Why Taiwan Matters is an easy read for a beginner who understands there is conflict but not why. I found this topic to be extremely interesting, though I will say that the book is only half history, with the other half about current political issues concerning Taiwan. The author self-narrates, and I didn't really love his narration. The book itself, however, was straightforward and simple to understand, without handwaiving overly complex issues out of the picture. This is a great introductory read for someone who wants to know more about this topic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

**e-ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
Why Taiwan Matters is an excellent introduction to the complexities of Taiwan’s sovereignty and its relationship with China. As a newcomer to the topic, I found it accessible and highly informative.
The book starts with the perspectives of the Taiwanese people, providing a grounded understanding before expanding into broader geopolitical issues. It explains the intricacies behind decisions like U.S. recognition of Taiwan, illustrating why these actions are far more complicated than they may appear on social media or in news segments.
I appreciated how the author broke down the nuances of Taiwan’s challenges, highlighting the risks and competing factors at play. It also addressed oversimplified solutions, offering a deeper, well-rounded analysis of Taiwan’s geopolitical situation.

I went into this hoping for a introduction into Taiwan and it's history and political issues, and this book delivered. After finishing I feel a lot more informed without feeling overwhelmed with information. I also wasn't bored at any point. I would highly recommend this for anyone wanting more information on the subject but not knowing where to start.

There were some points I didn't find as helpful, such as some of the speculation about what the future could hold.

Audiobook narrator was easy to understand, even at a higher speed.