J. Maarten Troost
J. Maarten Troost is a travel writer known for his humorous and insightful books about his experiences living in various parts of the world, including the South Pacific and China.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Sex Lives Of Cannibals
Adrift in the Equatorial Pacific
Set against the backdrop of the remote South Pacific island of Tarawa, this humorous memoir chronicles the author's adventures and misadventures as he navigates the challenges of living in a place far removed from the comforts of modern civilization. With wit and a keen eye for the absurd, the narrative explores the cultural quirks, environmental challenges, and unexpected encounters with the island's inhabitants, all while offering a candid reflection on the pursuit of happiness and the meaning of home in an unfamiliar world.
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2. Lost On Planet China
The Strange and True Story of One Man's Attempt to Understand the World's Most Mystifying Nation
In this humorous travel memoir, the author embarks on an adventurous journey through the vast and diverse landscapes of China, offering a candid and often comical perspective on the country's rich culture, bustling cities, and unique social dynamics. As he navigates the complexities of language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and the sheer scale of the nation, he provides insightful observations on the rapid modernization and the enduring traditions that coexist in this fascinating land. Through his witty narrative, readers gain an entertaining and enlightening glimpse into the everyday life and extraordinary experiences encountered in modern-day China.
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3. Getting Stoned With Savages
A Trip Through the Islands of Fiji and Vanuatu
An irreverent travel memoir about a restless couple who trade Washington, D.C., for the South Pacific, settling in Vanuatu and later Fiji, where they navigate cyclones, an active volcano, relentless bureaucracy, and a steady diet of kava. Through close calls with nature and the quirks of expatriate life, the narrator pairs self-deprecating humor with sharp observations on island culture, colonial legacies, and resilience, capturing both the charms and frustrations of living at the far edge of the map.
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4. Headhunters On My Doorstep
A True Treasure Island Ghost Story
A recovering alcoholic sets out on a darkly comic, soul-searching voyage across the South Pacific, loosely tracking Robert Louis Stevenson’s route through remote islands once notorious for headhunters. Along the way, he navigates rough seas, eccentric characters, and the legacies of colonialism while confronting his own demons, testing his sobriety, and finding unlikely moments of grace. Blending history, travel mishaps, and sharp cultural observations, the journey becomes a wry meditation on addiction, resilience, and the search for redemption in some of the world’s most storied and isolated places.
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