Customer Reviews:
 Four Stars: Not quite as good as his first but still great reading! July 24, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Admittedly I did laugh out loud a few times but his first book had me clinically addicted from start to finish. If you haven't, read Cannibals. If you don't like it, I agree that professional help is recommended. Just don't expect as much entertaining insanity out of Stoned w/Savages. You'll breeze through it, enjoying a handful of adventures and a good education along the way. I don't certainly don't regret buying it.
Addition: Note that a few weeks after reading it, I spent some time at our local kava "bar" and decided to read it again. The second reading was better than the first so now I recommend both the book and kava (yes it tastes like dirt - but, tasty dirt).
Anyone who lives in Hawaii will appreciate his books to no end. We have an appearance of being modernized here but so many things still ring true .. corrupt government, roofs that blow off in hurricanes, clean up "snow days", centipede bites one never forgets, sewage poured into the ocean, etc. It is comforting to be reminded that we are not alone in Pacific insanity and I am confident that if Martin and Sylvia moved here for a couple years, we would have another engaging and lively book. It's a great place to raise kids on the beach without fear of being eaten by sharks. HInt hint. I'd hate to think his travel writing days are over.
 Enjoyable, but not up to "The Sex Lives of Cannibals" July 8, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
In a first for me, I pre-ordered this book based on "Cannibals" (5 stars). While the I enjoyed "Savages", it does not compare to genius of "Cannibals", Mr. Troost's first book. "Cannibals" is a masterpiece of travel/humor writing, laugh-out-loud funny even on the third read.
I have three recommendations regarding this book:
#1: If you liked "Cannibals", by this book but curb your expectations
#2: If you have not read "Cannibals", read it and see recommendation #1
#3: If you read "Cannibals" and did not like it, you may need professional help
Nowhere near as good as his 1st book which was great but not bad. July 2, 2006
35 out of 37 found this review helpful
I stumbled upon Troost's first book in Powell's due to a 'Staff Recommendation' and devoured it within a day: A truly funny and engaging read. The following day I ran out and purchased this expecting more of the same but it ain't. Well, not exactly anyway. Whereas I read his first book in a day, it has taken me over a week to get through this and I doubt I'll finish it actually. What's the difference? Well, to start with the premise is that Troost will write a 'Travel Book' in the vein of Evelyn Waugh, and Paul Theroux around A year that spent living in Fiji and Vanuatu. His previous book revolved around the two years he spent in Kiribati. This latter book was a masterpiece of humor, anecdote, gentle self-deprecation and just pure good will. It was fresh and engaging and a real pleasure to read because of the author's uncanny ability to turn small events into good story fodder and for his willigness and ability to mock himself within the adventures told of. The present book suffers by contrast because I believe the author has slipped from glib and insouciant bonhommie to rather smug and smarmy world weariness as he grinds out his tale of two situses. Whereas in the former book the author took delight in the tiny details which he really used well to make his point, we find in this book these exquisite little details have been replaced by A sort of slapdash broadbrush treatment of large themes such as 'trip to an island dance' or 'month in the city.' It isn't very fulfilling in any event and one feels as though the author may either have been allowing his lack of enthusiasm for the semi-colonial life typical of many expatriate experiences to color his judgment, or perhaps was caught up in writer fatigue as he was writing a very similar story about a very similar place under similar circumstances very close in time to each other.
Anyway, I don't want to shush you away from this book but I would like for you to consider buying the author's earlier effort first so that you can see what A truly fun travelogue reads like. For those of you who loved his first book I'm giving fair warning that this one pales in comparison.
A nice trip through the south pacific July 1, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
As a disclaimer, as of this writing I have not read "sex lives" yet but plan on it.
I picked up this book as I am thinking of a trip to Fiji shortly, and I have spent some time in the pacific (micronesia). THis book is a pleasant romp through two pacific islands. Troost spends time both "in town" and out in the wild, and documents his interactions with the French, the native vanuatu, the Fiji-Indians and native Fiji people. The book lacks a "clincher scene", a travel day that stands out among all others and burns in your mind. However, the whole book has a nice ambiance, really funny at times and is a pleasant way to pass the time. Would make a good beach book.
 A lively, hilarious journey! June 23, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Getting Stoned with Savages is an adventurous bundle of fun and laughter. Troost's escapade to the Fiji and Vanuatu islands is intriguing and encourages one to travel far, far away, leaving behind all things digital. I totally recommend this book.
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