The discussion centers on the availability of Chinese math and science texts, with participants noting that local Chinese bookstores often carry only basic middle school materials. In Vancouver, for example, Beijing Bookstore is mentioned as a resource, but it primarily stocks elementary texts. Some individuals suggest that for those comfortable with English, college-level math and science books are a better option. There is a desire among some participants to study both Chinese and advanced math simultaneously, but the challenge lies in finding suitable texts. Concerns are raised about the quality of Chinese math and science books, with some noting that while there are well-written texts, many are subpar. The conversation also touches on the affordability of English textbooks printed in Mainland China, which can be significantly cheaper but may compromise on quality. Overall, the thread highlights the difficulty in sourcing high-quality Chinese academic materials for advanced studies.