Teak Bookends

In an effort to trim down my library for international shipment I looked over books I had not read for a long time. I decided to try to reread the ones I had some difficulty recalling. Dr. Epstein had two books on my selves since I purchased them in the late Ninety’s. The first was Thoughts Without a Thinker and Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart, was the second. I thought I might even review both, but upon reading both, felt one was enough. They are too similar to bother to differentiate.

Dr. Epstein’s background is to be commended. He is a highly educated man who is a practicing psychiatrist and is a contributing editor of Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, who tries to blend western psychiatric practices with the meditation practices of Buddhism. His books attempt to explain the benefit of this mixture as well as promote Buddhism in general. I remember first reading these books and thinking this was groundbreaking. That such a mix of wisdom would indeed be beneficial and was long overdue and that Dr. Epstein was mixing them so very well. Having revisited Dr. Epstein’s work, as well as having a more mature perspective since first reading them, I have changed my mind.

While I agree with quiet a bit of what Dr. Epstein writes, his whole book can be summed up as one step forward, two steps back. The step forward is advocating meditation as a tool for maintaining and improving mental health. He makes strong cases for how and why this is. He pulls from Buddhist sources and his own experiences, case studies of his and others. The highlights of his book are those moments when he speaks of nothing but Buddhism, but stays away from too many fairytales, like when repeating what Zen Master Dogen had to say on our relationship with time. Dr. Epstein explains several Buddhist concepts very well, which I find to be the most helpful aspects of his book. Any intelligent person would be able to apply his descriptions to their own life experiences.

The two steps back are his use of western psychotherapy and the poor choice of case studies he uses as examples. I should say one and half steps back, because I do not wish to suggest that western psychotherapy has nothing to add to this conversation. However, Dr. Epstein makes strong use of past paradigms of the field. He uses Freud’s model of the human psyche, which has fallen by the way side for years now as science becomes more able to penetrate the mysteries of the mind. In the opening chapter he writes about being diagnosed in his college years with an ‘Oedipus complex’, which he takes seriously. In his defense I should repeat that these books were written in the ’90’s. It is reasonable to believe that Dr. Epstein’s views have changed since then.

The full step back is the use of his case studies and moments from his personal life. He had one patient he writes about named Lucy, who was an actress and was having trouble interacting with her voice instructor. Lucy feels that entering his workshop is like entering a ‘lions den’. Dr. Epstein believes that her past experiences witnessing her parents fighting is what is holding her back as an actress and singer. He tells her stories of how Tibetan pre-Buddhist deities were turned into protectors of Buddhism. He suggests that she view her father this way as well as her voice instructor, because she is transposing one on top of the other, and befriend the lion, by bringing ‘him some milk’. So, it is her father’s anger she witnessed as child that is interfering with her ability to act. It could be a lack of talent, but he didn’t suggest that.

Another part of that second step back is his personal stories, such as meeting a therapist named Ram Dass. Dr. Epstein meets with this eccentric man in an empty room and has a staring contest. Ram Dass never speaks to him the whole time regardless of what Epstein does, he just stares at him. This staring therapy Dr. Epstein undergoes fills him with all sorts of love and compassion and a feeling of being connected, which is all confirmed by Ram Dass when he asks Epstein, “Are you in there?” and then pointing to himself says, “I’m in here.” Which is promptly followed by ‘Far out.’ Far out indeed, perhaps too far out. 

The biggest problem with this book is Dr. Epstein’s reliance on outdated western psychotherapeutic paradigms and the more esoteric, superfluous aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. There is certainly more to the human mind then Freud could divine in his day and while Dr. Epstein uses the work of several pioneering psychotherapist he neglects any data and information outside of his field. There is also more to Buddhism than Tibet. Tibetan Buddhism has become very popular in the west for political reasons, but it makes up a very small portion of the Buddhist world. Now it has become a lens through which many westerners view the Buddhist world, a view which is myopic and neglectful. I can not fault Dr. Epstein for the stance he takes in his book, he is a product of his field, both psychotherapy and Buddhism. If a person is so inclined to explore this view, then by all means read this book. However, if you after a more expansive and accurate view of the benefits of mediation, there are many more up to date sources.

