Thanks, everyone, for these great recommendations!

Thanks to you all for the suggestions.

I've just started, " Almost Englishmen; Baghdadi Jews in British Burma" which provided an different perspective, it's fascinating so far!

So glad this thread was brought back. Gotta get reading!

Can I buy the Lonely Guide book n Burma?

Thanks for the offer sartoric. I do have a copy that I purchased from Powell's in Portland. I also saw copies in Yangon and in Bagan when I was there. We found many long out of print books about Burma were available in Yangon.

I now have so many books about Burma/Myanmar, I should call this post Kathie's Burma Bookcase!

Hello,

I have travelled countless times to the country of golden pagodas, crossed it by train, bus and motorcycle taxis. It is only recently I began reading extensively about the subject. Here are my top picks.

1) Burmese Days by George Orwell
I get it, not very original, but still an excellent classic. Setted in the fictional town of Kyauktada (identified as Katha in upper Burma), the main character is a corrupt judge who, at any trial, take bribes from both sides and actually give a fair judgement to avoid being caught up.

2) Myanmar: The Adventures of an 18-Year Old Foreigner Living Alone in the Land of Golden Pagodas by Olivier Gautier
A book about the life and travels of a young foreigner in contemporary Myanmar, from the empty 20 Lane Highway of the ghost capital city to the Golden Triangle filled with drug traffickers.

3) In Search of Myanmar: Travels Through a Changing Land by James Fable
Perfect to explore the remotest part of the country home to multitude of minorities.