Perking the Pansies - Jack Scott

çay and old reliable. 2nd generation kindle with "Perking the Pansies" - Jack Scott

I must have driven my boyfriend crazy while I read this book. My laughs would get a sideways, raised eyebrow look and I'd say "oh well this happened and then that and oh never mind, just read it!" Or I would cry and then at dinner time ask "Why? How could that happen? Its just so sad!" 

Jack Scott has written hands down one the best, most worthwhile books penned by an expat in Turkey. I've devoured libraries full of books on Turkish politics history written by foreign journalists, stories of brave women venturing out into the unknown, but nothing had me as captivated as much as Jack's tale as 1/2 of a gay couple who moved from damp, familiar, reliable Britain to the sunny, unknown, sometimes chaotic waters of Bodrum. 

Interactions with locals, the social dance with other expats and the challenges that every person faces when they arrive in this country are written about with a wit and humor that is quintessentially Jack's voice. It is also honest, not every day is rosy for this couple. There are heartfelt moments where Jack reminds the reader that although they've been accepted by their surroundings, Turkey has a long way to go in accepting homosexuals as equals. 

So skip reading "Fifty Shades of Grey" on the beach this summer and pick up "Perking the Pansies" instead. 

You can catch his blog Perking the Pansies before he and Liam scoot back off to the Queen's land.

And officially, this morning at 10:30, we booked our trip to Bodrum for a week of poolside sun later this month. It will be my first visit and O's long awaited return.  Now, ladies and gentlemen, lunch hot spot recommendations? What should I visit? Where should I shop?