When I read the first book of the Lays of Anuskaya, The Winds of Khalakovo, I was struck by the authors world-building skills, first and foremost. The influences taken from our world were not the typical medieval European flare, but were more fitting for the Silk Road trade route during the time of the Great Game in the late nineteenth century. I loved the blend of Russian and Islamic cultural influences as well as the use of gunpowder technology. I enjoyed that Mr. Beaulieu could use such a technology and not have the whole story leave the realm of Fantasy and become a steampunk novel. I like the characters he gave to his readers but at the time I didn’t become overly attached to them, except perhaps Rehada. My biggest compliant was a lack of full disclosure. I felt that so much of this lush world was being held back by a story that wasn’t fleshing out as it should be. As if there were blinders on the side of my head keeping out the rest of the world. Due to the gracious nature of Mr. Beaulieu I was able to read his second book, The Straits of Galahesh. My earlier complaints have been dealt with.

I stated that the characters, while likable, had never given me much to become attached to them. That changed with this publication. Nikandr, who was kind of wishy-washy before, has become a hard man of principle. He possesses his own moral compass and becomes a bridge, unwanted at times, between the Maharraht and the Landed (people from Anuskaya) they despise so much. His captain skills are well tested in this novel, giving him the more heroic air of master and commander of his vessel. Atiana, who before was only head strong, actually became strong. Her skills at taking the dark, a sort of out body technique that allows one to manipulate worldly events, becomes as great as Nikandr’s mother, Saphia. Her willingness to put herself in danger gives her a self sacrificing nobility. She thinks fast and charges faster. She becomes a true threat to her enemies and asset to her allies, which explains why devious powers within the story try to use her to their advantage. Nasim, who was a disturbed untalkative boy and therefore was more of a prop in the first installment, has become a young man exploring his power and destiny. Nasim wages a long and complicated intellectual and spiritual battle with the two remaining Al-Aqim, Muqallad and Sariya, who are semi-immortal beings attempting to force upon the world enlightenment, this is actually not a good thing. Nasim also drives himself to find answers to his connection to Khamal, the third Al-Aqim, which in part is found within a group of cursed children turned into demon like creatures. Doing this while trying to stop the other Al-Aqim paints him as an intellectual hero, who pits his life as well as his sanity against the powers of the Al-Aqim.

In this second volume the world of Anuskaya is expanded, it covers a much larger territory and introduces more players for the stage Mr. Beaulieu has created. There is a large empire, Yrstanla, that lies to the west of the Islands of the Grand Duchy. Imagine a Russian culture on multiple small islands similar to Iceland having to face down an Ottoman Turk like empire based on the mainland. Yrstanla mirrors such a Turkic Empire, in that it is organized well and has great technology at it’s disposal. It possesses Janissaries, which like the Ottoman version, are highly organized and of one mind, as opposed to the Grand Duchy whose troops come from the different houses of the islands. It possesses more windships, more guns and more people then Anuskaya does. They pose a great threat to Nikandr and Atiana’s homeland.

There is also more information given concerning the Maharraht, what their motivations are beside a hate for the Landed, as well as identifying different factions with in their ranks. The Aramahn people, whom make up the members of the terrorist group the Maharraht, believe that people are capable of attaining a state of enlightenment they call indaraqiram. Most peace loving Aramahn believe that this is an individual journey, while others, like the members of the Maharraht believe that all of the world could undergo this transformation, even if forced. Members of the Maharraht are forced to choose between supporting the Al-Aqim, who are/were Aramahn, or taking the sides against them. Helping them reach a decision is one of Nikandr’s most trying tasks.

The Al-Aqim are really a new aspect to consider. While they were introduced in The Winds of Khalakovo, their importance to the story was not clear. In The Straits of Galahesh they become the main enemy of all things living. The Al-Aqim, including Khamal, are responsible for the state of the world. The rifts that are identified in the first book which are causing disease and famine are a botched attempt at an experimental religious ritual they initiated centuries ago. This ritual was to bring the whole world into the state of indaraqiram. Muqallad and Sariya, newly escaped from the island prison Khamal left them in, insist on finishing what they started, which will destroy everything. 

