Pool and its Role in Asian Communism Paperback - 2014

"... one of the best books about Southeast Asia I've ever read. It is also one of the best books I've ever read, period." Steve Rosse (Author of Leaving Thailand)

If you enjoyed Colin Cotterill's Dr. Siri series you should read Steve Rosse's review below of Colin's Pool and Its Role in Asian Communism which is also set in Laos.

"I'm posting this little mini-review today because the book I just finished, "Pool And Its Role In Asian Communism," by Colin Cotterill, is one of the best books about Southeast Asia I've ever read. It is also one of the best books I've ever read, period. And until Bruce Scott gave it to me a week ago I'd never heard of it.

I have read most of Mr. C's Dr. Siri series and his Jimm Juree books. Fun, immensely detailed, wonderfully witty books that have proven time and time again that Mr. C is by far one of the finest authors in this little ghetto of a genre we all run around in.

But "Pool..." is a different kind of animal. It's a piece of literature. This book is profound and moving and evidence of talent that reminds me, as if I needed to be reminded, that I will never be anything other than a hobby writer. But I'm a compulsive reader, and an unapologetic critic of everything I read..." Steve Rosse - author of Leaving Thailand

Get ready for a heartwarming and thrilling journey through the secret war in Laos. It's 1970 and Waldo Monk, a 65-year-old widower, is just two months away from retirement. But when a feisty Lao-American girl, Saifon, arrives at Roundly's pool-ball factory under mysterious circumstances, Waldo's peaceful retirement plans are turned upside down.

Saifon is determined to make enough money to return to Laos and uncover the truth about her past. And despite her abrasive attitude, Waldo finds himself drawn to her and becomes her unlikely mentor. As they navigate through personal tragedies and the chaos of the Lao civil war, their bond grows stronger.

But as they become embroiled in the CIA's secret war in Laos, they must face the harsh realities of the conflict. Will their friendship survive the dangers and betrayals of war? Whether a fan of Colin Cotterill's Dr. Siri series, or never having read one of his books before, you should buy this stand-alone novel now. Be warned, it's very hard to put down.