Half Baked in Taiwan

By Beth Fowler

What Readers and Reviewers say about Half Baked in Taiwan: "Entertaining, also very educational." Troy Henley, Columbus, Ohio. "Half Baked in Taiwan is worth reading. Fowler writes well...she hits the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738825751
• ISBN13: 9780738825755
• Release Date: July 2000
• Publisher: Authorhouse
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.3" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Not Half Bad

An interesting read for getting good insight into life in Taiwan as a foreigner. Ms Fowler is able to pull personal examples from her life there to create memorable impressions and reflections on this unique country.On the downside, the book is expensive for a small paperback. Also, it could have used an editor to tighten up a few spots and catch several typos.But if you want to learn about life in Taiwan with a few chuckles, get this book.

Learn about Taiwan culture or just to read a great book!

Having been to Taiwan on 2 seperate trips I have read almost every book about Taiwan culture I could get my hands on. This book "by far" describes the real Taiwan culture as I experienced it and none of this info will be found in your standard Taiwan travel guide. This is the real deal, the good and the strange and all the above are described here in a very witty way. Beth Fowler also does a wonderful job describing foods, customs, culture in a way I never could, I am going to buy copies for my family so they get a better understanding of my Taiwanese experiences. This book easily stands on its own as entertainment but is also very educational for anyone looking for info on Taiwan culture. So kick back with "Half-baked in Taiwan" and pop a couple of Betel nuts in your mouth.

A Fun, Easy Read

This was a great book. I've always wanted to teach English in Asia, and hopefully I'll be able to follow in Beth Fowler's footsteps.In Half Baked, Ms. Fowler takes us on a literary slice-of-life tour of Taiwan: the good, the bad, and the very ugly. From the hell of being one of the few foreign women in a Taiwanese fashion show, to the experience of never knowing when to give or receive gifts in other cultures (believe me, I know all about this one!), Fowler makes it all come alive.I especially liked her short haiku word pictures she called "Dim Sum, course 1, 2, 3, ) etc. I hope to read more from Ms. Fowler, and also to read more of her experiences in Asia. Surely, she's a very interesting, intelligent, talented writer. I hope I can be just like her one day!

It's Just Like Here, Only Different

So you're thinking about visiting Taiwan. So you're thinking maybe you should read about life in that island nation before you go. Then "Half Baked in Taiwan" is the book for you. Beth Fowler, self-described expatriate American, has written a funny, insightful, and at times shocking, account of her life in Taiwan. Fowler explores and explains to us pale (thus the phrase "Half Baked") Euro-origin Westerners the Taiwanese version of such activities as eating, driving, sports, dating and marriage, stimulants both legal and addictive, earthquakes, shopping, personal space, and that all-important, yet often misunderstood, "face".Bear in mind in Taiwan many of these activities are conducted simultaneously, with little regard for anyone's safety. Fowler, a world traveler and accomplished observer of human nature, has produced a book that is more than just a travelogue. Even as she is relating her experiences in Taiwan through a Westerner's eyes, she is detailing an ancient Asian culture as it enters the 21st century. Buddhist monks jostle with old ladies in the post office. The military conducts exercises in case the Peoples Republic of China invades the Taiwan Republic of China. Christmas decorations may stay year round. "Why take them down? They're pretty."Some comments for when you go to Taiwan. Save your efforts to be American style friendly. Traditionally, Chinese rely on close friends and family to fulfill their business, financial, babysitting, and care giving needs. Never strangers. They simply are unaccustomed to, and sometimes confounded by, our "Hi! How you doing?" friendliness.Finally, if someone says to you "You've gained a little weight" you are to be complimented. Why? Because that means the speaker is showing a sincere concern for your health. If you have indeed gained weight, well, you have "more gravity". You see, it's just like here. Only different.