The main focus of this second installment is to stop the Al-Aqim from finishing their experiment. Muqallad and Sariya manipulate the kingdoms to achieve their goals and it falls to Nikandr, Atiana, and Nasim to stop them from doing so. The way they can do this it to keep the last piece of a powerful stone, called Atalayina, out of the Al-Aqim’s hands, but they have to do this in the middle of a war that has started between Anuskaya and Yrstanla. Amidst air battles with cannons and elemental magic these three separated heros must find a way to end up at the same place and time as Muqallad and Sariya.

In The Winds of Khalakovo there were plenty of blood pumping battles taking place, between airships and musketeers. I found this style of combat refreshing for the fantasy genre, and was very pleased to see that Mr. Beaulieu added even more in The Straits of Galahesh. This time the battles are bigger, more encompassing, and more exciting. One of the main reasons for this is not just the windships and the descriptive nature of Beaulieu’s writing, but the fact that all of his characters are vulnerable. Each of these heros could die, each has fears and weaknesses, they are not the perfect warriors. Atiana tends to be too smart for her own good, over thinking some things. This leads to her falling for traps set by Sariya. Nikandr is always too trusting, putting himself and many of his crew in the hands of potential enemies. Granted, Nikandr does all this in the name of peace, but the risks still seem foolish. Nasim struggles with his confidence. He doubts himself when faced with questions posed by Muqallad. He second guesses his closest allies and places rifts between himself and them at the worst possible times. With each conflict I began to wonder if these scattered heros would survive. Not to mention that the elemental magic featured in the first book is used once again with great effect, giving many of the characters an almost Last Airbender feel and upping the danger factor. The ability Mr. Beaulieu has to convince you that he might kill off his leading roles helps make for good reading.

The Winds of Khalakovo kept the reader on the Islands of the Grand Duchy, never letting you see beyond the sea that surrounds them. The Straits of Galahesh open up that closed door to reveal a more detailed world. Mr. Beaulieu planned this world unveiling well by wetting your appetite with the first book and then providing a much bigger sequel, for the gravity of the conflict becomes greater with a larger world on the line. I am very pleased to have continued reading this imaginative new series and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good rich fantasy world. I think a few steampunk fans might like it as well. Also, like any good fantasy series, you can’t start with the second book. So, If you have not read The Winds of Khalakovo go and get a copy and get caught up. If you have and are wondering if you should continue reading the series let me help you decide that, do it. 

I have always been interested in stories with airships, though I can’t recall what story first introduced me to such a concept, I remember many examples. By airships, I do mean something like Spanish flying galleons, whether by magic or some complex steampunk technology. There are many famous examples to examine, such as the entire Fantasy Final franchise, which always features airships of some kind. Hayao Miyazaki films never seem to disappoint when it comes to air travel. There is, however, a pitfall to airship stories, it is not wise to build the story around the technology used. That is why, I believe, Steampunk as a genre has not really taken off, too much love of tech. So, I picked up Mr. Beaulieu’s book, the first in a yet unfinished trilogy, with an airship prominently displayed on the cover, I was not expecting much. I was pleased to find that while the story needs more development, it is about people not tech.

There are three main characters in Mr. Beaulieu’s first novel, Nikandr Khalakovo, who is a prince and struck with a wasting disease. Atiana Vostrama, Nikandr’s betrothed from a rival family, who is quite talented in riding the aether, something the woman of powerful families do. Then there is Rehada Ulan al Shineshka, a member of a what is essential a terrorist group and Nikandr’s lover. The story, revolves around these three people and a mystical boy named Nasim and what they do to save each other, Nasim and stop the all the powerful people from killing everyone. While easy to follow the story doesn’t provide enough detail to truly become apart of the world. At this point, I will not entirely hold that against the novel. Many fantasy novels take more than one book to fully explain their plots, which can equally be a negative and a positive. In the case of Khalakovo, I am not sure yet. 

There is a rift in the aether of this world that is causing the wasting disease that has inflicted many, including Prince Nikandr. It is somehow related to three people, long since dead and gone, but reincarnated in the novels current time. One of these reincarnations is in the boy Nasim, and he can either heal the rift or use it to destroy the world. This is why a group of Aramahn, known as the Maharraht, who are the terrorists that Rehada is a member of, want the boy. The Landed don’t understand this connection, but Nikandr does. The story is played out well through the relationships Nikandr has with Rehada and Atiana and includes a few airship chases and battles, complete with muskets and cannons, and elemental spirit attacks. All over the saving of this boy who everyone is trying to either capture or kill. 

