I of the Sun

I of the Sun is a brave and challenging debut novel which transcends the usual trite "I went there and was deeply moved by what I saw cliche of so much of the travel genre. Flitting between the conscious and the subconscious, you'll take what you want from it, be it a young man's odyssey in an evolving world, a series of random adventures on the road or just 50 Shades of Grey for men and a pretty good laugh. If you've ever spent any time over in south-east Asia, or if you're a raving rag-arse or a culture vulture, this'll rekindle a lot of good memories. If you haven't, well, you missed out but you'll at least relate to the urge of irrespressible youth to escape the shackles of home and get out and see the world. This is a great read and I couldn't think of a better way to spend a tenner. Get right on it.

A relentless ride around the Far East through young eyes. This book leads you into another world of partying,philosophy and partying. If you hanker after a real reminder of your gap year in Thailand then pick this up. You won't put it down. If you are a worried parent, don't pick it up. It paints a vivid portrait of a hedonist, rave ridden, bucket fueled fantastic journey around the backpackers paradise of Thailand.

"On the Road" for the Southeast Asia Backpacker Generation. This is the book I wish I had read before I went backpacking in Thailand. It speaks perceptively about the nature of the backpacker experience - the joys, the elations, the frustrations, the pitfalls and the dangers. It tells what no guidebook could or would ever try to about life on the road. I especially connected with the descriptions of the author's state of mind and emotional journey as he went from being the green and uninitiated new kid on the trail, gradually gaining confidence and wisdom on his route to becoming the seasoned old hand. On several occasions it felt like someone was recounting my own travelling tales back to me. The philosophical framework (regarding the nature of free will) in which the book locates the travelling experience gives an interesting perspective on the reasons for travelling and the significance of decisions taken and events that occur whilst on an extended journey of this nature. I would recommend this book to anyone thinking of embarking on a journey to far flung lands, anyone wishing to see the world through the eyes of someone who is in the midst of such a journey or anyone who has previously travelled in this manner and would like to have their nostalgia and wanderlust inflamed once again.

This is a magnificent and moving novel that thrillingly brings to life the mysteries and excitement of travelling in south east asia. Yet it goes further than this as it asks us to examine our very being,our relationship to life itself. It asks profound questions yet remains an hilarious and at times shocking account of one mans carnal and chaotic jounrey to self discovery. Recommended.

After reading and during reading this book I was instantly taking back to the time I went off to travel. The book had be gripped throughout with some very funny scenario's and lot's of well descriptive landscapes and hidden paradises in S.E Asia. It's a must read for all. For those who have ever been traveling, for those who aspire to go off traveling and for those people who never got around to it. This book will certainly take you there and capture your imagination.