Whilst in Asia, I set myself a goal to read a book by a local author from every country we passed through. I truly believe that, whilst reading plain facts are useful, autobiographies and novels really reach into the heart of a country's consciousness. Tourists can say all they like about a country, but there's nothing more interesting, or important, than listening to what the locals have to say about their past, present and future. I've always been a book-geek, but reading local books, ironically, made the countires we visited more human, more real. We dived into new places with fresh eyes, and saw places we'd already visited in a whole new light. Of course, I always like variety in my reading, so I also took advantage of travel time for a long-overdue read of a few classics. I truly believe that books are essential travel companions; here's the list of our top ten books from our travels...
10) MISS BANGKOK: MEMOIRS OF A THAI PROSTITUTE- Bua Boonmee (Thailand)
Patrick and I had mixed feelings on this book; I quite enjoyed it, Patrick was not a fan. I can see why it may not be such an enjoyable read; Bua is kind, gentle, but frustratingly naive at times. Before you think I'm completely heartless, I still think that this is a valuable account that sheds light on the helplessness of some women in Thai society, and the importance of a Thai family never 'losing face'. Bua made it clear that for most Thai go-go girls in Patpong, Bangkok's seedy suburb, prostitution is not a chosen path, but an inevitability, often leading up from an unstable childhood. All in all, this autobiography is a little sad, but encouraging; speaking up, even if under a pseudonym, is a step in the right direction.
9) CATCHER IN THE RYE- J. D. Salinger
I have been meaning to read this book for a long time, and I finally managed to get my hand on it in a Bangalore bookshop. This book is not so much about the plot- a lonely teenager wandering around New York for a few days after he is expelled from school- as the characterisation of the lead protagonist and narrator, Holden Caulfield. I have read that the late J.D. Salinger put a lot of himself into this novel; given his bright depiction of Holden, that does not surprise me. I'm going to be honest, I'm not sure if I like Holden or not; part of me likes how he sees through falsity, another part wants him to stop trying to be a 'catcher in the rye' by protecting children's innocence, and instead just live his own life. Either way, he's quite the enigma, and you cannot help but be gripped by his unique views and speaking voice all the way through this classic novel, no matter what your final opinion.
8) FALLING LEAVES- Adelaide Yen Mah (China)
A true Cinderella story, Adelaide Yen Mah of Tianjin and Shanghai had a horrible childhood, with her stepmother, Niang, seemingly determined to make her life a living hell. The youngest in the family, poor Adelaide was considered a curse on the family, as her mother died giving birth to her. The true beauty of this book is in Yen Mah's easy writing-style; her experiences have clearly had a profound effect on her, even though now she has happily overcome darker times. It is also fascinating to read about the tragic fall of the once great Shanghai during the Communist takeover, especially the effect it had on the freedom and fortunes of her Aunt Baba, previously the manager of a prolific Shanghai Woman's Bank, and only kind supporter of Adelaide. A lesser known book that deserves greater recognition for its emotionally strong protagonist and depiction of an important era in Chinese history.
7) GHOST TRAIN TO THE EASTERN STAR- Paul Theroux (World)
In my opinion, he doesn't have the self-efficacy and comic genius of Bill Bryson, but Paul Theroux's round-the-world train journey still struck a chord with me, and left me wanting more. He first took this journey at the age of 23, documented in his popular book The Great Railway Bazaar. As he takes the same journey 40 years on, he finds a very different world- a more developed India, an accesible Cambodia, inaccessible Middle Eastern countries. Theroux's love of train travel over planes is something I can completely relate to; not only do you get to see more of a country, but just being on the train and speaking to fellow passengers can teach you infinitely more about the lives of the local people. Although not as humourous, Theroux is still a charming writer, and I found myself agreeing with his perception of both travel and the countries he visited. I especially enjoyed his meetings with locals that have bad reputations in Western culture- Thai prositutes, Indians in a call centre- turning every pre-conceived judgement on its head. I learned so much about the whole world from just this one book; he managed to whet my appetite even more for travel.
6) A WILD SHEEP CHASE- Haruki Murakami (Japan)
After reading Kafka On The Shore a few years ago, I realised Murakami was a very special writer: infinitely imaginative, linguistically brilliant, and best of all, a little strange. This book also did not dissappoint; it's very difficult to pull off a plot that involves a magic sheep that possesses people, but somehow Murakami pulls it off with his brilliant way with words. Weird, but believable: an example of effortlessly stylish writing. My advice for reading his books? Don't let the confusion put you off: embrace it, and learn to fall in love with it.
