{"product_id":"a-year-wasted-9780595318490","title":"A Year Wasted","description":"Steve Aldman and his friend Mike have just graduated from college and board a plane to Thailand. They plan to teach English for one year at a university in Bangkok. Steve is a strong, austere young man who believes he can only depend on himself. Thailand is about to be the shock of his life. \u003cp\u003eFrom the moment he lands, Steve feels conflicted. Can he apply his well-honed defenses in Thailand? Even with this struggle towards maturity, Steve's deep and humorous narrative carries the reader throughout Thailand. Through him, we learn the Thai language and culture, taste its many delicacies and travel throughout most of the country. Steve also explores Laos, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. The adventures range from the beautiful to the ridiculous. Examples include: ethereal sunrises, trekking up the Himalayan Mountains, drinking snake blood for dinner and sneaking into an international Communist convention.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuring this journey, Steve learns as much about himself as he does about those around him. Through the people Steve meets, we learn the geopolitical histories and belief systems of various Asian cultures. These diverse exposures make a lasting impression on Steve and he blends aspects of each exotic perspective into his own life attitude. What will it do to you?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e iUniverse\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 05\/27\/2004\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780595318490\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 312\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.01lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.70d\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mark Perlmutter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45483955060917,"sku":"9780595318490","price":16.11,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/files\/img_98dcc8c7-d261-4422-8d61-439f49527c79.jpg?v=1749565947","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/a-year-wasted-9780595318490","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}