Pictures: Tales of squat toilets and chopsticks! Kilkenny man launches his first book

Etaoin Holahan with author Philip Bryan in Fennelly's, Callan.
PICTURE: HARRY REID
Click NEXT for more photographs from the launch and scroll down to read more about the event.

A Kilkenny man who admits he never even read a book until eight years ago, has just published his own first book!

'Squat Toilets and Chopsticks: Experiencing Life Through Travel' is the first publication by Callan author Philip Bryan. . 

At a launch of the book in his hometown, last week, Philip said it was at the prompting of a friend that he first wrote down the stories of his travel adventures, following a trip to Israel and Palestine in 2016.

Since then, Philip has travelled to many more countries and even spent  the past eight years teaching English and PE in the city of Guiyang, in China.

Once he began the writing bug really bit Philip! He said at his  book launch that once he started making notes, in January 2017, "I found it almost therapeutic to sit and chill in a coffee shop and spend hours and hours writing." He filled three notebooks, then spent two years writing, typing up and editing his manuscript before seeking a publisher. 

It was the start of Covid and "during these few months with everything happening around the world I had actually forgot that I sent it to them!" Thankfully for Philip Austin Macauley based in London did not forget, and three months later got in touch with a contract to publish.

"It has been a long process, in which I learned so much and I will admit to you all I have loved every single second of what has been nearly eight years in the making! It has truly been an education and amazing experience."

Over the last few years Philip has travelled to Borneo, Cambodia and Jordan, America and Australia. His love of travel began watching the childhood movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks - where the characters travelled on a bed! Some of his other inspirations for traveling to amazing places came from video games and movies like Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones and Uncharted set in mysterious and exotic places.

"Everyone has a story everyone has experience that can help others. This book, I hope can help inspire others. When we start to write the story of our lives make sure nobody else is holding the pen."

At his Callan book launch, Philip was introduced by Cllr Joe Lyons. Welcoming Philip's family, friends, former CBS schoolmates and many more, he said Philip comes from one of Callan's oldest families. His grandmother, Jocie Brown was a popular lady, who went to her Eternal Reward only few years ago. Philip's father, Kevin, whose parents were Jack and Molly (née O'Keeffe), were also well known characters in Callan.

Cllr Lyons said it is a great achievement to write and produce a book on your life, a life that had its ordeals both here and the other side of the world. "It is a story of honesty and an example to us all that no matter what comes before us in life, no matter what is thrown at us, persistence and hard work will get you through."

He said Philips "never give up" attitude stood by him at the worst and best of times. It was interesting in the book to compare the stark differences of culture, customs and traditions of Ireland and China, said Joe, and the way Philip settled in to a complete new experience and settled so quickly.

'Squat Toilets and Chopsticks: Experiencing Life Through Travel' is now on sale at shops in Callan including Joe Lyons's greengrocer, SuperValu and Fennelly's. Click NEXT to see more photographs from the launch.