Cullen Thomas: Guestbook

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Name: Indonesia-1
From: Indonesia
Added: July 15, 2010

Saw you at NGC Asia, a few minutes ago. Yes, your memoir, your decision and what you have experienced., will make you stronger and appreciate life. Kind of your way, good luck my friends!

Name: gerard
From: Boston
Added: June 6, 2010

Hey going to read you book!
i hope you were falsly accused
because the excuse of youth doesnt fly with me
and i will hate it and you!
I was that age with muling anything
best wishes
gerard

Name: Edu
From: Seattle
Added: May 21, 2010

Hello Cullen,

Amazing book. I've wanted to read it for years, and I finally was able to get my hands on it. Glad that I was able to share your experience. Very inspiring.

Edu

Name: Gerald
From: Colonia del Sacramento, Urugua
Added: May 6, 2010

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Name: dvorders
From: Tokyo, Japan
Added: March 15, 2010

I read the book while teaching English in Seoul. It was great and I am glad to say this is one book I wasn't mad about having to pay some extra Won for because of shipping it overseas.

Name: English Mom
Added: February 6, 2010

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Name: Ashley
From: Scranton, PA
Added: January 18, 2010

Hello. I saw the show of course. I was glued to my seat the entire time. I loved the way you told the story..... your words were perfect. The footage of you coming home had tears in my eyes. I hope the best for you and your family! and Rockett! Thank You for telling your story.

Name: Erica
From: Austin, TX
Added: January 16, 2010

Saw your story on Locked up Abroad...curious what happend to rocket!!

Name: Mads from denmark
From: vallensbaek, denmark
Added: January 7, 2010

Cullen, saw the documentary you have made, about your visit in Korea. very touched by the story you told - and I have to read your book. I was mesmerized by your telling. The book didn't by any chance got published in danish, did it?

sincerely

Name: will
From: vancouver
Added: December 9, 2009

Great Book! Made me appreciate the simple pleasures of life alot more.

Name: dongmin kim
From: south korea
Added: November 30, 2009

컬린 토마스씨,

I am one of the readers south korea about your book(나는 한국에서 어른이 되었다

I feel very well like this, try to look for your homepage.

Clear your emotional energy in life
Once again, thank you.

I feel the desire to
Someone to help you leave the article about,

Name: faisal
From: india
Website: http://www.faisallatif.co.nr
Added: October 1, 2009

cullen congrats brother but tell me one thing where is rocket what about her?

Name: Dominic Maloney
From: Missouri
Added: September 22, 2009

Cullen-

Just watched the National Geographic special on your prison time in South Korea. Congrats on only spending three and a half years in jail. One thing is bothering me though, whatever happened to Rocket?? Are you guys still together?? Did she spend any time in jail??

Thanks in advance!!

Name: Carrie
From: Austin, TX
Added: September 5, 2009

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Name: Brent
From: S. Korea
Added: July 14, 2009

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Name: Aryf
From: Los Angeles
Added: June 30, 2009

Dear Cullen.
Like others' postings here, I have likewise just finished BOC. What an amazing, honest memoir (though it's been called that many times).

Of course, the book was finished years ago and your experiences related in it happened over a decade ago, but to the reader who just finished reading it, it's like it happened just earlier that same day.

Thank You for sharing with us and showing us what a triumph you have made of everything.

Aryf

Name: CC
From: Jersey City, NJ
Added: June 6, 2009

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Name: Deirdre Murray
From: Victoria, B.C., Canada
Added: May 15, 2009

Wow. I am moved by this memoir. I devour non-fiction and love a good, tragic and inspiring tale.......yours is right up there. I find myself wondering just where that inner jam comes from. It is our ability to survive life and do it with dignity that is so significant.

I plan to re-read your gripping and wonderful story and hope to glean something to kick my own ass through the final stages of accepting my own private imprisonment- if that makes any sense.

I look forward to reading more of your words.

Kudos.

Sincerely, Deirdre Murray.

Name: Woody
From: Newport News, VA
Added: April 29, 2009

Dear Cullen,
I am sorry not to have written to you about Sailor Girl from World Hum sooner.It was a neat article about spending a short time aboard the State of Maine and Santa Cruz. The events of the sick or injured at sick bay reminded me of "Mr. Robert's" of ailments real or imagined sailors get aboard ship. The shore leave in Santa Cruz must have been a change of pace and scenery among the plazas of gently swaying palms.
Sorry about your scorching day on the top deck playing sports and "Horse." I haven't played that in years... I wouldn't do it now for the same reason.It is a different life confined aboard a steel hulled cargo vessel on the open sea with a port of call every so often to change life and stretch into something different.
Brother One Cell is an outstanding narrative coming of age rarely witnessed by Americans. I look forward to your next saga of life.
Sincerely,
Woody

Name: Donal Cuddy
From: Dublin, Ireland
Added: March 12, 2009

After reading your book I admire the strenght of will you showed to survive your time in prison. I was struck by your story and recently watched the show banged up abroad featuring you. Congratulations on enduring your ordeal and gaining a new lease of life from it.
Regards, Donal

Name: Eugenia Kim
From: Washington DC
Added: February 25, 2009

Dear Mr. Thomas,

I just finished reading your book, and because of the intimacy and sensitivity of your writing and your story, I feel compelled to write to tell you my admiration for BROTHER ONE CELL. Among the obvious big lessons that you convey, there are so many little truths that rise out of your story and out of your writing, and those—along with the obvious hard work you put into this book and your vivid and creative metaphors—rewarded me throughout. There is an urgency and immediacy in your writing that held me, and made me carry this awkward hardcover even on the crowded bus, elbowing others in order to keep turning pages. Your research into the material is impressive and seamless, and while I found your Anglicized Hangul awkward at times, the integration of it worked well and was important.

