On the eve of the November 7 elections in Burma, a new book that relates the life story of a former political prisoner is being co-published by The Best Friend Library.
No Easy Road: A Burmese Political Prisoner’s Story chronicles the journey of Thiha Yarzar, the son of a Burmese Army Colonel, who was sentenced to death for High Treason at the age of 25. After that sentence was commuted, he served nearly 18 years as a political prisoner in five different prisons across Burma. Thiha was a student leader in Rangoon during the 1988 demonstrations against the military regime, and was later active with both the Democratic Alliance of Burma (DAB) and the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF).
Today, Thiha is living in Thailand, and he has teamed up with author Paul Pickrem to tell his story. Thiha is the co-founder and joint secretary of ExPP-ACT (Ex-Political Prisoners – Assistance, Counseling, and Training). Paul Pickrem has been the features editor at Burma News International since 2008.
The publication of the book has been made possible with the support of three Burma-related organizations: The Best Friend Library – Chiang Mai (www.thebestfriend.org), Canadian Friends of Burma (www.cfob.org), and ExPP-ACT (www.borderlinereport.blogspot.com).
The release of the book will be celebrated with two book launch events:
Tuesday 19 October at 8 p.m.
Aiya Restaurant in Mae Sot (533 Intarakiri Road)
Download flyer for Mae Sot Book Launch >>
Thursday 21 October at 7:30 p.m.
The Best Friend Library in Chiang Mai (302/2 Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 13)
Download flyer for Chiang Mai Book Launch >>
Thiha Yarzar and author Paul Pickrem will be in attendance at both events, which will include readings, discussions, and book signings.
The book is also now available for pre-order in our Online Shop, and will be shipped starting October 25.
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- U Win Tin: Without political dialogue the upcoming elections will be nothing. They will be a sham.
- The Life Threatening Journey of Burmese Migrants at the border town of Maesot
- Political support for Burma gets boost in Amsterdam
- Free Ashin Gambira and all political prisoners now!
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