Reading List

Conflict: Journeys through war and terror in South East Asia - By Nelson Rand.

This is a very readable and interesting look at some of the military conflicts simmering in the region. Unlike other books I have picked up on this topic, the historical information has been significantly condensed. Throughout is a sprinkling of anecdotes from Rand's time spent embedded with forces from both sides. The author covers the final days of the Khmer Rouge, as witnessed on the front line - alongside Cambodian Government Troops in Anlong Vengh. He trudges through guerrilla camps in Burma with the Karen jungle militia, documenting their struggle with the Junta.

Later he tells the story of the H'mong people, who were recruited by the Americans in the war against communism. To this day there are still H'mong people hiding in remote jungles trying to avoid extermination by Pathet Lao. In the final chapter he gives a summation of the conflict in Thailand's troubled southern provinces.

The White Tiger - Aravind Adiga

A dark and revealing story about the new India. I really enjoyed it, worth every cent.

Black Virgin Mountain - Larry Hienemann

The pace of the writing is frenetic, and at times overly dramatic but despite all this it still feels genuine. Worth it if you dig reading about the war in Vietnam - and I do.

Mad About the Mekong - John Keay

The author has compiled the original diaries of the French explorers who ventured into the untamed reaches of the Mekong River. Together with illustrations from the 1866 expedition, you get an insight into what this place was like before it was overrun by the profanity of man. Truly a compelling read.

Wolf Totem -  Jiang Rong
Based on real events, Wolf Totem chronicles the struggle of livestock herders living on the inner Mongolian grassland during the Chinese cultural revolution. I found the story to be most compelling.  It carries it's environmental message unashamedly, and I felt it was all the more relevant with China now facing unprecedented levels of pollution and desertification.

Between the Assasinations - Aravind Adiga
Another good read from Adiga.