Title: There Are Plenty of Secrets
Author: Andrew McPherson
Illustrator: Emily Chalmers
Publisher: XlibrisAU
ISBN: 9781669886488
Pages: 140
Genre: Philosophy / Science / Chinese Culture
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Pacific Book Review
There are plenty of Secrets is an exhaustive Chinese philosophical book that seeks to clarify misunderstood concepts regarding Tai Chi Chuan, a famous and ancient martial art practice, estimated to be 900-1000 years old. Andrew McPherson, who is neither a martial artist nor a Tai Chi master, expertly goes on a fishing expedition to gather answers over this practice’s misconceptions and its connection to Chinese medical arts.
Numerous interviews with experienced Tai Chi teachers bear him no satisfactory answers. However, his passion to enlighten a community that has little to no knowledge regarding the practice is evident in this stoic read. He critically analyzes historical facts to give undeniable and accurate truths, while at the same time investigating the work of a famous master, Huang, whose reputation for helping solve community problems earns him respect and a name beyond an ordinary “Shifu.”
As illustrated by the book’s title, the author manages to expose little-known facts about Tai Chi Chuan. He strongly feels the need to educate people who have either lost or simply forgotten significant cultural knowledge and historical facts, an error he boldly calls out as tantamount to having a very valuable treasure but losing it. He successfully corrects misconceptions and errors that have been passed down through the ages. The author’s decision to use original Chinese words in this book is motivated by his belief that if interpreted, their original meaning would be watered down and as a result fail to accurately relay the original philosophical connotation. This makes the book unique in both formation and delivery, enhancing plausibility and realness.
The author meticulously manages to clarify widely asked questions like, “Does Tai Chi Chuan improve one’s intelligence?” and “Is Tai Chi similar to Karate, Kung Fu, and Wu Shu?”. Imbued with thoughtful and artful illustrations, the author’s aim to pass on Tai Shi postures is achieved. There Are Plenty of Secrets by Andrew McPherson is fascinating, engaging, and profoundly informative and genuinely leaves one looking out for more of his books on Chinese culture, tradition, and martial practice.