5) THE WHITE TIGER- Aravind Adaga (India)
Rightful winner of the 2008 Man Booker Prize, this book offers a little snippet of India. You would never expect to like the protagonist, Balram, given that he is a murderer and all, but Adaga's effortless dialogue means you cannot help but like him- and actually urge him to succeed. A boy from a poor Rajastani village, he is hired as a chaffeur for the son of the village's richest man, and thus thrust into a whole new world in New Delhi. Simultaneously unique and a voice for caste-restricted Indians everywhere, Balram also brings bigger global issues, such as political corrpution and India's role as a superpower within Asia, down to a more human, approachable level. A must-read before you go to India, along with Shantaram: the perfect introductions to a wonderfully crazy country.
4) STEPHEN KING- ON WRITING- Stephen King
Now, if i'm honest, horror is not my favourite genre, in either films or novels. I saw The Shining once, and was scarred for a few weeks. Stephen King, the master horror novelist, therefore seems like an unlikely inspiration. However, this book resonated in a way that no other 'how-to-write' book has ever done before. He makes it very clear from the start that he wants to keep this book short, leaving out unnecessary and confusing nonsense; I loved his fresh approach. Every part of his book, from his funny childhood anecdotes detailing what encouraged him to write, his struggle to write with a full time job and family, his eventual success, and his recent life-threatening car accident, are all inspirational to read; not only for writers starting out, but for anybody who has a dream. He has made me realise that if you want to do it enough, then you've just got to DO IT: simple enough in theory, surprisingly difficult in practise. If there's one resounding message throughout the book, it's this: you cannot let life get in the way of your dream. You perservere, find time no matter what, work hard, and eventually that dream will become your life.
3) FIRST THEY KILLED MY FATHER- Loung Ung (Cambodia)
A beautiful, heart-wrenching account of five-year-old Loung Ung's experience during the horrific Khmer Rouge regime. The title itself sets the devasating tone of the novel; Loung's descriptions of her family members are so loving and vivid, you desperately pray that they somehow make it through. Loung herself is also a head-strong, but very likeable little girl, whose inner strength, despite her young age, is inspirational. The older author writes very convincingly as her younger self, keeping hindsight to a minimum to create a immediacy that keeps you hooked. An essential read, especially before visiting S-21 and the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh. Knowing what each of those photographed prisoners went through beforehand brings greater clarity to just how much they suffered, as well as the farcical nature of this cruel regime.
2) THREE CUPS OF TEA- Greg Mortenson (Pakistan/Afganistan)
If there's one book that would inspire you to a) climb a mountain, and b) change the world, then this is it. Mortenson's biography, as told by David Oliver Relin, is now an essential read for the American Army, and rightly so. The story begins with Mortenson's failed attempt to climb K2, one of the highest mountains in the world. He gets lost in a tiny mountain village called Korphe, who show him great kindness in his hour of need. While he is there, he notices the children's willingness to learn, writing things into rocks, despite having no school. Horrified by this and as an expression his gratitude, Moretenson promises to go back to Korphe once he has raised enough money to build a school. For most people, this would just be words to make the people happy- but not for Greg Mortenson. He struggles and sacrifices his own stability to get the funding, and returned to Korphe with building materials and all- only to find other villages also wanted schools. One kind deed snowballed into many more, and the Central Asia Institute charity was born. A fascinating read about an extraordinary man, who truly proves that one man with a heart and a dream- and an ability to fight through hard times- can make a difference.
1) SHANTARAM- Gregory David Roberts (India)
Not only my favourite book from my travels, but possibly one of my favourite books of all time. Just the story behind it is enough to give it a chance; Roberts had his drafts confiscated twice in prison before finally finishing his masterpiece. This perserverance in the face of adversity is a common theme throughout this epic novel, as we find Lin (the protagonist) pulling through all sorts of crazy situations. Of course, the first major situation he succeeds in is escaping from a Melbourne prison, and getting into Mumbai on a fake New Zealand passport; a feat that Gregory David Roberts actually managed to achieve in real life. Heavily influenced by his own exiled life in Mumbai, Roberts writes with incredible passion, especially with his character descriptions; his characters are so alive (indeed, some of them may have been real and are still in India). I have never read a book that so encapsulates a city; this book is Mumbai, Mumbai is this book. The slums, the mafia, the spirituality, the locals (I defy you not to fall in love with Prabu, Lin's close Indian friend), the smells, the chai...so vividly portrayed that when we actually visited Mumbai ourselves, it already seemed familiar. Patrick and I were thrilled to go to the bar in Colaba (a Mumbai suburb) that Lin frequents at with gangster and prostitute friends, Leopold's; we felt as though we were walking into our own local bar. A whirlwind journey from the very first page to the very last; this is a book that truly has something to offer everybody, no matter what kind of fiction you usually read. Faction, fiction, whatever you want to call this book...I'll just call it INCREDIBLE.
