Search - Cross Currents

Very slow pace and not a lot of plot. But, very interesting insight into Thai culture and family life. And the premise is unique.

John Shors has hit another home run with CROSS CURRENTS! This was a delightful book set in Ko Phi Phi, Thailand in December 2004. From the location and the time frame, you might think it's a book about the tsunami that swept for thousands of miles at that time, but, while that is part of the story, it is not all of it by any means. The tsunami happens in the last eighth of the book (approximately).

Most of the book is a simple, but complex story of love and families. The Thai people are wonderfully portrayed and the Americans are so real. Patch is the "main" character, who has made bad mistakes and is hiding from the Thai authorities. His brother, Ryan, brings his girlfriend, Brooke, with him to try and help Patch decide what to do. Each character is fully fleshed out and I found that I had strong feelings about all of them.

When the tsunami does hit, we find out what they all are made of. What a wonderful story of friendship, love, terror and loyalty. The strength of all of the characters is remarkable.

I can't wait for Shors's next book!