Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Book Blessing: Bangkok 8
"This kind of Western hypocrisy disgusts me... What is [working twelve hours a day for less than a dollar an hour making clothes] if not selling your body? The West doesn't care about the exploitation of women, it simply has a problem with sex... Thailand makes very little income from industries like the clothing industry... But in the sex trade we see a true redistribution of global wealth from West to East. That's what's got them so hung up."
The above is a quote from one of the characters in the book Bangkok 8 by John Burdett. Although I am not an avid murder-mystery reader, the characters of the American FBI agent and the Thai cop that carry the plot of this book provide a fascinating Buddhist critique of American culture.
Another favorite quote by a peripheral monk character in the novel:
"Do not mistake nostalgia for nirvana."
Bangkok 8 was a fascinating and unique read that I'd highly recommend. If you read it, let me know what you think of the ending. I'm still undecided on the last few pages of the book. The tsunami happened when I was half-way done this book. An interesting time to have been reading a book set in Thailand.
The above is a quote from one of the characters in the book Bangkok 8 by John Burdett. Although I am not an avid murder-mystery reader, the characters of the American FBI agent and the Thai cop that carry the plot of this book provide a fascinating Buddhist critique of American culture.
Another favorite quote by a peripheral monk character in the novel:
"Do not mistake nostalgia for nirvana."
Bangkok 8 was a fascinating and unique read that I'd highly recommend. If you read it, let me know what you think of the ending. I'm still undecided on the last few pages of the book. The tsunami happened when I was half-way done this book. An interesting time to have been reading a book set in Thailand.
Comments:
Thanks for the recommendation. I have a few books on my wait list and I just added this to it. Can't wait to tell you how I feel about it, although it may be months and when I finally get around to it you may be thinking, "what the hell is this girl talking about."
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