10) MISS BANGKOK: MEMOIRS OF A THAI PROSTITUTE- Bua Boonmee (Thailand)
Patrick and I had mixed feelings on this book; I quite enjoyed it, Patrick was not a fan. I can see why it may not be such an enjoyable read; Bua is kind, gentle, but frustratingly naive at times. Before you think I'm completely heartless, I still think that this is a valuable account that sheds light on the helplessness of some women in Thai society, and the importance of a Thai family never 'losing face'. Bua made it clear that for most Thai go-go girls in Patpong, Bangkok's seedy suburb, prostitution is not a chosen path, but an inevitability, often leading up from an unstable childhood. All in all, this autobiography is a little sad, but encouraging; speaking up, even if under a pseudonym, is a step in the right direction.
9) CATCHER IN THE RYE- J. D. Salinger
I have been meaning to read this book for a long time, and I finally managed to get my hand on it in a Bangalore bookshop. This book is not so much about the plot- a lonely teenager wandering around New York for a few days after he is expelled from school- as the characterisation of the lead protagonist and narrator, Holden Caulfield. I have read that the late J.D. Salinger put a lot of himself into this novel; given his bright depiction of Holden, that does not surprise me. I'm going to be honest, I'm not sure if I like Holden or not; part of me likes how he sees through falsity, another part wants him to stop trying to be a 'catcher in the rye' by protecting children's innocence, and instead just live his own life. Either way, he's quite the enigma, and you cannot help but be gripped by his unique views and speaking voice all the way through this classic novel, no matter what your final opinion.
8) FALLING LEAVES- Adelaide Yen Mah (China)
A true Cinderella story, Adelaide Yen Mah of Tianjin and Shanghai had a horrible childhood, with her stepmother, Niang, seemingly determined to make her life a living hell. The youngest in the family, poor Adelaide was considered a curse on the family, as her mother died giving birth to her. The true beauty of this book is in Yen Mah's easy writing-style; her experiences have clearly had a profound effect on her, even though now she has happily overcome darker times. It is also fascinating to read about the tragic fall of the once great Shanghai during the Communist takeover, especially the effect it had on the freedom and fortunes of her Aunt Baba, previously the manager of a prolific Shanghai Woman's Bank, and only kind supporter of Adelaide. A lesser known book that deserves greater recognition for its emotionally strong protagonist and depiction of an important era in Chinese history.
7) GHOST TRAIN TO THE EASTERN STAR- Paul Theroux (World)
In my opinion, he doesn't have the self-efficacy and comic genius of Bill Bryson, but Paul Theroux's round-the-world train journey still struck a chord with me, and left me wanting more. He first took this journey at the age of 23, documented in his popular book The Great Railway Bazaar. As he takes the same journey 40 years on, he finds a very different world- a more developed India, an accesible Cambodia, inaccessible Middle Eastern countries. Theroux's love of train travel over planes is something I can completely relate to; not only do you get to see more of a country, but just being on the train and speaking to fellow passengers can teach you infinitely more about the lives of the local people. Although not as humourous, Theroux is still a charming writer, and I found myself agreeing with his perception of both travel and the countries he visited. I especially enjoyed his meetings with locals that have bad reputations in Western culture- Thai prositutes, Indians in a call centre- turning every pre-conceived judgement on its head. I learned so much about the whole world from just this one book; he managed to whet my appetite even more for travel.
6) A WILD SHEEP CHASE- Haruki Murakami (Japan)
After reading Kafka On The Shore a few years ago, I realised Murakami was a very special writer: infinitely imaginative, linguistically brilliant, and best of all, a little strange. This book also did not dissappoint; it's very difficult to pull off a plot that involves a magic sheep that possesses people, but somehow Murakami pulls it off with his brilliant way with words. Weird, but believable: an example of effortlessly stylish writing. My advice for reading his books? Don't let the confusion put you off: embrace it, and learn to fall in love with it.
5) THE WHITE TIGER- Aravind Adaga (India)
Rightful winner of the 2008 Man Booker Prize, this book offers a little snippet of India. You would never expect to like the protagonist, Balram, given that he is a murderer and all, but Adaga's effortless dialogue means you cannot help but like him- and actually urge him to succeed. A boy from a poor Rajastani village, he is hired as a chaffeur for the son of the village's richest man, and thus thrust into a whole new world in New Delhi. Simultaneously unique and a voice for caste-restricted Indians everywhere, Balram also brings bigger global issues, such as political corrpution and India's role as a superpower within Asia, down to a more human, approachable level. A must-read before you go to India, along with Shantaram: the perfect introductions to a wonderfully crazy country.
