REVIEW: IN THE CIRCLE OF WHITE STONES

Gillian G. Tan's experience in the pastoral community of Dora Karmo 'White Stone Circle' is reflected in the title of the book under review. Circles of white rocks are characteristic of the local landscape, hence the name. Dora Karmo is home to a group of herders who are part of a larger community of herders known as Nalungma. Administratively, this community is located in Lhagang (Tagong) Township, Dartsedo (Kangding) County, Ganzi (Dkar mdzes) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China.\ud This book is a reality show of contemporary Tibetan nomad life - a package featuring the nature of nomadic life, external changes stemming from the government's development campaign, the booming caterpillar fungus economy, social problems and challenges, and a Buddhist leader's role in the development of the local community. Each component is an inseparable part of the whole in the local community. \ud ..