The world that Mr. Beaulieu has created is quite intriguing. It is a grouping of large islands that hold two different kinds of people. The first are the Landed, a group patterned after late Czarist Russia. They are the Landed for they have settled tracks of land on the islands and tend to remain there, building societies. The next is the Aramahn, who are a mix between the Gypsies of Eastern Europe and flashes of Arabian culture. Even though these people have villages within the controlled area of the Landed they are more want to travel around somewhat like nomads, yet they tend to do this individually. These two groups have a rocky relationship as the Landed are very ordered and like to control things as well as look down on the Aramahn. They also hire the Aramahn to help fly their airships, because they Aramahn can control elemental sprits that move back and forth from the real world and their world around the islands. It is these spirits that seem to keep the airships afloat. The Aramahn are for the most part peace loving people who are too free spirited for centralized control and deeply spiritual, believing in reincarnation and forgiveness of those who have wronged them.

There are several aspects of this world that are unclear. While I don’t believe every last detail needs to be clarified to enjoy a story, sometimes certain aspects must be to help convey the impact of what you are reading. The spirits that the Aramahn bond with are not well defined. Why they manifest as they do is not fully explained. Why the Aramahn can bond with them when others can’t is not fully explained. Even their importance is not fully explained. This leaves the importance of the rift and the boy Nasim in question. The three godlike beings that caused the rift as well are a big question mark, even after Nikandr is exposed to one of them. It is not clear how the rift was even caused and why Nasim can fix it. 

There is also the aether, which was a cleaver invention of the author that involved a slightly erotic and understandably vulnerable ritual undertaken by the aristocratic women of the story. This is where Atiana’s natural aptitude shines, when she ‘takes the Dark’. However, it is not fully explained how the aether is connected to the world or why these women can do this when men can’t, which takes away from Ataina’s gifted use of it. So, again, while very entertaining the impact is lost. 

The relationship between the Landed and Aramahn is unclear as well. So, the distrust and sometimes dislike between them doesn't provide enough of a emotional motivation to be believed, especially when they work so close together. That calls into question the airships themselves. These people live on islands, so water going vessels should be common, and they are, but mostly only as fishing boats. So, why did the Landed take to the air with the help of their distrusted neighbors, especially when they have technology to make ships that would rival Napoleonic aquatic warfare? Only an arms race would explain this, but that level of tension between the Landed kingdoms is only hinted at.

While there was many well written dramatic scenes played throughout the story many fell flat for me as I wasn’t convinced of the importance of the players or the setting or some other aspect. The battle scenes and chase scenes while having potential were too civilized to have the raw emotional effect that they should. The relationship between Nikandr and the women in his life was a bright point. The affections between them where very different with both women and for different reasons. Although, the intimacy between Nikandr and Rehada made more sense, as it there was more history between them that allowed for more relationship building moments that humans naturally experience. While his relationship with Atiana seemed predestined, it was not explained by what. 

Nikandr’s connection with Nasim, though strong, is another aspect of the story left unclear. The Landed, at least the aristocracy, wear amulets that are connected to their life force. Nikandr’s is dim because of his disease. Somehow Nasim helps him through the stone he wears, but it is not clearly explained how or why. Nikandr develops an undying loyalty based on only what he suspects Nasim to be, because Nasim can’t talk, or just doesn’t most of the time. 

All in all The Winds of Khalakovo was an entertaining read, and easy to breeze through. The world has the beginnings of a steampunk fantasyland that could at some point, with more development, become a highly detail playground for readers. The main characters are easy to like, I just wish that there supporting cast was as more developed as they are. The first book in The Lays of Anuskaya is an easy and fun read for when you want to be entertained yb a rich world. With more attention to detail Mr. Beaulieu could make this story something for the imagination to reveal in rather than leave it guessing. This is only the first book, so perhaps patience is needed to see all  Khalakovo can offer.

