<p/><br></br><p><b> About the Book </b></p></br></br>A delectable collection of Theroux's recent writing on great places, people, and prose.<p/><br></br><p><b> Book Synopsis </b></p></br></br>"A portrait of an optimist with curiosity and affection for humanity in all its forms."<b>--</b><i><b>The New York Times Book Review</b></i> <p/> "Theroux is at the top of his game with his third collection of essays, a magisterial grouping of intimate remembrances, globe-trotting adventures, and incisive literary critiques."<b>--</b><i><b>Publishers Weekly, Starred Review</b></i> <p/><i><b>"</b></i>Theroux's observations are so keen and writerly skills so sharp that he butter-slices narratives with a razor-thin surgeon's scalpel, masterfully serving up both the world's dark underbelly and its gloriously uplifting sustenance of love, longing and <i>wonder</i>-lust." <b>--</b><i><b>Forbes</b></i> <p/> Paul Theroux's latest collection of essays applies his signature searching curiosity to a life lived as much in reading as on the road. This writerly tour-de-force features a satisfyingly varied selection of topics. Travel essays take us to Ecuador, Zimbabwe, and Hawaii, to name a few. Gems of literary criticism reveal fascinating depth in the work of Henry David Thoreau, Muriel Spark, Joseph Conrad, and Hunter Thompson. And in a series of breathtakingly personal profiles, we take a helicopter ride with Elizabeth Taylor, go diagnosing with Oliver Sacks, eavesdrop on the day-to-day life of a Manhattan dominatrix, and explore New York with Robin Williams. <p/> An extended meditation on the craft of writing binds together this wide-ranging collection, along with Theroux's constant quest for the authentic in a person or in a place. <br><p/><br></br><p><b> Review Quotes </b></p></br></br><br>"A portrait of an optimist with curiosity and affection for humanity in all its forms, as well as a ravenous appetite for the literary efforts of others . . . Theroux's sweet spot happens to be spinning a convincing narrative through wandering conversations with any citizens who cross his path . . . Emotionally affective."<b> --<i> New York Times Book Review</i></b> <p/> "Novelist and travel writer Theroux is at the top of his game with his third collection of essays, a magisterial grouping of intimate remembrances, globe-trotting adventures, and incisive literary critiques . . . A highly versatile, appealing writer, Theroux casts a wide net with pleasing and entertaining results." <b>-- <i>Publishers Weekly, starred review</i></b> <p/> "[Theroux's] stories are less travelogues than well-curated meditations on some of the places, people, and moments he has experienced in a lifetime of rambles . . . His spare, unhurried prose style, which is rarely long-winded, betrays a novelist's relish for illuminating details and devastating turns of phrase . . . A masterfully simple and satisfying collection." -- <i>Kirkus Reviews</i> <p/> "Those who've missed these thirty pieces where previously published will be impressed by the breadth of his interests, the depth of his research, and the scrupulousness of his prose. A profile of Elizabeth Taylor . . . works a miracle, allowing us to view the icon with unjaded eyes. A lengthy profile of a dominatrix . . . offers genuine insight into both spanker and spanked. Appreciations of Conrad, Greene, Maugham, and Simenon show how book introductions ought to be done. And the closing, more personal pieces . . . add emotional heft and shape to this wide-ranging, thought-provoking, and eminently browsable collection." -- <i>Booklist</i> <p/> "Theroux's observations are so keen and writerly skills so sharp that he butter-slices narratives with a razor-thin surgeon's scalpel, masterfully serving up both the world's dark underbelly and its gloriously uplifting sustenance of love, longing and <i>wonder</i>-lust." -- <i>Forbes</i> <p/><b><i>"</i></b>In short, there is something for everyone . . . His talky, big-hearted book will make a heavenly companion at the beach." <i>-- Honolulu Star-Advertiser</i> <p/><b><i>"</i></b>His new collection of essays, like its illustrious author, is full of surprises<i>."<b><i></i></b></i>-- Forbes.com<br><p/><br></br><p><b> About the Author </b></p></br></br>PAUL THEROUX is the author of many highly acclaimed books. His novels include <i>The Lower River</i> and <i>The Mosquito Coast, </i> and his renowned travel books include <i>Ghost Train to the Eastern Star</i> and <i>Dark Star Safari</i>. He lives on Cape Cod and in Hawaii.