4) STEPHEN KING- ON WRITING- Stephen King
Now, if i'm honest, horror is not my favourite genre, in either films or novels. I saw The Shining once, and was scarred for a few weeks. Stephen King, the master horror novelist, therefore seems like an unlikely inspiration. However, this book resonated in a way that no other 'how-to-write' book has ever done before. He makes it very clear from the start that he wants to keep this book short, leaving out unnecessary and confusing nonsense; I loved his fresh approach. Every part of his book, from his funny childhood anecdotes detailing what encouraged him to write, his struggle to write with a full time job and family, his eventual success, and his recent life-threatening car accident, are all inspirational to read; not only for writers starting out, but for anybody who has a dream. He has made me realise that if you want to do it enough, then you've just got to DO IT: simple enough in theory, surprisingly difficult in practise. If there's one resounding message throughout the book, it's this: you cannot let life get in the way of your dream. You perservere, find time no matter what, work hard, and eventually that dream will become your life.
3) FIRST THEY KILLED MY FATHER- Loung Ung (Cambodia)
A beautiful, heart-wrenching account of five-year-old Loung Ung's experience during the horrific Khmer Rouge regime. The title itself sets the devasating tone of the novel; Loung's descriptions of her family members are so loving and vivid, you desperately pray that they somehow make it through. Loung herself is also a head-strong, but very likeable little girl, whose inner strength, despite her young age, is inspirational. The older author writes very convincingly as her younger self, keeping hindsight to a minimum to create a immediacy that keeps you hooked. An essential read, especially before visiting S-21 and the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh. Knowing what each of those photographed prisoners went through beforehand brings greater clarity to just how much they suffered, as well as the farcical nature of this cruel regime.
2) THREE CUPS OF TEA- Greg Mortenson (Pakistan/Afganistan)
If there's one book that would inspire you to a) climb a mountain, and b) change the world, then this is it. Mortenson's biography, as told by David Oliver Relin, is now an essential read for the American Army, and rightly so. The story begins with Mortenson's failed attempt to climb K2, one of the highest mountains in the world. He gets lost in a tiny mountain village called Korphe, who show him great kindness in his hour of need. While he is there, he notices the children's willingness to learn, writing things into rocks, despite having no school. Horrified by this and as an expression his gratitude, Moretenson promises to go back to Korphe once he has raised enough money to build a school. For most people, this would just be words to make the people happy- but not for Greg Mortenson. He struggles and sacrifices his own stability to get the funding, and returned to Korphe with building materials and all- only to find other villages also wanted schools. One kind deed snowballed into many more, and the Central Asia Institute charity was born. A fascinating read about an extraordinary man, who truly proves that one man with a heart and a dream- and an ability to fight through hard times- can make a difference.
1) SHANTARAM- Gregory David Roberts (India)
Not only my favourite book from my travels, but possibly one of my favourite books of all time. Just the story behind it is enough to give it a chance; Roberts had his drafts confiscated twice in prison before finally finishing his masterpiece. This perserverance in the face of adversity is a common theme throughout this epic novel, as we find Lin (the protagonist) pulling through all sorts of crazy situations. Of course, the first major situation he succeeds in is escaping from a Melbourne prison, and getting into Mumbai on a fake New Zealand passport; a feat that Gregory David Roberts actually managed to achieve in real life. Heavily influenced by his own exiled life in Mumbai, Roberts writes with incredible passion, especially with his character descriptions; his characters are so alive (indeed, some of them may have been real and are still in India). I have never read a book that so encapsulates a city; this book is Mumbai, Mumbai is this book. The slums, the mafia, the spirituality, the locals (I defy you not to fall in love with Prabu, Lin's close Indian friend), the smells, the chai...so vividly portrayed that when we actually visited Mumbai ourselves, it already seemed familiar. Patrick and I were thrilled to go to the bar in Colaba (a Mumbai suburb) that Lin frequents at with gangster and prostitute friends, Leopold's; we felt as though we were walking into our own local bar. A whirlwind journey from the very first page to the very last; this is a book that truly has something to offer everybody, no matter what kind of fiction you usually read. Faction, fiction, whatever you want to call this book...I'll just call it INCREDIBLE.
thanks for this jenny! i'm always looking for new books to read. i particularly want to read the white tiger. i saw it in a book shop and really wanted to buy it. i'd like to read more travel fiction. it whets the appetite to travel. x
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