The Vietnam War was an unconventional war that lasted, as many believe, for ten years. The case can be made that the war started much earlier than that and for the American government it was a slow increase in military activity and military spending over decades rather than a explosive beginning to a long war. How could America have such heavy involvement in a war that took decades to develop? Would American leaders have not seen the coming problems that would entrap them? In the second edition of America's Longest War: The United States and Vietnam 1950-1975 by George C. Herring it is these questions that are directly addressed.

George C. Herring is an Alumni Professor at the University of Kentucky. The bulk of his academic career has focused on political history with America's foreign policies and relations with other states during the Cold War era being the focus. In between 1982 and 1986 he served as the editor of the scholarly publication of Diplomatic History as well as the President of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations in 1990. His other works include The Secret Diplomacy of the Vietnam War: The Negotiating Volumes of the Pentagon Papers (1983) and Aid to Russia, 1941-1946: Strategy, Diplomacy, the Origins of the Cold War (1973).

The scope of this text is quite large, one might think overwhelming. Herring covers twenty-five years, with six different Presidential administrations, of history between America and Vietnam in roughly under three hundred pages. However, out of those six the focus rests on the administrations of Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon. The recognition of the administration in question is important for Herring deals directly with the policies of these administrations. For example, Herring spends a good amount of text on the Eisenhower administration and the policies developed during it's run under the Secretary of State John Foster Dulles. This includes the acceptance of the 'domino' theory and the aid giving to the French in their attempts to hold on to Vietnam as a colony or a member of their Union. Herring looks directly at the effectiveness of Johnson's decisions to escalate the war effort and how they play out on the ground in Vietnam as well as the congress floor. Herring of course deals with Nixon's and Henry Kissinger's plans to bring about an 'honorable peace' and the backdoor talks with North Vietnam and the Soviet Union to achieve this goal. All in all quite a bit to stuff into three hundred pages.

The thesis of Herring's text can be found in three main threads of thought. First, America's extended involvement in Vietnam stemmed from the fear of America's place in the balance of power during the Cold War. This is about the 'domino theory' which suggested that when a non-Communist country got a Communist next door neighbor they would soon become Communist themselves. In the case of Vietnam this also suggests that the American government believed that Third World states were incapable of resisting this ideology. A second thread is the political and military decisions made during this period that were based on incomplete, misunderstood or exaggerated information and views, which led to deepen America's involvement in Vietnam, or in the later years escalating the war effort, all to contain Communism or to keep American foreign policy promises. The last thread is how the distinct personalities involved guided these decisions. In short, one bad choice after another kept digging the hole that the United States government was standing in deeper and deeper. 

Even though Herring is covering twenty-five years of history in a small volume he is focused on the political decisions that led directly to America's involvement in Vietnam. He covers the policy formed during the Eisenhower administration by Dulles to help the French retain their claim in the name of containment. Herring covers the aid given, the military advisers helping the French and how the failure of the French to achieve their goals leads to America's increasing nervousness over the Communists in North Vietnam. This leads to the coverage of the escalation of violence during the Johnson administration. Herring makes a clear case of how much politics in America went into the decisions concerning Vietnam. For example Johnson's decision increasing the number of bombing targets in North Vietnam to appease the pro-war faction in Washington. Herring also follows the twisted path of the Machiavellian peace efforts made during the Nixon administration and how they continued the war longer than necessary to gain political advantages in Washington. Herring clearly discusses what the decisions were, why they were made, who was involved and how that decision played out. Herring stresses the importance of not just the policy itself but the people, like Kissinger and Dulles as well as leaders in South Vietnam who had a hand in how the policy effected all concerned. 

Herring's work is pure political history. This is all about the elite political players, with the focus being the Americans, and their world views. This text is an over view of the Vietnam War and not an in depth look into any one aspect. Essentially, this text is to help answer why America was involved in the war and what should be taken away as the lesson for being involved in the war. He addresses America's leaders and their world view of American exceptionalism and their own individual quirks and concern for their careers as the driving force behind the mistakes made during the twenty-five years of America involvement with Vietnam. As Herring points out at the end of this edition American politicians were taking in the view from the 'city on the hill' and were not seeing an accurate picture of the reality of the world they were operating in and how America really fit in to that reality. Herring says, 'the United States must recognize it's vulnerability, accept the limits to its power, and accommodate itself to many situations it does not like. Americans must understand that they will not be able to dictate solutions to world problems or to achieve all of their goals.' Herring's text is about the pitfalls of over extending a states power for unrealistic goals based on overly simplistic ideologies and world views.

