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BOOK REVIEW

ical of what he sees and the folks he deals with.
The editor won’t give me enough space in “San Antonio Medicine” to sum-
marize all of the books, so let me give a generalized opinion about the lot:
every one is worth reading. Theroux is an observant, gregarious, talkative risk-
taker. He drops into dingy bars in secondary cities, avoids luxury, eats locally,
meets the natives, talks with cops, prostitutes, salesmen, mayors, bartenders
and anyone else he comes in contact with. And he observes, observes, ob-
serves. He also looks up various famous folks as he travels, and gives insight
into their personas.
He appreciates beauty, courtesy and honesty, and is bluntly critical of people
who don’t come up to his standards. Mr. Theroux does tend to see the world
with a somewhat jaundiced eye: There are times when he is downright cur-
mudgeonly, but never uninteresting. In addition to the travel books, he has
written a number of novels. I’ve read at least three of them that I can recall:
”The Mosquito Coast,” “Half Moon Street” and “My Secret History.” I en-
joyed them all. So, here's my unsolicited advice for you: Check out the San
Antonio Public Library, your favorite bookstore, Amazon or wherever and
get acquainted with Paul Theroux.

Fred H. Olin, M.D. is a semi-retired orthopaedic surgeon who wishes he had two heads,
so that he could read more books.

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