Of course this works. So does a VPN back to the US. However, I shouldn't have to jump through all of these hoops for the freedom of information.
Anyone who claims China is 'free' should try living there for at least a year. It will open your eyes to the reality of the situation. It also makes you appreciate the freedoms we have in the US.
I've lived in China 15 years on and off. While bookstores with interesting English language titles are rare, I think you have greatly exaggerated the situation. Almost any copy shop in China will happily photocopy 20+ copies of any book your bring them, which makes it very easy to run book clubs... so it isn't exactly all negative.
I've done 5 in total. I live in Beijing, so it's right underneath the watchful eye of the Communist Party. It's not 'free' free but outside of the Great Firewall (nuisance), and various visa and registration related shenanigans (fairly lax), I haven't gotten into situations where I really felt the iron grip of the government.