Borneo Tom: Stories and Sketches of Love, Travel and Jungle Family in Tropical Asia by Tom McLaughlin | Book Review

Borneo Tom: Stories and Sketches of Love, Travel and Jungle Family in Tropical Asia by Tom McLaughlin
Genres: Memoir, Non-Fiction
Original Publication Date: 2010
Source: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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Find the Author: Website, Goodreads, Amazon

Science Teacher Tom McLaughlin battled a rare neurological disease to a standstill, packed up his life and moved to Malaysian Borneo from a Washington D.C. suburb. Landing in Kuching, he quickly learned the Malay language and involved himself in projects which include orangutan rehabilitation and research about the famed naturalist, From dancing naked in an earthquake in Sumatra to getting lost in a warren of World War II Japanese caves to walking the rim of a volcano with poisonous gas, he has jumped with foolhardiness into everything wild and wonderful, all related in his book Borneo Tom.

Borneo Tom: Stories and Sketches of Love, Travel and Jungle Family in Tropical Asia is a surprisingly delightful book concerning a part of the world that most people know little about.

After American science teacher Tom McLaughlin was diagnosed with a rare neurological disease, he decided to not let it stop him.

He had long been fascinated by Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, having spent time there as a young Peace Corps volunteer.

Tom Decides To Move To Borneo

But Tom decided to move there, not just visit as a tourist.

As his friends asked him:

‘How do you spend 22-plus hours in a plane and still stay sane?’ is the question I am often asked when I travel back and forth between Malaysia and the States. My reply: ‘I have never been sane in my life, so why would this make any difference?’

He was fascinated by the people, the lands, and the cultures. He eventually settled down in Borneo.

This book is a cheerful and unusual record of his travels throughout the area. Each section is a separate essay with a certain angle.

This unusual approach does break up the continuity of the narration.

It also lets Tom explore different subjects, particularly his fascination with the naturalist Alfred Wallace. I had never heard of Wallace before, and it made for interesting reading.

Tom is unafraid to encounter leeches, monkeys, and anything in the jungles. As a biologist, he is fascinated by the different species. Tom is especially partial to orangutans!

Final Analysis

What I really like about Tom is his openness to learning the language and respect for other cultures. He has a wonderful sense of humor.

There is a surprise ending to the book that I will not spoil for you, leaving you to find out for yourself! No one was more surprised than Tom!

The book is a large-format paperback with delightful drawings by Waterfront Niki, which add to the humorous slant of the book.

om shows a part of the world that is largely unknown in a lighthearted way.

What could have been a boring travelogue becomes a charmingly original tale of life and love in the tropics.

Tom did a guest post on Tell Me A Story where he talks about this book.

If you enjoyed this post, please read my review of Bobblehead Dad: 25 Life Lessons I Forgot I Knew by Jim Higley.

Thank you for reading The Literary Lioness!