"I was
lucky enough to read this book when I visited Laos. Fascinating." -- Jonathan H., Australia "I was impressed
throughout by Brett Dakin's thoughtful and insightful account of his two years in Laos. At every turn, I felt he looked beneath
the surface and brought out a view enhanced by genuine empathy with the Lao people while maintaining his identity as a young,
well-educated Westerner. Indeed, I had the feeling that he didn't need to make any special effort to look beneath the surface;
it seemed to come naturally to him." -- Anne B., Iceland "I was recently
in SE Asia and visited Laos for the first time. Being a faithful Lonely Planet reader, I took their wise advice to get Dakin's
book, "Another Quiet American", before I left. It was indeed excellent advice. In hindsight, I can't imagine haven't
travelled without it. I would have not seen and experienced so many interesting aspects of Laos' history and culture. Dakin's
writing is excellent and his observations are rich - I couldn't put it down once I strated reading it." -- Bradford
D., Canada "What I really liked about this book
was Brett Dakin's ability to write what he saw as he saw it without adding a ponderous analysis, and maintaining his perspective
as a wide eyed foreigner learning and listening rather than trying to pass himself as an expert which is a temptation for
any author." -- Peter K. "As a Southeast Asian scholar
that has read plenty of books about Laos, I truly recommend Brett Dakin's book. Although ... it is not an academic work, Dakin
succeeds in providing an accurate, brilliant, and fresh account of contemporary Laos. The fact that the information he provides
can only be made available by someone who lived in Laos and who managed to take a close look at this Asian country and its
people makes it a very valuable work. Definitely, one of my favorite books about Laos!" -- Araceli G.
" "Another Quiet American" is a wonderful book full of insights
about a secluded country rapidly transforming as it attempts to open itself to foreign tourism and modernity. The author does
a superb job painting a picture of the geography and culture of Laos as well as grappling with questions about its present
and future economic state. There aren't many books like this one dealing with Laos in such an insightful and cosiderate manner.
Great job!!!!" -- Philip, USA
"Not only did I learn a heck of a lot about Laos, but was entertained as Brett struggled
through many hardships and ultimately survived and triumphed during his 2-year experience. The book is very easy to read.
I feel like I shared a lot of his experience and would have made many of the same assumptions and mistakes that he did...
But I didn't have to leave the comfort of my home!" -- Will C., USA
"Brett Dakin does a wonderful job of painting
a picture of a struggling country and his experiences there. The book is peppered with funny anecdotes... think David Sedaris
meets A Year in Provence. You'll find yourself wishing you were on a plane to Vientiane. As a transplanted Lao, I know that's
how I felt when I read Mr. Dakin's descriptions of my homeland. This is not your typical book about Laos filled with historical
notes and weird spellings. Pick it up. You won't be sorry." -- Sarina L., USA
"I just finished your book
and loved it! It reminded me a lot of my first years living as an expat in Yangon (Myanmar) in more or less the same period
you lived in Vientiane. It also reminded me (again) of my promise to myself to write a book about my 6 years living there
(haven't even started!). Thanks for bringing back so many good memories of young expat life and thanks for sharing all the
experiences - I think many of your descriptions of expats living in SE Asia are spot on!" -- Edwin B., Thailand
"I really enjoyed your
portraits of the medley of characters whom you met in Laos. It was an eye-opening introduction to a country I only had a chance
to visit for a week this summer (on a side-trip from Thailand, as you can imagine). Your keen observations and ability to
feel so at ease in the country were impressive, as is your ability to learn conversational Lao so well. I'm going to lend
this book to a friend and her husband who just returned from a year in Vientiane." -- Kristina S., Thailand
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