Many books have been written about China through the eyes of Western authors with observations usually framed by their own cultural background. But Harvard University student John Thornton approaches the country from a different perspective, unburdened with adult values.

In his first novel, Beautiful Country, the author describes the country and its culture through the eyes of a 14-year-old American boy called Chase. It depicts the protagonist's experiences as he witnesses how a talented young Chinese tennis player becomes caught between the country's old and new values, between following the rules and bending those that inhibit his development as a player. Interwoven are Chase's feelings and insights about Chinese culture and social phenomena.

"I think children see the world in a pure and unfiltered way. Their minds are free from preconceived biases and impressions, so they can see things in a very unique way," he says.