Takin' the Long Road is so named because of the path for which this book come to be. From seven-and-a-half years lived in China, Jim / Jimmer Shine / Jordan later 芝麻 / Zhi'ma shares a glimpse of the views and insights found for such a long and ponderous time. From temples of the Tao and temples of Buddha to temples of great leaders and those of modern civic design, Jim wandered curiously through that nation while working as a teacher of English, and as an artist among peers.
Hoping to employ the kindness and empathy found endorsed in these pages that tend to muse philosophically at times, he touches on historic and ancient topics, aiming both to educate and lend contextualization for some political considerations of the modern era shared within. Respecting the diversity of perspectives any reality may have and how imperfect any view may interpret another person or situation to be, he finds that patience and continued conversation are critical for peaceful lives. This book goes from being at once a travelogue, while also offering hopeful reflections for modern times. Takin' the Long Road is a tapestry of stories of journeys, those in space and those in mind.