| First Written | 2023 |
| Genre | Biography |
| Origin | China |
| Publisher | Astra House |
| My Copy | library hardback |
| First Read | January 30, 2026 |
I Deliver Parcels in Beijing
Notes
Interestingly the author decides to go chill out for a while in Yunnan province, which is apparently known for having a laid back culture. This was also written about in Dan Wang's book Breakneck, which I just finished. A place I had never heard of!
Noted on February 8, 2026
This was interesting but not revelatory: stories from working in the last-mile logistics world in China, where you can get a LOT more stuff delivered to you quickly. The best parts were there, which I assume were the original blog posts that went viral in China. And then, because he got a book deal, there is a significant amount of padding to turn it into a whole book - notes on every job the author has ever had.
Noted on February 8, 2026
Quotes
I also liked to stroll around the Lianhua Supermarket there, and I would while away my days off in IKEA, because it was nearby and had AC. I'd find a couch and curl up for a nap, which nobody seemed to mind at first, but eventually the capitalists removed their mask of kindness and sent security to move along anyone who was sleeping—because you can't wake up someone only pretending to be asleep, the only ones disturbed were those of us genuinely there to get some rest.
I didn't buy furniture in the store, but I often took advantage of the Absolut Vodka promotion in the first-floor food shop. A bottle of vodka cost around one hundred yuan on discount and came with a free bottle of juice. I'd then spend the evening sitting by my window drinking and looking out at the bustling streets. I felt especially serene in those moments. Though this might have just been the alcohol.Quoted on February 8, 2026