Geek in Thailand

Starred review from February 15, 2016

Once a tourist, now an expat resident, journalist Barrett has seen things from "both sides" in Thailand. His book is as much a collection of gorgeous pictures of people, food, and sights as it is a valuable travel tool. It includes maps and suggestions but no names and addresses of hotels and restaurants, which are too plentiful in typical travel guides. Each chapter has special boxes that highlight either something unusual, such as "Living the Thai Dream" (older foreign men as bar owners) or important, such as "The Role of Religion." "Unique Thai Character" explains Ladyboys, the country's third gender; or Sea Gypsies, a marginalized minority group that lives on the remote Andaman coast. Of course, the joy of Thai food is given full coverage. Most pleasurable are pictures and descriptions of street food and the Beer Girls, who walk around bars in order to make customers thirsty. Perhaps the most valuable section is "Dos and Don'ts," with suggestions such as "Caution with stray dogs" or "Pay attention to flags on beaches." VERDICT Warning: after reading this alluring book, you will have to travel to Thailand.--Susan G. Baird, formerly with Oak Lawn P.L., IL

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.