The content had a high potential but the writing style was horrible. It felt like the main character's dialogues, his thoughts and the narrator's comments where talking to each other and it was very confusing and annoying. It felt like the hidden travel memoirs of a deranged mind. Having lived a few months/years in 3 of the 4 countries described here, I could confirm a number of cultural differences that are worth sharing. I also felt a bit of anachronism with the fumeur/fuming train car (because smoking has been prohibited in trains and public areas since 2005-2006, so about 10 years before this story takes place, I guess the author really wanted to place this joke here) and bewilderment at the repeated claim that Japan does not have a food culture (so much variety and flavors, and you can't read a book or watch a film/animé without food being presented). Overall it's a good informative book for a beginning globe-trotter but the style should be completely changed to make it a good read.

I"d describe this as a travel book like no other. We follow Thomas as he sets out on his adventures from Indiana to travel the world. He begins in France, teaches English in Japan and volunteers in a Kibbutz on Israel. His experiences are varied and significant. His encounters are very interesting and some bordering on hilarious. His temperament and personality suit the journey he undertakes resulting in the highly entertaining travel memoir type compilation. What drew me even more to this book was that I've been to Indiana and could picture exactly what he was trying to leave behind. I could understand entirely why he was hungry to see the world. I though this was for the most part well told, I'm giving 4 stars as there isn't an option to give 3.5

This book is about a college student from the Midwest who goes on a work abroad trip to France. The problem is that being an expatriate has been done and done again by much better writers including David Sedaris. The other issue is that the author is tries to be humorous, and he is just not funny. I usually post reviews on other sites, but I would not recommend this book to anyone to read. I could not even finish this drivel myself. No stars if that was a possible rating.

This book is a written in a very different format than what I’m used to reading. It’s in the third person, and it’s very much like a traveler’s journal with lots of the traveler’s musings alongside his experiences. It is truly a book about introspection, self growth, and an effort to find a place to belong.

Thomas is a quirky character who realizes in college that there is more to life than what he has experienced in rural Indiana. He decides to work and travel abroad to see what else the world has to offer. What unfolds are many episodes of culture shock ranging from human interactions and ordering food, to using transportation, going on job interviews, and more.

Thomas fancies himself humorous, but no one seems to understand or appreciate his jokes, especially when lost in translation (myself included). You will definitely learn a lot about France, Japan, and Israel by reading this book.

** Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review **
Tengo que decir que este libro no fue lo que esperaba. Fue agradable de todas maneras leer sobre las experiencias de alguien con quien me pude identificar en algunos puntos.
La historia es contada con humor, lo cual hace que sea de lectura muy fácil y amena. Es interesante el punto de vista que este libro da sobre los lugares, la gente de ellos, etc.