I dnf'ed this book because the background of this author and his former books seemed to be lining up with a propaganda tone and over all message.

This is an important topic to read about as it may become the Ukraine of Asia. Thoughtful recent history of how Taiwan came from being a colony of Japan to refuge of the KMT to a full-fledged democracy.

Over the last year, I have become more interested in global politics, history, and how they affect current affairs. "The New Cold Wars" and "Chip Wars" were some of my 2024 favorites. Why Taiwan Matters is well laid out and summarized nicely, touching briefly on many issues and how they come together, unlike the other two books that are very focused and detailed on their specific title. The book really picked up around 42% and grabbed my attention. I especially liked the last few chapters' take on what could happen, which is a different approach than I have seen in previous books. Not sure people realize the importance of Taiwan in the world and this book proved it's point. If you enjoy books about global politics and want to better understand Taiwan, its culture, and why it is key to the economy, this book is for you.

Review has been posted to Goodreads and Fable.

audio-ARC from NetGalley.

What is there to say about nonfiction such as this except that I was utterly fascinated. The sheer magnitude of what could happen if Taiwan & China's perilous relationship breaks down is frightening. Excellent audio.

*Full review to be added closer to publication!*

Why Taiwan Matters is a fantastic resource for learning all about Taiwan's history and it's current place in the world in the present times. I knew a little bit about Taiwan going into this and had a general understanding of why it is such an important name right now, but this book went into so much more detail and gave me such a better and clearer understanding of everything about it. I thought the author did a great job explaining and narrating the audiobook version of this book. I truly feel like I learned a lot and would happily read more on these topics from this author. A must for anyone looking to stay up to date on geopolitical issues/etc. and/or who enjoys history and current events.

This is a very welcome overview of a complex global political situation with Taiwan. The author explains the history that brought us here, why it matters, and covers some potential outcomes. I came to this book completely unfamiliar with the subject so I can't speak to the scholarship, but I can speak to how effective it was at conveying information to a newcomer

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.