals his compassion and wisdom behind ordinary life and joy, releasing them only in his own corner. For television, it seems to hold a somewhat awkward place for him—it's the label he's known by, yet his inner self shines with such an extraordinary radiance. I always feel he doesn't belong there, and I never know him through it. He captures and displays his true self through his words. And through his words, I perceive myself. His writing style is consistently gentle and tender, making it a comfortable read. But don't mistake it for being superficial—because it holds a deep love for life. He appears distant from life, yet he has a heart that sees through it.