Wow -- I did not realize he has written 45 books. Theroux is a favorite of mine, but I have only read five of his travel books and eight novels.
The Great Railway Bazaar started a long-term interest in travel for me. I identify with him -- he seems like me. Not a breathtaking stylist or a renowned expert, but he has a great eye for detail and a knack for strange incidents.
In fact, if I could choose any life, it would probably be writing travel books like Theroux. (If he could go some of those places, why not me?) He inspired me to experiment with writing travel journals, which are exhausting but result in a very different vacation experience. In his previous travel book on Arfica, Theroux went to remote parts of Sudan and loved it, even though most Westerners run screaming from the idea.
For anyone who hasn't read him, here's a link to the page on his personal site:
http://www.paultheroux.com/books/book-115.html