The Devil’s Road To Kathmandu Review

The Devil’s Road To Kathmandu
by Tom Vater

Once in a while, I like to step out of my comfort zone and try books that aren’t my typical reads. They may share some of the characteristics of books I’ve previously enjoyed, but they’re way different from others. These are the books that people who know me would wrinkle their noses and say, “really?”

The Devil’s Road To Kathmandu is not a typical read for me. I do like road books. I also like books set in other parts of the world. But the story of hippies driving their bus through Asia to smuggle drugs while regularly partaking on the way? That’s definitely not the kind of book that would appeal to me. But author Tom Vater asked me to read it, so I decided to leave my comfort zone firmly in the dust to check it out.

It didn’t take long for me to think I might have made a mistake. I couldn’t identify with the characters. I didn’t understand the characters’ thought processes. I would be confused who these people they encountered were and why they mattered. I wondered where the plot was.  I was ready to give up reading the book.

But then it hit me – of course I was reacting that way. I was too focused on the destination when the book’s focus was on the journey itself.

I was trying to apply logic to an illogical situation. I’m one of those travelers who meticulously  researches and plans out a trip that typically includes reservations for lodging and special events prior to starting the trip. Once I threw logic out the window, I could focus on the people and places and activities. Then I could enjoy the book and fly through the rest of it wanting to know what was happening next.

These characters were the exact opposite of me. Yes, they knew what they wanted to smuggle drugs and had a basic idea of what they would need to do, but they weren’t so committed to their goal that they ignored the people and places around them. On the contrary, they were eager to experience what was happening along the way. They did it on their terms, which typically involved indulging in the opium, hashish, etc. they encountered along the way. Witnessing a tattoo artist using a tiger’s tooth to create a complex masterpiece on a woman’s back or melting into the rapture of conjoined twin singers were unusual experiences that drew me into the story to see how the situations touched the characters.

Once I let go of control and let the author guide me through the story the way he wanted to tell it, I enjoyed it. The places and experiences were captivating and exposed me to a new world that I appreciated seeing. The book reminded me of the good that comes from getting out of one’s comfort zone and being open to new experiences.

Thank you Tom Vater and Henry Roi PR for a review copy of the book.