<p/><br></br><p><b> About the Book </b></p></br></br>William Reyland's vivid and detailed descriptions of people and places carry us instantly half way around the globe. An admittedly naïve aspiration leads, by a tortuous path, to deeper understanding-and along the way we are offered a glimpse behind the saffron robes into our common human predicament.<p/><br></br><p><b> Book Synopsis </b></p></br></br><p>What if someone born and raised in the American Midwest were suddenly immersed in the culture of a Buddhist monastery in rural Thailand? This is a true story told with unflinching introspection and honesty - along with generous helpings of humor and warmth. Bill Reyland's vivid and detailed descriptions of people and places carry us instantly half way around the globe. An admittedly naïve aspiration leads, by a tortuous path, to deeper understanding--and along the way we are offered a glimpse behind the saffron robes into our common human predicament.</p><p> </p><p/><br></br><p><b> Review Quotes </b></p></br></br><br><p>Sons of Isan, by William Reyland, is the true story of one man's immersion in rich spirituality. At times mirthful and brutally honest, it is a tale of introspection and the journey to find deeper meaning in life. Having given away all his possessions, our intrepid narrator makes a pilgrimage to the Buddhist temple of Pramuenrat in Thailand. He went with the romantic notions fostered by Western society, whose interpretation of Buddhism is rather on the soft side. Disabused of these notions, he settles in to learn. He finds occupation in teaching English to the village children and monks, eventually teaching at the MahaChulalongkorn Buddhist college (I was pleased to recall the Siamese king for whom the college is named). Adjustment comes hard, though. Between mosquitoes, heat, restless sleep, and a scary "bathroom" with standing pools where the skeets breed, adapting takes effort and willpower. Packs of semi-feral dogs roam the temple grounds. Previous to this extreme, he studied with Thai Buddhists in a temple near his home in the US. It was this time of study that prompted a sojourn to study at a temple in Thailand. The first expedition, however, didn't end so well. There were issues of the flying-ax-handle variety, sure to put a damper on any sort of introspective study.This memoir presents a compelling peek into life at a modern Buddhist wat (temple). I'm an anthropologist and love cultural studies. The difference between traditional Buddhism and Western-influenced Buddhism was fascinating. I found it funny that the monks at Pramuenrat could carry mobiles but not wear watches. I do have to say "Nope!" to the mosquitoes and heat. I like being malaria-free. I loved his reminiscence of the time spent with monks in the US-they were very concerned he wasn't married but had custody of his son. Exploring different cultural values provides a chance to grow, to learn, and to appreciate different cultures. Both in the US and Thailand, the Thai people seem a very warm and welcoming people. The beginning of some chapters are prefaced with a short vocabulary list of Thai words. I enjoy books that teach snippets of language. I can only imagine the dedication this endeavor took. Sometimes, I think it would be nice to escape on a spiritual retreat like this, but I know I do not have that willpower. Would that I did. Perhaps I could find more of myself.Sons of Isan is a fairly quick read yet is full of reflective value. It will prompt you to think more deeply about your own life. Highly recommended.</p><p>Reviewed By: J. Aislynn d'Merricksson" San Francisco Books, 5/5 stars"</p><p>In Sons of Isan, William Reyland brings to life his year-long stay in a Thai Buddhist temple. Recounting his aspirations, doubts, fears, and joys, this book is a stirring and vivid description of the difficulties and challenges of finding oneself in the dusty realms of a foreign country.</p><p>Daigaku Rummé, Resident Priest and Teacher, Confluence Zen Center STL, St. Louis, MO.</p><p><br /> What if someone born and raised in the American Midwest were suddenly immersed in the culture of a Buddhist monastery in rural Thailand? This is a true story told with unflinching introspection and honesty - along with generous helpings of humor and warmth. William Reyland's vivid and detailed descriptions of people and places carry us instantly half way around the globe. An admittedly naïve aspiration leads, by a tortuous path, to deeper understanding--and along the way we are offered a glimpse behind the saffron robes into our common human predicament.</p><p>Will Holcomb, M.D.<br /> Lay teacher at Shinzo Zen Meditation Center</p><p> </p><br>