We have all heard how difficult the first novel for an author can be. We hear even more often how much more difficult the second novel is. So, when I started reading Sister Suicide, the second Father Ananda book, I had to wonder if it would be as compelling as the first. Mindfulness and Murder had a monk who was struggling with anger and who possessed a biting sarcasm, but also a devotion to justice and the principles of the Buddha’s teachings. Would that same character maintain his appeal? Would the next mystery he faced be as thrilling? In this second endeavor, both Mr. Wilgus and Father Ananda show their readers there is plenty to be thrilled over.

This tale of Father Ananda has him investigating a monastery running a religious theme park, at the request of the Maha Thera Samakhom, a governing body of Thai Buddhism. A nun at the monastery apparently, without leaving a note, committed suicide by jumping into an enclosure full of crocodiles in the theme park. Father Ananda takes along the newly ordained Jak with him to seek out the truth and the trouble starts the minute they get there. The mystery of the nun’s death reveals a dark and nasty secret the monastery has been hiding in plain sight and which has connections all over the rural countryside in which the monastery located.

In Mindfulness and Murder I had ideas about who was guilty of what and why, but in Sister Suicide the plot is more complicated. I was still guessing by the end of the book who Father Ananda was looking for, and sometimes Ananda didn’t know himself. Such careful story telling left me turning page after page hoping for a break in the case that was frustrating Father Ananda so much. 

Father Ananda himself is even more enjoyable, as those traits which made him so appealing in the first novel are showcased even more. Ananda is not a superhero, he is just a man. He feels angry, a fault he admits readily, gets frustrated, is compassionate and willing to sacrifice myself for a just cause. It is always a sacrifice as Ananda is not a fighter, he is not even young. Even in the more athletic scenes of the novel, Ananda acts his age. The threat of violence, while it fills him with fear, does not deter him, making him even more endearing of a character to follow. 

Mr. Wilgus’s straight forward style makes Sister Suicide such a fun read. It stays moving but always making sure the reader is not getting lost in a larger cast of characters and a more intricate example of the underside of Thai politics and life. Life in Thailand is an important aspect of the novels as well. While, entertaining is foremost in mind Mr. Wilgus’s also adds commentary on the injustices suffered by many in modern day Thailand. However, he never demonizes the people or the Kingdom. Instead he shows how the poor and powerless can stand up to the corruption around them and he does this through the very human character of Father Ananda and those that follow his lead. While not a superhero, Father Ananda is a very relatable hero that embodies the Buddha’s teachings. In the tradition of great literary sleuths, without overshadowing the mystery itself, Father Ananda becomes the reason you want to read the novel.

I started Mindfulness and Murder not sure what I was going to find. I have read crime dramas before and books dealing with all manner of issues concerning Thailand, but never have I encountered one that blended these two together. Considering Mr. Wilgus has spent some time in the Kingdom, I was hoping for something more in tune with the realities of Thai culture, and not the typical Hollywood view of a morally baseless Bangkok as an adult wonderland or a hell on earth entrapping ‘innocent’ westerners. Mr. Wilgus not only stayed away from all the cliches but showed his readers an easily graspable view of Thailand without overwhelming or lecturing them, all the while telling the tale of an excellent murder mystery. 

The story revolves around Father Ananda, a senior monk who used to a police officer. Ananda joined the order to escape dealing with personal problems that came from his career as police officer. One morning the body of a young man who is a part of a group of homeless boys that the temple is trying to help is murdered and left in a bathroom in a rather gruesome manner. The Abbot of the temple, knowing Anandas’ past asks him to investigate along with the regular police officers. This starts a larger ball of problems to unravel as Ananda gets closer to the truth, as he finds connections to a drug ring operating in his temple. 

Mindfulness and Murder is an American novel, meaning that Mr. Wilgus takes the head on approach to storytelling much the same way many great American authors have, which is, tell the story. He doesn’t get bogged down in details that do not help the story. He shows you the characters through their actions rather than trying to tell you what is going on in their heads. Father Ananda is the only exception to this, as the story is told in first person, but Wilgus keeps Ananda focused avoiding internal ramblings. The keeps the novel moving at a good clip and keeps it interesting.

