New Review from Antoine Hudon

Hi Mister Siminoe,
I am a Quebecker living in a small village of Lower Saint-Lawrence and a long-time lover of Thailand. English in not my first language but I read it a lot.
I particularly read everything I can about Thailand. On my recent visit there I purchased over 60 books. Yours is the first of the lot I have read. Since you welcome critics, I take the opportunity to give you my feeling about your book.
I can only give you my point of view as a reader, one reader, one that loves Thailand and has written about it too (‘Daughter of Isaan’, my novel, was also published by Bkk Books last year), but I am only me and I am not objective. I look at your book the way I think reviewers looked at mine when I presented them the ms to criticize.
I most appreciated the fact that your novel shows a lot of understanding of Thai culture and society. The hints about Thai life are always well brought along. I would have had more of that even if we understand that they sometimes reflect a character’s particular point of view!
Another good point, the dialogues are always pertinent, well crafted and moving the action forward.
I understand this is an introspective novel, and a first person novel too (and I feel it couldn’t have been otherwise). Although there is a bit too much introspection for my taste, the subjectivity of the story, in that case, is a passport and a justification for it.
The part of reminiscence is overwhelming. Usually, a reader is more interested in what is currently happening than in long past events, so this has to be presented in small servings. Also, I fell there is too much of it, or presented with too many details. In fact, it seems unlikely that a person could remember the minutiae of facts or conversations years past. One particular recollection seems to me superfluous: the scene on p. 131-134. In the same line of thought, I don’t see where the father’s philosophy about God’s plan leads us since it’s obviously of no use to Duke and he doesn’t seem eager to confront it with his own experience (unless I missed actual references to it).
Finally, one thing that puts me off in any book, and in yours in some occasions, is the references to religions metaphors, particularly those metaphors inherited from the Bible. This could be interpreted as a lack of sensibility for non-religious people, as a lack of culture (as if one has ever read only one book in his life) or as an unconscious act of proselytism.
Overall, this is an instructive book, sometimes funny, sometimes moving, and it stands towards the top of the bunch I’ve read about Thailand.

Bandara Hotels and Resorts

Recently my old friend Aoi got in touch with me asking if I'd like to do some writing for an up and coming resort and spa company. I wasn't sure I could really help in any way, but after meeting with the managment team of BANDARA and getting a tour of their Bangkok location, I really got a nice sense for what this company is looking to do and thought it would be fun to help out. This project for me will be just copy writing, and honestly that's about all I would have time for, but it will give me a chance to watch first hand a business which is about to double its locations and really make itself known in the Asian market. Right now they have 3 locations in Thailand, but soon they are looking at foreign markets in Asia for their expansion. This really will be fun for me. Please check out their lovely website, and if you have some time visit one of their resorts. From all accounts their best location is on the island of Samui, one of Thailands quickest developing islands.
http://www.bandararesort.com/main_html.html

Michelle Hansen's Review

Michelle Harris/now Hansen and her husband. I'd really like to share her letter to me about Echo Pool, mostly because she is struggling, and most proudly I might add, with her husband's cancer. Echo Pool was fueled by loss, my loss of my father, but I believe Michelle has taken on her husband's illness with the kind of strength and tenacity that true love deserves.

Dear Jonathon,
Hello there. I hope this email finds you doing well. Things are okay here, I have just been thinking that I never got back to you after I ordered your books! Life gets in the way! Your book has been traveling with me many places; The Sea of Cortez, Vegas, Nebraska, a week long trip on the Western slope and through hours of sitting beside Dan at Chemo. I have read it numerous times, always getting stuck right around the time that you go to the massage parlor place. :) Call me a prude! hahaI have enjoyed it immensely, and when we are going somewhere that reading is appropriate, Dan says, " Where's the book?" This is a wonderful memory, that I will not soon forget.A lot has happened since we last spoke, I'll just list it all in order of events, as to not go off on tangents. I hope that you had a Merry Christmas, and are looking forward to the New Year and all the beauty that it has to offer.


*Engaged in Mexico Nov. 2, 2007 Dan and I at sunset on a deserted island.(I did the ugly cry)*We became GodParents(remember my little cousin Katie? Yup)


*Married in Denver Dec. 3, 2007 We avoided all chaos and snuck off to the court house.


