Leaving the blinding sand for the cool shade of the trees, I walked carefully through the undergrowth to where Dave, using two twigs as chopsticks, was picking up a freshly severed human finger… John’s trip to India starts badly when he finds himself looking at the sharp end of a knife in a train station cubicle. His life is saved by the enigmatic Rick, who persuades John to abandon his mundane plans for the future for much, much more. Fast forward to the Thai island of Koh Pha-Ngan where they pose as millionaire aristocrats in a hedonistic Eden of beautiful girls, free drugs and wild beach parties. Soon pursued by Thai Mafia, they escape to Indonesia, Australia and Hong Kong, facing danger at every turn.
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Review
'Read this, you will not regret it... like The Beach but this one is true' --Fresh Direction
'Complete escapism... with a gripping plot' --M2 Best Books
'Complete escapism... with a gripping plot' --M2 Best Books
Review
`classic backpacker accessory... Hunter S. Thompson style... This read encompasses everything... integrate your brain with this one.'
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Rachel
Format:Paperback
The Backpacker is an interesting read, and the twisting tale takes you through some of the most interesting places and situations. Visiting India, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Australia amongst others, the descriptions of these beautiful countries are enough to get you jumping onto the soonest plane.
However, this book is simply written - the plot is linear and the language basic (and crude) and many of the events leave you somewhat pondering over its distance from the actual events Harris experienced.
A good book for a rainy day, or when your under the weather.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Rich
Format:Paperback
Having lived in Asia during roughly the same period of time as the story was set,I was gripped by this book. Read it in a day and a half. Whilst I feel that there may be a certain amount of 'embellishment' within the book. I don't think that it actually detracts fom the entertainment it provides. The author has the ability to take you to the scene of the action and actually experience the miasma of emotions that Asia subjects you to. However, It did leave me hankering for an epilogue though. John if you're out there, give us an update !!!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Tomtastic
Format:Paperback
Thinking back to when I first read The Beach and how much I enjoyed it, and having traveled to most places covered in the Backpacker, I looked forward to reading this book. However, overall the Backpacker disappoints. While the tale itself is an exiting story, it is badly written and skims over detail just when you want to know more, while the main character is very unlikable. He comes across as selfish, judgmental and dismissive of many of places he travels too. Given that the book is apparently auto-biographic (at least to some extent), I imagine these undesirable attitudes are reflective of the author.
The quotes on the front and back cover ('Fresh Direction' and 'M2 Best Books') should be a warning that this book is lacking in acclaim from respected critics. The fact is that John Harris is no Alex Garland and the Backpacker is no where near the same class as The Beach. If all - or even most - of what happens in the book is true, then it is certainly a fascinating tale, however the quality of writing and many flaws can't be ignored.
The quotes on the front and back cover ('Fresh Direction' and 'M2 Best Books') should be a warning that this book is lacking in acclaim from respected critics. The fact is that John Harris is no Alex Garland and the Backpacker is no where near the same class as The Beach. If all - or even most - of what happens in the book is true, then it is certainly a fascinating tale, however the quality of writing and many flaws can't be ignored.
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3.9 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simple, but great backpacker story
I enjoyed this book so much I've read it three times since buying it many years ago. It's a simple backpacker story but is well written and very funny. Read more
Published 21 days ago by Rowley Macklin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
I absolutely loved this book. Harris writes about many places that I've also travelled to, and I could relate to it. A great read.
Published 1 month ago by TommCold
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gripping Value
What good value for money the kindle edition of this book is,easy to read,thrilling,gripping,put yourself in the situations,come out the other end intact wishing for more... Read more
Published 1 month ago by ellijohn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Class
Top read. If you like backpacker books that is......certainly one of the best I've read so far. Three more words
Published 2 months ago by Richard
5.0 out of 5 stars
Couldn't put down
I absolutely loved this book - was fascinating, funny, sad and thought provoking and I felt as if I was traveling along with them; can totally see this being made into a great... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Miss GE Rollason
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fun turned sour
What started out as a fun holiday soon descends into something far more serious,a good read at a good pace.
Published 3 months ago by TERRY DAW
4.0 out of 5 stars
decent yarn
If your interested in travelling to south east asia then this will make you itch for a bit of adventure and antics. Read more
Published 3 months ago by average joe
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
Really gives you a feel for what the countries are like. Especially as I was travelling to these places as reading the book. Blew me away.
Published 3 months ago by JK
5.0 out of 5 stars
The sex, drugs and rock and roll of the wanderlust genre...
John Rick and Dave(real name Carl)'s adventures are nothing short of breathtaking - I was gripped by this book, and when I wasn't reading the book I was raving about it to anyone... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Mr. B. HAYES
1.0 out of 5 stars
Day Dreamer
I have read many travel books but this has to be the most truly unbelievable and made up story I have ever wasted my time (and money) reading. Read more
Published 15 months ago by surf guy
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