Dear Thailand: A Love Story by Diane de Simone

Come. Visit a lush land, an ancient and modern culture, and a people who are proud to be Buddhist and Thai.
Discover a woman who begins to relax and unwind in Thailand, and read about how downright cynical and fearful she'd become -- down into her cells, as influenced by her native Western culture.
Not only does this book introduce you to the joys of being in Thailand, but it also explores  how our culture shapes who we think we are, how we meet life.
In the process of telling its tale, you will read about Thailand's rice culture, Buddhism, the Thai language, bits about her history and food, and you'll visit Bangkok, as well as small town village life. People who have reviewed this book have said" if you are in need of a spiritual vacation read this book!"

Official Review:Dear Thailand: A Love Story  
Dear Thailand: A Love Story is the story of author Diane deSimone's transformative journey in Thailand, and, true to its name, what appears is the author's love for a culture and a people. She explores cultural identities, questions fundamental ideas of her Western upbringing, and navigates leaving certain Western beliefs behind.
What is most striking about Dear Thailand is the writing itself. Crafted in an initially somewhat jarring style, the author describes her adoptive home in a way that is almost poetic. Read in a receptive state of mind, the passages seem almost to sing. Secondhand, but with little value lost along the way, you experience the culture, religion, and way of life in a small and tight-knit Thai village. It's refreshing and beautiful, and it left me wanting to jump on a plane and see it- experience it - for myself.
I would recommend this book to anyone in need of a spiritual vacation. This story of a visit, an escape, and ultimately a homecoming asks the reader only to listen as it tells of peace, stillness,and a light, kind heart. I give this book 4 stars out of 4.