Coffin left America for Thailand to follow his family's wishes to be ordained as a Buddhist monk. The process involved leaving one privileged, bicultural life for another that was exceedingly simple but enriched by gentle strangers. Coffin vividly recalls his sense of displacement and struggles with his ethnic identity as he describes serene temples, seasons of rain, saffron robes, baths in canals and those who reverently give him alms in the streets. By the time he falls in love with a beautiful Thai woman, readers fully understand that she represents the life he can have if he stays. A former philosophy major, boxer, sea kayak guide and lobsterman, Coffin brings his American sensibilities and Thai heritage together in an account that is witty and deeply appreciative of both his heritages. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)