Burma Chronicles

“Pyongyang:  A Journey in North Korea,” wasn’t just a good read for the way writer/artist Guy Delisle’s recounted his adventures in overseeing animation produced there.  It also provided a fascinating window into what is the most dangerously crazy nation on Earth.  You really get a good look at how messed up things are over there and how its populace soldiers on amidst it all.  It’s definitely recommended for anyone wanting to learn more about the country, or if you want to see how a travelogue can transcend itself.

“Burma Chronicles” isn’t as eye-opening, and I think that’s mainly because even though this country also suffers under dictatorial rule, it’s not as myopic or backwards as North Korea.  Delisle isn’t at a loss for material regarding their oppressive practices, but the book mainly survives on his skill as a raconteur.  From the opening where he tries to find the Burmese language setting on his “Star Trek” DVDs, to hearing Karen Carpenter at the local food mart once in country, to his three-day meditation retreat, there’s plenty of easygoing charm to be had in reading about his experiences over there.  The material isn’t transcendant, but it’s still an entertaining travelogue.