Another Bangkok: Reflections on the City Paperback – May 1, 2022

Excellent item arrived right on schedule!

Having not learned much history or culture in my schooling beyond American and European history, I like to read localized history books for Asian countries before I visit them. Typically this has involved reading some educational, but extremely dry, history textbooks that can be hard to get through... This book is not that book. This book provides concise history that is relevant to what a tourist might see and want to know more about, delves a little more deeply into the culture for those who may want to move to the country and understand its differences from other places they may be familiar with in Asia, and includes personal experiences from the author that provide both recent context to the content and some entertaining background. Concluding the book (with numerous highlights and bookmarks for things I look forward to re-referencing on my trip) left me feeling like I now have a sufficient education in Thai history and culture to appreciate what I will experience in Bangkok and beyond, and like the author is a kindred spirit I could enjoy a cocktail with. This book is a fun way to learn something about a place I now know is all about sanuk.

With clear concise prose that’s never dull, Alex Kerr sheds light on Thai culture: the people, the art, the values and the meaning behind the ubiquitous Thai smile. Kerr’s long experience in Japan makes for fascinating points of contrast.