In the evocative memoir "River Town," Peter Hessler chronicles his transformative journey as a Peace Corps volunteer in Fuling, a remote city nestled in China's Sichuan province. Amidst the terraced landscapes of the Yangtze River valley, Hessler finds himself in a place where the currents of change are as palpable as the river itself. His arrival marks a poignant moment in Fuling's history, introducing its residents to their first American in over fifty years and embedding himself in the fabric of a community standing at the precipice of monumental transformation. Through his teaching of English and American literature, Hessler navigates the complexities of cross-cultural exchange, learning as much from his students as they do from him. Their perspectives and his experiences paint a rich tapestry of life in a town balancing on the edge of old China and the new. "River Town" is more than just a memoir; it is a window into the soul of a country grappling with its identity amidst rapid modernization and the looming shadow of the Three Gorges Dam project. Hessler's narrative is imbued with a deep understanding and affection for Fuling's inhabitants, from priests to prostitutes, peasants to professors, capturing their dreams, struggles, and resilience. With a keen eye for detail and a heart open to the vast array of human experiences, Hessler offers an intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of those living through a period of extraordinary historical significance. His journey is one of discovery, connection, and profound insight, making "River Town" an unforgettable exploration of a China at the crossroads of tradition and transformation.