happenings

New Book - THE AMBASSADOR’S WIFE

Well Jake just dropped of an early copy of his new book - THE AMBASSADOR’S WIFE. As some of you know my eyes are still on the mend so reading is slow going but I will get on it soon and post a review shortly.

Some information for those looking to get a copy once it is released:

The book will be generally available May 1 in places like Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It won’t be available in Thailand or any of the rest of Southeast Asia for another month or so. Even then, it will be available only on a limited basis in Bookazine and Kinokuniya.

more soon...

Book Review : Kafka On the Shore

Been a while since I have posted a book review but don't think for a second that I have not been reading because I have. Just been lazy about the blogging. My bad.

This book is amazing. This is the 3rd or 4th book I have read by this Haruki Murakami and they are all amazing. I think he is pretty famous in Japan but for sure he is one of the most well known Japanese authors outside of Japan. It is tough to easily describe his books since they are all an amazing blend of what first appears to be stories based in reality but yet are intertwined with a fantasy world so subtle so that one can almost accept it for reality.

I don't like to give away story lines or even give an overview, but I do like to let people know that I have read the book and have thoroughly enjoyed it. As with all the books by Haruki - this one should not be missed.

Kafka On the Shore

Doyle's Practical Guide to Thailand Business Law

This book link  should work but at press time the Asia Book's website appears to be down - not an uncommon thing in Thailand. ;)

I picked this up yesterday at the bookstore yesterday hoping it would help me get a grip on a few more of the things I am perplexed about in understanding how to legally condict business in Thailand. This book is a heavy topic but was easy to read and I jammed through it before I ate lunch today. it reinforces even more that if you really want to do business in Thailand you should work with an agency or lawyer that specializes in helping foreigners buy, sell or startup businesses in Thailand. I think that makes the most sense. One, but not the only, example of a company like this in Thailand is Sunbelt Asia.

if you are using a company like Sunbelt to help you then I think you can skip a few of these chapters in the book but the sections on terminations, work-permits, visas, US Amity, and Vat where very informative. I wish there we more case studies and I wish there was a companion book that discusses more thoroughly operational tactics when it comes to running your Thai business. I guess I need to keep perusing the bookstoores or learn it the hard way. I hope learning it the hard way won't be a disaster.

alrighty then - onward ho...

Ordering Killing Plato...

A friend of mine recently ordered Killing Plato off of the Jake Needham website and it was just too funny not to share. BTW the smitty in this exchange is me. Here goes:

1. Putting in a comment during the online book order:

Comment: Mr. Needham, im am ordering this book because (1) my gay lover Smitty says its a must read and (2) because smitty is too lazy to send me a copy- do me a favor- next time you see him- smack his punk arse right upside the head for me will ya?  thanks.

2. Jake replies:

Dear XXXXX,

The guy who normally looks after orders placed with my online store is away for a couple of weeks so briefly I’m dealing with them myself. Actually, to tell the truth, I’m now delighted with that state of affairs because the note you sent with yours was absolutely priceless. If indeed I happen to see anyone who looks like Smitty, I promise to kick his ass for you.

Your order will go out by registered air parcel post tomorrow. At a guess, I would say you ought to have it by the end of next week.

Thanks for your order. I hope you enjoy KILLING PLATO as much as Smitty apparently did.

Regards,
Jake Needham

3. The reply to the reply:

Dear Mr. Needham,

Allow me to first say this personalized touch of service is highly appreciated.  Furthermore any arse kicking done to Mr. Smitty will be, rest assured, highly appreciated. might I point out that my experience has shown that Mr. Smitty's arms tend to bruise easily adding to the enjoyment of applying such a pounding.

looking forward to the book,
all the best,

XXXXX

____________________________________

This was just too priceless not to share...

cya

Coffee with Jake!

Some of you may have been following my interactions with Jake Needham here...

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting Jake for coffee and just chatting a bit. First of I want to say thanks to Jake for taking the time out of his schedule to meet with me. I was honored. It inspired me to keep pushing forward with my goals and to continue to push writing to the forefront of my life. For all of the Jake Needham book fans out there - keep your eyes peeled...

Bangkok was fun as usual. No suprises there.

cya

Book Review : Killing Plato

As same of you who read my blog regularly you may know my love of Thailand, books set in Thailand and my email connection with Jake Needham. One of my favorite authors who happens to live part time in Bangkok and who sets his Jack Shepherd mystery novels  in Thailand. I have read the Big Mango, Tea Money and now I will let you all in on Killing Plato. Have to say that this is the best book in the series by far. Jake continues to mature as a writer and is constantly honing his skills. The characters continue to grow on me, a little more of Thailand is revealed and the story is the best one so far. I am enjoying how the books continue where the last one left off and I am learning more and more about Jack - the primary character. He is real to me now and like being a part of his life. I don't want to give too much away about the book since I think it would ruin it for fellow readers and at the same time I think it is best to read all the books in order for the full effect. The stories will make more sense, you will feel Jake's progression as a writer and Thailand will grow on you even more. That is not to say you can't just pick up Killing Plato and dive right in - you can but I think you will enjoy the series more if read in order.

 I still need to read The Laundry Man and I plan on picking it up the next place I see it or ordering it online from http://www.jakeneedham.com - which is the best place to pick up his books if you do not live in or around SE Asia.
I encourage you to check out his novels since I think Jake has a 4^th one in the can but is not ready to publish it yet. I hope he does soon - so please show some support for local SE Asian authors and buy some of his books that are out in hopes we can generate some demand for the next book in the series.

Hey Jake – let me know when we can get that coffee sometime… I’m buying. ;)

Killing Plato...

Cracked this one open on the plane today. UA 862. HK to SFO

So far this is feeling like another great Jake Needham read.

check it out!

Book Review: The Da Vinci Code

Knocked this one out over a few plane rides. Loved it. What more can anyone say - this book is great. This guy is making tons of money and now his other books are selling too. Sick.

Question is did the guy steal the idea?

Was a great read. If anything I wish it were all true to be honest.

check it out:

The Da Vinci Code

Book Review: Sputnik Sweetheart

This is the second book I have read by Haruki - I really like this guy's work. He writes all his books in Japanese and then has them translated. The stories are powerful, imaginative, descriptive and always leave you guessing a little bit. But I like that.

This one is no exception. I am still contemplating the message of this book and trying to understand what really happened. Read one of his books so you get the idea and chances are you will want to read more of them.

enjoy!

Sputnik Sweetheart

Shantaram the Movie!

This should be cool. I think Depp would be great for it.

This author dude is making some bucks!

http://www.star-ecentral.com/news/

cya