Bangkok Babylon
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Book Overview
In the colorful tradition of Orwell and Hemingway, Jerry Hopkins recalls his first decade as a Bangkok expatriate by profiling twenty-five of the city's most unforgettable characters. In 25 vivid profiles, Hopkins explores what motivates people to leave home and the unforeseen adventures that can befall them once abroad. Hopkin's knack for the biography is evident in his coverage of individuals ranging from famous performers to ordinary businesspeople. The 25 true stories include the lives of:
The Real Colonel Kurtz? --An American soldier who allegedly was the model for Colonel Kurtz in Apocalypse Now.The Oscar Winner --An acclaimed screenwriter who moves to the city of Bangkok to die.Urban Gorilla Priest --A Catholic priest who founded Mercy Centre in one of the city's harshest slums.The Odd Couple -- A circus clown turned computer programmer turned restaurateur.Professor Elephant-- A documentary filmmaker living with elephants.
All of these individuals "escaped" to Thailand to re-invent themselves and live out their fantasies in one of the world's most notorious cities. Bangkok Babylon shares their exciting true stories, many of which are stranger than fiction.
The Real Colonel Kurtz? --An American soldier who allegedly was the model for Colonel Kurtz in Apocalypse Now.The Oscar Winner --An acclaimed screenwriter who moves to the city of Bangkok to die.Urban Gorilla Priest --A Catholic priest who founded Mercy Centre in one of the city's harshest slums.The Odd Couple -- A circus clown turned computer programmer turned restaurateur.Professor Elephant-- A documentary filmmaker living with elephants.
All of these individuals "escaped" to Thailand to re-invent themselves and live out their fantasies in one of the world's most notorious cities. Bangkok Babylon shares their exciting true stories, many of which are stranger than fiction.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0804840776
ISBN13:9780804840774
Release Date:September 2009
Publisher:Tuttle Publishing
Length:224 Pages
Weight:0.54 lbs.
Dimensions:0.5" x 5.2" x 7.9"
Related Subjects
Asia Biographies General History Southeast Southeast Asia Thailand Travel Travel Writing WritingCustomer Reviews
5 ratings
DAMN ENTERTAINING
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
What a wonderful, refreshing book about life in Thailand. I've only been there twice, and each time, I do believe I've met some of the characters in Hopkins' book. It almost seems like you're on the next barstool or taking a walk on the beach with the author. He's a natural raconteur, and tells a interesting series of 25 tales about the folks that he's met there, and those that have built long-term reputations. I also like how he displays empathy for the bargirls and for the poor people in general, with everyone trying to survive the best they can. An excellent review of Asian haps and it's great for starting conversations with some of the Asia hands/ex-pats. A good read - I liked it. Looking forward to another series of stories and exploits. Mai pen rai!
Expats' lifestyles!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Great book with insights on expats that have spent time in Bangkok. Easy to read short stories. Very interesting stories that tells about the lives of expats and how they became that way. It is definitely a chosen way of life.
Absolutely wonderful!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
As an expat living in Bangkok, I can assure you Hopkins knows this city well, and the characters he describes are the most interesting bunch of characters you're ever likely to read about. Full of fun and panache on the surface, it also has a core of considerable importance: the fact that a person can reinvent him or herself and probably nowhere as easily as in Bangkok. Highly recommended.
Brings me back to Bangkok
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
I lived in Bangkok for a year and experienced many of the things written in this book first hand. Fortunately my wife is Thai and explained a lot of them but this book goes the extra mile and is an interesting and fun read. It's easy to be a "fish out of water" in Bangkok if you're not familiar with the customs and etiquette. This book is highly recommended and Vermonter dot com approved!
The Most Off-Beat People You'll Meet--And Like!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I got this wonderful book last fall while I was visiting my "second home" of Chiang Mai, Thailand and fell in love with Jerry Hopkins' writing style at once. In this book, he has nailed so many of the "better known" expats in Thailand and done so in a honest way. I have met some of these expats so I feel right at home with the manner Jerry uses, especially for my favorite author, Jason Schoonover. With each chapter, Jerry gets into telling details about each man living permanently in Bangkok and why they decided to chuck living in the West to instead become expatriates in Thailand. I felt at home with each and every chapter! If you want a better insight as to why certain people would rather be in Thailand than their native countries, purchase a copy of this wonderful book at once and have fun with it. I warn you, however, that as you get further and further into it, the more likely you'll be to buy some tickets for the next flight from your home to Bangkok!
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