* Another chemo failed Dan, and his cancer moved throughout his vital organs


* Four days ago he had a stroke


* Bailed him out of the hospital yesterday, he said, "we barely got out of there alive!" Gotta love the humor


*Spent Christmas wrapped up with our pups at home...never again we said, would we spend Christmas in the hospital...so we said that we were leaving with or without their consent.

Here are the things that we are looking forward to:


*Rehabilitation


*Radiation that HAS to work to maintain some timeline beyond two weeks


*Our Wedding Reception January 19th, 2008 to be the event of the year, with black and white attire That is all we have so far, we are at that point that everyday is what we are living, it is amazing to live in the moment...for today. There it all is my friend...heavy I know, but hey the good out weighs the bad by a long shot! So, when I haven't been up for four days, I would love to tell you my favorite parts of your work, if you don't mind. :)

Don't be a Stranger!Warm Regards,Michelle Hansen (Better than Harris....has a nice ring to it!)

Review by Kristof

I received this email this week regarding my novel ECHO POOL. I have been getting more responses lately and will begin publishing many of them. Please SEND ME FEEDBACK, good or bad, because at least I know its alive out there! I'd also love to publish a photo of you with your review if you could think to send one along. This one comes from Malaysia.

Hi Jonathon,
To quote a line from the movie 40 days and 40 nights: “Dude, you are action packed with issues.”
But then again, who isn’t?
I thoroughly enjoyed your book. I felt it started off a bit slow, but the more the book progressed, the more you came into your writing element. The combination of hilarious situations with personal flashbacks made it a great read. Knowing you a bit, I had a fictitious non-fiction sensation the whole time I held the book in my hands.
Growing up in a fairly liberal European country where Catholicism is dramatically losing its influence on the general population, hearing stories of the American Bible belt has always fascinated me. The few attempts you had with your parents as an agnostic, or better said a critical thinker, to discuss certain aspects of Christianity must have been for both parties equally frustrating. People are afraid to chat about anything that might upset there daily routine or what has defined their whole life. Insecurity isn’t a trait humans cope well. Nonetheless, I never felt either of your parents gave you a religious overload (correct me if I’m wrong).
My father has never played a role in my life. The decisions he had to make in bars or pubs (straight or on the rocks) where much more significant to him than his son. That neglect has shaped me into who I am today, with all the positive and negative characteristics. Reading your book, I felt extremely envious of you. I’ve spent plenty of time analyzing my psyche and perfectly know what I really seek. Actually implementing that self reflecting knowledge is another story though. If I can say one day I was half the person your father was, I will be extremely pleased. I would’ve loved having a father like you had. I’m crying while I’m writing this, as I was when I read the last few paragraphs of “Echo Pool”.
I remember once sitting at an open air food court with an American friend of mine in Bangkok. We were enjoying the delicious Thai food accompanied with a few drinks talking about our plans of our upcoming visit to Vietnam. Drinks were being served by lovely Heineken waitresses. Suddenly, a few Dutch graduate students asked us if we wanted to participate in a survey. Basically, they were doing research on what they called the degrading working conditions many Thai girls have to work in. While I read the questions, I got frustrated by how western centric they were. They never realized that what these girls were doing at the open air food delight was a highly sought after job for many Thai women. Too often, westerners try to implement their values and norms on different cultures. But who says they are right? Who says they are wrong? What I’m ultimately trying to point out is that this book needs to be read with an open mind, trying to take in Thai customs and realities. A fervent feminist would probably be appalled by certain aspects of your book. Having lived in Thailand for 3.5 years, I was able to understand many of the cultural baggage you brought up. I personally believe you did a good job trying to explain in a literary manner what the Thai psyche is about.
Yeah you were right in your descriptions, I forgot her real name, but Arraya was hot. Superficially, any normal man would have you declared insane. Sensibly, you made the right decision, although I would’ve handled it differently. The lack of interesting and deep conversations was one of the reasons why I eventually left the country. Beauty rocks your world at first, but any earthquake subsides shortly after. Shallowness in a serious relationship doesn’t last unless selfishness is what one seeks. The defining picture of your parents is that they grew from passionate lovers to friends for life. That blend allowed their marriage to blossom and turn into an out of this world recipe. Any educated individual is going to look for that ultimate goal. Research has already pointed out that relationships with educated women/men have more chances of survival. I’m too arrogant and curious to let my life being dictated by a sex queen. Mind blowing orgasms aren’t the same as waking up next to an extraordinary woman.
How is “Golf” doing? Whatever happened to Arraya? Did your mate ever come back to Thailand after the German diplomatic disaster? In my opinion, that individual did not represent his country in a mature diplomatic manner. God complex perhaps?
I just came back from a 3 week cycling trip around Laos. The long break did me good to sort of put everything in perspective of what has happened over the last year-and-a-half in Malaysia. Culturally and personally it has been an amazing experience, but it’s time to leave. Next Friday, I’m moving to Vietnam for at least one year. Honestly, I’m a bit South East Asianed out, but the money is good in Vietnam. All I care about at the moment is saving up so that I can do my masters. I’m wondering if perhaps I want to return to an individualistic society. Australia has a certain appeal. Great outdoor activities, fantastic weather, the west… Wait and see I guess.
Kristof