In the very center of your book was when I first folded down a corner of one of its pages to mark a passage that struck me especially. And now I see all the corners I’ve folded after that and blame you for making me ruin this book for passing along to others, though you may be sure I’ll tell them to read it. At the top of Chapter 22, the passage about a collection of moments seemed to me such an apt description of how you’d structured your story, and how perfect it was to notice it at that moment in the telling of your story, and how succinctly writteb. You write without sentimentality (plus warts and all), though there is much sentiment in the writing and much sympathy for the characters, and that is a very fine and difficult balance to achieve.

Part of what I connected to in this book is your ability to convey in Western terms so much of what it is about being Korean, along with universal truths about being simply human and showing clearly how those considered the bottom rungs of society are also us. It was a dear friend and somewhat-relation who gave me this book two Christmases ago. She spent several years in Korea in the late 1950-60s, and I am American-born Korean, so we share an interest in reading about folks who find themselves planted in other cultures. I tease her how I’m always on the lookout for books about white women in Asia or Africa, and she returns the favor with anything fiction or memoir in English about Korea. I come away from your book thinking that the story and lessons of BROTHER ONE CELL about finding one’s own identity through another culture is a journey that has taken me more than five decades to absorb. So I’m moved by your book, and applaud you on the excellent writing of it. If you have a notification list, please add me to it, as I hope to hear how it's received in Korea, and am interested in your future writings. This book's organic wholeness brings together so many opposing and extreme forces you raise in the story, emotional, physical, conditional, familial, cultural, that it does achieve as much an elusive and beautiful balance as does the taeguk of the Korean flag. Congratulations.

And thank you for having this guestbook (how very Korean of you to call it that) so I could vent my admiration.

Name: Douglas
From: Eugene, Oregon
Added: January 29, 2009

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Name: Christopher Harris
From: Austin, TX
Added: January 25, 2009

Thanks for sharing your story. Although horrific by some standards I was thoroughly impressed by your spirit and ability to come away with a greater sense of what's important to you. I didn't realize until just a few minutes ago you had written a book. I'm planning on picking it up this week.

Name: Craig Zimmerman
From: NYC
Added: January 22, 2009

Hey Cullen. I just bought your book on Amazon. Rob Leo told me about it. I am looking forward to reading it man. I remember hanging out with you once somewhere and discussing it with you. I can't remember where though at all but I think it was a good time. What up!

Name: darwin zabala
From: colombia
Added: January 18, 2009

hi boy,l guess you still remember me....l havent read your book yet,l dont think l need either..but l feel really glad to know you had found your "way".... l did find mine also,lm really happy,and l hope you are happy too.
l remember our conversations through the windows,lthink we learn a lot one of each other,and l thanks life for that...l hope you read this and send me a greeting....billy...

Name: terri mckee
From: canada
Added: January 4, 2009

Dear Cullen, I have just finished reading your book and wanted to tell you how much your fantastic story has moved me. What a way with words you have! Because this story truly touched me I feel that I have also learned some lessons from your experience in that Korean jail. I hope you are doing well and thank you for sharing this story. Regards mrs. t. mckee

Name: Jenna Jenkins
From: Ohio
Added: December 29, 2008

Wow..what a story...and he happens to be ridiculously cute too =)

Name: Linda Costelo
From: Massachusetts
Added: December 28, 2008

Cullen,
I teach at-risk youth at an alternative program Massachusetts. Last summer during our extended school year program, I showed my students your segment on Locked Up Abroad. Every single one of the kids were absolutely mesmerized by your story. It was heart breaking to watch. I just ordered a copy of your book on your experiences in Korea and look forward to reading it over Christmas break. Thanks for sharing your story.
Linda Costello

Name: Joshua Williams
From: St. Louis
Added: December 24, 2008

Cullen, I just finished reading Brother One Cell. My parents were missionaries in South Korea and I lived there from 1996-2001. If that's not interesting enough, where you went in the Philippines was where I was born! Before Korea, my parents were in the Philippines.

I just wanted you to know how much your book affected me. I was just as foolish as you were. If it wasn't alcohol, it was marijuana smoking on the US Embassy. How I managed to survive without an experience as dramatic as yours is beyond me.

I'm glad I had the chance to read your book, well worth my money and even more worth my time.

