If you're looking for a GOOD BOOK, I'm really enjoying "WHEN AMERICA FIRST MET CHINA" BY ERIC JAY DONLIN.  I had no idea that the U.S. and China were so closely linked by trading ships in the 1700 and 1800's or how many American merchants became rich by selling OPIUM to the Chinese.  This is some great American history you haven't heard much about, until now.