KRISTOF IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS, he tells me he is the good looking one. He is a competitive tri-athlete and in the kind of shape that makes the rest of us keep our jackets on if you know what I mean.

A reaction by ROD BROWN

Jon, Hey I finally remembered to fire off a note to you... as I sit here subbing for Jr. High Math I thought of you and your novel that I had the pleasure of finishing a few weeks ago. First of all thanks for taking me there and doing such a wonderful job with the journey. You do an amazing job in portraying your father... just as I remember him I might add. Your mom too. I must admit when it comes to connecting the reader with your thoughts, I am bias in that it is simply a day dream away for us that fortunately (or unfortunately) shared the experience. How have the responses been from those that haven't? Regardless, I can only speak for myself and really enjoyed your honesty, writing style and wisdom concerning life's challenges. Question though... who is Robert? Is it Stephen. I understand if that is confidential but thought I would ask.As far as the spiritual dichotomy between your parent's beliefs and your own... I pose this question... How is that working for you? If you haven't reached the end of that journey yet... I can send you a great book by an amazing author you might be interested in... he is an intellectual like yourself. Let me know or drop me your address. Or surely you haven't fell into the same rigid approach to the subject as you profess Christians have? I understand you have a genuine love for others so in no way am I trying to be condescending. Just conversing. It is surprising how similar our lifestyles were for so very long... difference being I went the family way at a certain point. Not that it is better or worse. But your self-reflection on relationships opened up a lot of old sores that I still bear the scars for today. It made the first years of marriage difficult and at time impossible. Guess maybe the fear of being alone was stronger than my search for someone or something better. I must admit that it is only through my belief system that I am able to remedy and heal. Hope I don't come across as judgmental... I am really just reflecting on your book and the thoughts it has stirred. Not to mention my own fears of my father's (simply because of age) impending death and the lessons I am only now realizing he either consciously or inadvertently conveyed. The ending touched me deeply. I pray this reaches you healthy and happy. Take care my friend. Rodney Brown

REACTIONS TO ECHO POOL

This website is dedicated to the idea of sharing reactions to the novel ECHO POOL. I am, as all artists I would suppose, always happy to hear how I did. Don't be afraid to say, "No Sim, that's not it at all," or "Is that me? Or is that so and so?" Because I will react to all of your comments. I'm happy that the book is selling, but I'm much happier when people have reactions to the book.

Could you relate? Were you in the novel?

How was my writing? Who do you think some of the characters might have been?

ECHO POOL NEWS 1

Bangkok Book House has released ECHO POOL with the goal of offering something different to its readers. Most of what they publish is Bar Girl stories, detective stories, or language books. Echo Pool is written with a literary style and avoids the easy thrills of Bangkok night life focusing instead on a big more meaningful issues: such as love, loss, family, escape, and change.

It is my goal that readers will relate to this piece and find it something that will make them FEEL the kind of LOVE that I felt during my life. It's not only about relationships, but more importantly about the love of a father for his son.