Thanks

Name: bin KIM
From: Korea
Website: http://www.cyworld.com/binkly
Added: December 21, 2008

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Name: DOHEE, KIM
From: KOREA(living in Sydney now)
Website: http://www.facebook.com (chocowine4u@hotmail.com)
Added: December 13, 2008

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Name: Philip
From: Atlanta
Added: December 12, 2008

You've come a long way...I always knew you would be the writer that you are.

Name: Rob aka Tim
From: Syracuse, NY
Added: November 26, 2008

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Name: Kathy Booth
From: Australia
Added: November 19, 2008

Thank you for sharing the country Korea with me. Have not quite finished reading your book but am still waiting for the growing up bit to come. Have enjoyed the culture tour. Good luck with your next book.
Kathy

Name: Nathaniel 0F8z5tNcN0a
From: Love thias website
Website: http://1234568.pou.warszawa.pl
Added: September 28, 2008

I was looking your website and I can say it is perfect is also good.

Name: Celia
From: New York
Added: September 13, 2008

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Name: Samuel Kim
From: So. Cal
Added: August 25, 2008

Hi Cullen,

I just finished reading Brother One Cell.
I am a Korean-American. It has always been interesting to me to find out what's on the mind of a foreigner when he encounters something uniquely Korean. This book did not disappoint.

Thank you!

Name: Mayra
From: California
Website: http://www.myspace.com/Disarming83
Added: August 21, 2008

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Name: Scott
From: California, United States
Added: August 20, 2008

Cullen,

I just watched the National Geographic "Locked Abroad" episode featuring your story and I have to say that you seem to be a truly articulate and intelligent person, and I'm glad you were able to get out of there in 3 1/2 years instead of 7-10. I wish you the best of luck with your novels and in your future endeavors.

-Scott M.

Name: Ray Normandin
From: Irvine, California
Website: http://raynormandin.com
Added: August 20, 2008

Cullen,
My wife and I just finished watching the documentary on the National Geographic channel. I must say that your honesty and courage was inspiring. One can only imagine the turmoil you must have felt. I hope that your story will help many to make smart and good choices. I have done many things in my life that I wished i didn't...But as you essentially did...you used your time wisely and made a necessary change that made you a better man. I take my hat off to you and I wish you well.

P.S. I am a film maker and if you don't already have something in the works. I would be honored to talk to you about it...I have Christian owned Production company that makes secular films that make a difference. We love to produce true stories that inspire. God Bless you and your family,

Warm regards,

Ray Normandin
Revere Entertainment

Name: Kathryn Berck
From: Everywhere
Added: August 19, 2008

Dear Cullen: I have often thought about you, and wondered how you were faring. Your book was discovered first by one of my ex-junior officers who used to visit you, and word went out. Now all of us who knew you have copies. I ran across the NG documentary last night purely by chance, and was again delighted to see you doing so well. I still think of you often, and fondly. But then, of course, your mother was right.

PS - I am NOT big-boned!

Name: Search engine placement
From: Indiana
Website: http://www.seo-searchengineplacement.com
Added: August 19, 2008

Just so the documentary on TV. Man they are wicked over there.

Name: Connie
From: rochester, NY
Added: July 24, 2008

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Name: C
Added: July 22, 2008

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Name: shilpa dhawan
From: USA
Added: July 12, 2008

Cullen, I just finished reading your book a few minutes ago. What can i say other than, what an inspiration you are. I admire your honesty and expression of your trueself from the beginning to the end of the book. You have truely confirmed that with the right mind set and attitude one can conquer the greatest fears. I draw strength, knowledge and wisdom from your story which has inspired me in every sense. I thank you for sharing your story which is a testimony of inspiration to us all. I wish you continued success and I know God has wonderful things planned for you. I am looking forward to reading your next book.
Best Wishes
Shilpa

Name: Hannah
From: England
Added: July 2, 2008

Hey,

Just finished Brother One Cell (in tears!) and wanted to say thank you for sharing your experiences. I am teaching in South Korea at the moment, and was absolutely fascinated throughout...incredibly thought-provoking.

Name: Tammy
From: Colorado
Added: July 1, 2008

I watched your story on National Geo and was saddened to see you sink lower and lower as you obviously had intelligence and gifts to offer. I was impressed how you took responsibility for what happened and how you allowed the experience not to define you in a bitter, defeated way. I'm convinced every experience good and bad allows us to grow and this is what happened with you. You said on the program that your father "was a decent man". You too are a decent man. God Bless.

Name: Ann Battista
From: Boston
Added: July 1, 2008

Cullen,

I saw your story on National Geographic last night. Although I was reading at the time, I couldn't walk away from the tv. Your story was amazing and my heart sank as I watched you get further and further into your own "demise". Congratulations on coming out of the ordeal with a difficult lesson learned and for being better because of it and allowing us all to be better because of it.

Thanks!

Name: Julie
From: New York, NY
Website: http://www.madebyjulie.com
Added: July 1, 2008

Just saw the excellent National Geographic show about your ordeal. Looking forward to reading the book. Congratulations on coming out of that situation and doing great things with your life. I was wondering how you picked up yoga and meditation in prison. Was it from books, other prisoners? (I'm guessing that's all in your book!)

Name: Lauren Pace
From: Austin, TX
Added: June 30, 2008

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