The stylistic approach goes hand in hand with the Buddhist themes and wisdom weaved throughout the novel. Being mindful of his state of mind keeps Ananda from his internal ramblings, for example. He always pulls away from thinking too much about something that is not a part of the case. Showing the people in action is a more Buddhist approach then telling the reader about them. The characters, from the Abbot, to Brother Kittisaro, the computer nerd monk who administrates the front desk, are filled out by watching what they do and how they speak, rather than explained.

Buddhism goes deep into this novel. The main character bears the name of Buddha’s foremost student, which ties into Anandas‘ character as the novel goes on, he is but a student himself. Wilgus does a great job of working in the fundamental wisdom of Thai Buddhism without being preachy. Anandas’ investigation is a growing processes for him as well as seeking justice for a forgotten and abused young man. 

I was also happy with how Mr. Wilgus dealt with the Kingdom of Thailand in his story. Thailand can be very confusing to many westerners and there are still many people who are completely unfamiliar with the country. Wilgus explains aspects of Thai culture clearly without turning the novel into a travelogue or cultural study. He sticks with what the reader needs to know about Thailand through Anandas’ eyes. This introduces Thailand to the reader and keeps them from getting trapped trying to understand many things that might be unfamiliar to them. For readers more familiar with Thailand Father Anandas’ adventures do not seem like a shallow scraping of Thai culture fished out of Lonely Planet guidebook. The depth is still there, but mindful of what needs to be understood for the sake of the story. 

I am very pleased to have read this novel and recommend it for anyone wanted a fun, approachable and very human story. I say read it for the tale Mr. Wilgus tells but take away a glimpse of Thailand and it’s Buddhism when you are done.

Years ago I sat in a Thai restaurant in Kansas watching a young lady pour hot tea into my cup. I knew that day I had fallen in love with that woman. She has been my wife for ten years now. What I didn’t know was that another love affair had started that day as well, one with Thailand and her people. Over the years I have sought to learn all I can about the country and it’s people, all without having the opportunity to set foot on Bangkok's streets. Books have been one of my main sources of information and enjoyment. I have taken in any book I could find with fierce gluttony. That is why I am ever grateful when an author like Janet Brown shares their experiences of the land I have loved from afar. 

Mrs. Brown takes her reader through a small portion of her life as a westerner in Bangkok in the same way someone tells a story over coffee. There is no real sense of time, she just shares what has effected her most. She talks about small things with an acute focus, like a mattress being abandoned in an overgrown vacant lot. She focuses on the people she met, like her friend Eddy, who exemplifies the Thai philosophy of Sanuk, or having fun. She showcases many Thai attitudes about life like their concern over ghosts. A belief in the after life weaving it’s way through everyday life is a staple of Thai culture. Whatever aspect she discusses she keeps it personal, these are her memories of her spiritual home and she isn’t glossing them over for to convince anyone to buy plane tickets and stay in four star hotels.

Each of the chapters are short and vivid, like someone sharing photographs and explaining each one with more memory than detailed events. The actual photographs used in the book, taken by Nana Chen, are perfect complements to Browns Polaroid chapters. They are wonderful shots taken of Bangkok life not seen in travel brochures. She catches people at their most natural whether they are a vendor selling food or using the bus. 

This book is not a guidebook that talks about all the fun places you can shop at to pick up distinctively Thai items to bring home as gifts. This book is not a travelogue that recalls a pleasant vacation taken by someone expecting to go home when it’s all done. I wouldn’t even call this a memoir, for that would imply the author was leading you along a path of thought she wanted you to follow. This is not the kind of book that demands from you, it is the kind that gives.

This book is more like a collection of poetry, short glimpses of a life being led comfortably out of place, or like an avant-grade independent film. It gives you beautifully disjointed views of a time and place. It takes you through a loose knit story that is too internal to show and better implied and when it reaches the end it offers no conclusion, for that is for you to determine. Of course, everyone who watches this movie will disagree about what the point was. My view of this book is simple, it was written for the author herself first and foremost, but it was also written for anyone who has lived and loved in this Kingdom. It invites those who have not, to find in the real Thailand those special moments when you know you have fallen in love.