The Amazing Adventures of Thom in Thailand by Thomas Tanner

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[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Amazing Stories of Tom in Thailand" by Thomas Tanner.]

Thomas Tanner gives great detail about his trip to Thailand. In "The Amazing Stories of Thom in Thailand" he gives insight into this unknown secret world and touches on a few parts of himself which he never knew.

Thom sets out on a strategic trip to Thailand in hopes that it will revive him as a person. His life has become routine. He is unhappy in America. His ten year marriage is on the outs. Thailand seems like the perfect change of scenery. He plans the three month visit in view of changing these dismal facts. Thom is counting on this whim to bring him back from the dead. From the title readers expect fluff and artificial circumstance. Yet Thom keeps it real from the jump.

His experiences are not just quirky and awkward but extremely relatable. Throughout, Thom displays common emotions and fears about possibly starting anew in another country. This alone keeps the audience engaged. His experiences with culture shock are understandable but he is willing to learn about Thai culture rather than "act like a tourist". This view displays his bravery as he steps into a virtually alien place.

I liked that Thom was so honest. This piece acts as a journalistic travel guide of accidental wisdom. There is also the added feel of a tele-novella now and then. Overall he seems to be no more than a lost and confused forty-five year old man. In this way, he stumbles upon characteristics he never knew he possessed and is able to grow from within. I give the work 3 out 4 stars. Readers can see a lot of themselves in the narrator and learn from his experiences. Some points are valid to self improvement. I do feel that Tanner is often too biased. In his lengthy details on Thailand he does not explore the downsides outside of culture shock. Still I would recommend this piece solely for the perspective it gives one in life. This book is definitely worth the read.

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