At this point in the pandemic it may feel fantastical, but imagine yourself preparing for a long, lovely vacation in a country very foreign to you. Wouldn’t it be wondrous to read a book about the place, written by a critical outsider, who also had thorough experience and love for this location? I was fortunate to experience this with Indonesia, Etc., by Elizabeth Pisani. Every inch of earth deserves a book written with the care and integrity Pisani brings, and it would make the earth a better, more appreciated place. I would love a database that showed the corresponding book for every place on earth.

Indonesia is a massive country: fourth most populous, and around 14th in area (there is a lot of water). Further, it is extremely diverse in language, religion, ethnicity, and climate. Pisani conveys the complex balance of Indonesia, summarized in one of their pillars of the nation, and national motto, “Unity in Diversity”. Americans could take heed. In the book, Pisani travels in a massive oval around the country she has inhabited for over two decades, sharing insights, stories, history, and more in a glorious ramble. My wife lived in Indonesia for four years, and they both frequently mentioned the same charming idiosyncrasies: food trucks that make similar repetitive noise for the same foods, thronging pulses of crowds, the ubiquity of delicious Padang food, and a general contentment among the people. There is a reason you can readily go to many different Asian restaurants, but likely have difficulty finding an Indonesian one- life is so pleasant, few want to leave.

Not to say the country doesn’t have issues, and the populace endures difficult circumstances meriting thoughtful assistance. But the book is worth reading, and the country is worth visiting. One major recommendation from both my family and the book is to include a visit to an island other than Java, Sumatra, and Bali, if you are able.