Is communism as bad as people make it?

I was reflecting on politics and things. I have never studied a good book on capitalism or communism. I hear so many people (Americans) scared of communism. I saw a vid on youtube by a girl saying she lived in China befor and she did feel it was different from living in U.S. Is communism as bad as people make it? I would like people from countries who have experienced this firsthand or been in a place for more than a year to tell me what it was like... Just think if you complain about it at least know what you are saying....