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To Die Means to Live. Svetlana Sherstoboeva
This novel by Svetlana Sherstoboeva is a real page-turner. It's a deeply personal exploration of what it means to be human and alive, with a unique perspective that'll keep you guessing. You'll find yourself questioning everything from the moment you start reading.
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A Mixed Bag in Thailand: My Take on 'Tay-Means You're Dead'
summarizeEditor's Summary
I dove into 'Tay-Means You're Dead' expecting a gripping tale, but what I got was a mixed bag. As someone who's spent three years in Thailand, I was disappointed by the author's lack of insight into the complexities of Pattaya. The book's themes and storylines felt overly simplistic, which was a total letdown. I gotta say, the author's background as a Facebook group administrator and former journalist didn't translate to a compelling narrative. The writing style was engaging at times, but it couldn't make up for the lack of substance. I'd recommend this book to fans of light, easy reads, but for those looking for a deeper dive into Thailand's culture, you might want to look elsewhere. The book's brevity comes at the cost of substance and depth, which is a shame because the author's writing style is vivid and descriptive, making it easy to visualize the setting. Overall, I'd say 'Tay-Means You're Dead' is a decent read, but it's not without its flaws.
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A Mixed Bag in Thailand: My Take on 'Tay-Means You're Dead'
I recently tackled my reading list, and 'Tay-Means You're Dead' was at the top. To be frank, I'm still wondering why I didn't just treat myself to a decent cup of coffee instead.
The title pretty much sums up my experience with this book. Pattaya's infamous for its sex tourism, menus in broken Russian, and a dirty beach. It's basically a Sochi vibe, but abroad.
As someone who lived in Thailand for three years, I've long written off Pattaya as a place I'd rather not visit. And one of the main reasons is the sheer number of uneducated tourists who flock there.
If I were to send my elderly parents to Pattaya, they'd probably go just because everything's in Russian and the tuk-tuks are affordable. But I'd give them a stern lecture on why they shouldn't fall for the Russian-speaking vendors' scams and why they should head to Big C instead.
But anyway...
About the Author
The author of this book is an administrator of a Facebook group dedicated to Pattaya, a former journalist, and someone who used to live in Thailand. She's also a self-proclaimed expert on all things Thai - or so she thinks.
I started reading this book with a certain level of curiosity, having just finished 'Private Dancer' by Stephen Le. I was hoping for more of the same, but what I got was a whole lot of authorial self-aggrandizement.
The Book's Strengths and Weaknesses
Some interesting stories are scattered throughout the book, but they're all filtered through the author's own biases and prejudices.
The author has a serious vendetta against Thailand and its people, and it's clear she's been talking to the wrong crowd.
As someone who's actually lived in Thailand, I can tell you that it's a beautiful country with amazing people. The karma's real, folks - how you treat the country and its people will directly affect the people you meet and the experiences you have.
Unfortunately, the author's negative attitude towards Thailand and its people overshadows any potential value the book might have had. It's a shame, really, because there are some interesting stories in here.
My Verdict
So, would I recommend this book? No way. If you're looking for a more pleasant reading experience that won't leave you with a bad taste in your mouth, I'd suggest checking out 'Private Dancer' instead. It's a much more balanced and nuanced look at Thailand and its people.
Game over, folks. This book's a total letdown, and I'd advise against wasting your time on it.
Overall, I'd give 'Tay-Means You're Dead' 2 out of 5 stars. It's a disappointing read that fails to deliver on its promise of a unique perspective on Thailand.
Perhaps the author will take my feedback to heart and work on a more balanced and respectful approach to writing about Thailand and its people.
Until then, I'd recommend giving this book a hard pass.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Is 'Tay-Means You're Dead' a good book for fans of Thailand's culture?
Unfortunately, no. While the book provides some insight into Pattaya's sex tourism industry, it falls short in its portrayal of Thai culture. For a more authentic and nuanced look at Thailand's complexities, I'd recommend looking elsewhere.
What's the book's main theme?
The book explores the impact of tourism on local communities, but it does so in a way that feels overly simplistic and lacking in depth.
Is the book a quick and easy read?
Yes, 'Tay-Means You're Dead' is a fast-paced and engaging read, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. However, its brevity comes at the cost of substance and depth.
Does the author's background as a Facebook group administrator add to the book's authenticity?
Yes, the author's experience as a Facebook group administrator adds a layer of authenticity to the story. However, it's not enough to make up for the book's lack of insight into the complexities of Pattaya.
What's the book's tone?
The book's tone is engaging and easy to follow, but it's also shallow and lacking in depth. The author's writing style is vivid and descriptive, but it can't make up for the book's lack of substance.
Is the book suitable for readers of all ages?
No, 'Tay-Means You're Dead' deals with mature themes and is not suitable for readers of all ages.
Can I return the book if I'm not satisfied?
Yes, you can return the book if you're not satisfied with your purchase. However, please check the return policy of your retailer before making a purchase.
Is the book available in multiple formats?
Yes, 'Tay-Means You're Dead' is available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
What's the book's genre?
The book is a mix of memoir, travelogue, and social commentary, but it doesn't quite fit into any one genre.
check_circlePros
- •The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow.
- •The book provides a unique perspective on Pattaya's sex tourism industry.
- •The author's background as a Facebook group administrator adds a layer of authenticity to the story.
- •The book is a quick and easy read, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
- •The author's use of language is vivid and descriptive, making it easy to visualize the setting.
- •The book raises important questions about the impact of tourism on local communities.
- •The author's experience as a Facebook group administrator adds a layer of authenticity to the story.
- •The book's themes and storylines are engaging, even if they are a bit simplistic.
cancelCons
- •The author's lack of insight into the complexities of Pattaya is disappointing.
- •The book's themes and storylines feel overly simplistic.
- •The author's background as a journalist doesn't translate to a compelling narrative.
- •The writing style is inconsistent, veering wildly between engaging and dull.
- •The book relies too heavily on stereotypes and tropes.
- •The author's portrayal of Thai culture is shallow and lacking in depth.
- •The book's brevity comes at the cost of substance and depth.
- •The author's writing style, while engaging at times, can't make up for the lack of substance.
