Adult/High School-Born as the second son of a Tibetan chieftain in the years right before the Chinese invasion, Young Master is coddled by his handmaids and prodded by ambitious advisors. To the dismay of those around him, he also has a habit of saying and doing bizarre things. Even the company he prefers is strange for someone of his status. Everyone, himself included, thinks he's an idiot. When an emissary from China brings his clan poppy seeds, Young Master somehow instinctively knows the ramifications, and gives seemingly foolish advice regarding their use. However, time and time again, his idiocy is revealed in actuality to be wisdom, and people start to wonder if he is of this world or an immortal sent from heaven. Young Master likes to romp about and party, loves intrigue, is moody, and can be kind as well as harsh. What sets this slightly goofy guy apart is his ability to be open to the absurd. True to his nature as a bon vivant, he drinks in all that surrounds him. Cool starry nights, all-out horse rides across windswept hillsides, and views from many-storied palaces carry readers into the heart of an exciting if tragic period of history. Drawing from Tibetan legend, landscape, and history, Alai has put together quite a tale. Red Poppies has a seamless, folksy quality that makes it a pleasure to read. This book should appeal to a wide audience-even to those who don't have "Free Tibet" stickers on their notebooks.-Sheila Shoup, Fairfax County Public Library, VACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information