Given to Running

About the Book

When sixteen year old Jake Willow, is suddenly uprooted from his comfortable suburban life in Australia, he finds himself transported to Bangkok, Thailand where everyday is a struggle to survive.

Jake is forced to grow up very quickly or else perish in the chaos of his out of control life.

After the sudden death of his mother from alcoholism, and a growing estrangement from his father, Jake finds himself alone in a strange, dream-like country.

What follows is an almost surrealistic account of Jakes' travel's, joys and sorrows as he attempts to make sense of the nonsensical and find his own unique place in an increasingly hostile word.

The book chronicles JakeÕs journey over the next two years. His reflections and poetry throughout this time are documented and give a glimpse into a youth plumbing the depths of self despair in his search for personal triumph. Interspersed throughout the book are short stories, chance encounters with bizarre characters, extremes of emotion and an insight to life in Thailand as experienced by a foreigner.

About the Author

Born in Australia in 1972, Paul Irving spent his youth enjoying the beautiful beaches of Perth, Australia. After completing his studies and extensive travel throughout the world, he finally settled in Thailand. He has spent the last six years teaching English as a foreign Language in his adopted homeland. This is his first book.