Smart, funny, and filled with a clever gypsy's wanderlust, Riding the Asian Dragon: Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary People by Frenchwoman Isabelle Boulet is a fascinating memoir that shares the author's experience backpacking solo across Asia. A yearlong sojourn that proved transformative, this travelogue reflects on the Far East's traditions, customs, ethnic groups, politics, marriage, spirituality, beliefs, and economic disparities. With waylays in China, Tibet, Mongolia, Nepal, India, Cambodia, and Laos, readers will enjoy an intimate look at how the locals live and love.