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5 comments about Gringos In Paradise: Our Honduras Odyssey.

1. Gringos in Paradise is a hilarious, yet image provoking tale of life in a third world country. I personally lived in Puerto Rico and Mexico for many years, and as I read of the struggles this couple went through to relocate, it conjured images and memories of my own struggles. This helps to motivate those that are overwhelmed by obstacles in any setting, whether domestically or overseas, and it is heartwarming to see how the lemons were turned into lemonade during the day to day challenges this couple faced. I recommend that everybody read this if only to feel gratitude towards their life.



2. I have visited Honduras over 20 times in the past 35 years and found this book to provide meaningful insight into Honduran culture and way of life. The author and her husband approached their move to Honduras with open minds and hearts, and obviously with a perspective that cultural differences should be embraced and understood, rather than viewed as "bad" simply because they are different from the way things are done in the U.S.
   
   The book is really a series of short stories that range in time from the couple's initial decision to move to paradise (somewhere), to the decision that Honduras was the paradise they sought to their day-to-day experiences - many of which are quite funny - after the move to their new home on the Honduran coast. What made the book particularly appealing was the depth of emotion and thought that went into the couple's leaving their old life and friends, interacting with new neighbors, local workers, and even their cat, who had to endure the move from the old paradise (Hawai'i) to the new.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about visiting or moving to Honduras, as well as to anyone who wants insight as to how to approach cultural differences with an attitude of understanding and sensitivity.



3. Gringos in Paradise:Our Honduras Odyssey is a powerful book for anyone contemplating a move to another country or any other transition in life. Dr. Ashlie clearly, yet humorously, share the challenges she and her husband met in choosing to leave the country of their birth and immerse themselves into a foreign culture. The honesty in which she shares the process of her personal and spiritual growth as a result of these experiences make this a must have for every bookshelf and bedside table. Gringos...will inspire readers to take action and not let anything or anyone still your dreams.
   Rev. Oscar A. Reconco, host of the metaphysical television program:
   "INFINITE kNOWLEDGE".



4. I too bought this book and agree with CGB's review. I have visited Honduras over 25 times over the last 15 years and looked forward to a book filled with insights about my personal favorite country. Instead I got an amateurish, typo ridden and gramatically flawed book filled with insipid stories about the author's cat. Her take on local culture and the Honduran people is simple-minded at best, and patently offesive in its patronizing approach at times. Then there is her almost complete lack of comprehension of spanish (which she admits in the book) made all the worse by her attempts, nonetheless, to not only use the language (univerally incorrectly) but to translate it for her english speaking readers (equally incorrectly). God only knows what the gardener made of her completely incoherent gibberish in her spanish birthday note which she somehow manages to convince herself actually means something in english. And, of course, anyone who has spent five minutes in Honduras knows that Honduraños are the citizens of Honduras not "Honduraneos" as she consistentely calls them in her book. I feel somewhat bad in even writing this review, as I imagine that Malana is a sweet, kind person, and probably means well. But this book is so bad, so in need of an editor, and so patronizing and offensive in its take on a people and country that I love, that I couldn't refrain from this review. Read the book if you choose to, but please do not think that you know any more of Honduras or her lovely people for having done so.



5. I love cats but I didn't buy the book to read many stories about her cat. I bought it to find useable information as I am interested in living in this country and wanted more on specifics.

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5 comments about Images of Puerto Rico.

1. This stunning book reflects pure professionalism and attention to detail as well as a love and devotion to the island and people of Puerto Rico. The more than 100 photographs are magnificent. There are aerial shots of pristine, remote regions of the island and startling close-ups of both plants and wildlife. Then there are the photos of the bustling metropolis of San Juan, including the narrow streets of beautiful Old San Juan, the noteworthy architecture of Ponce, and, of course, the burgeoning tourist resorts. Last but not least are the stars of the book -- the people of Puerto Rico in their great variety of personality, background, and station in life. An added feature is a substantial amount of historical material that accompanies the photos, thereby providing virtually two books in one. Certainly this work is both an enticement to visit Puerto Rico and a happy reminder of past visits.



2. In a word, Wow! This is a superb "portrait" of this island. The photographs are absolutely stunning. But this isn't just a "postcard" view of Puerto Rico -- there's lots of coverage of the people, history, and culture, too. The author-photographer has been traveling to Puerto Rico for over three decades, and it shows both in his photographs and his extensive text, which gives a solid but concise presentation of Puerto Rico's history in a very readable way without being dry. (Kind of National Geographic style.) And the picture captions are in-depth, presenting little gems of info about the picture subject matter if you're in too much of hurry to read the whole text. I've lived in Puerto Rico, and this has the feel of an insider's view, not just someone who has breezed through the island and shot a few pictures.



3. I've been travelling to the islands of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, for over 25 years, and I have quite a collection of coffee-table books on the region. This author is a master of getting "inside" the county, the people, the culture, the history. Incredible pictures -- this man is a true artist. (The photo notes say he took over 15,000 pictures to put the book together!) The text is chock-full of info, for those who actually take the time to read this sort of book. Actually, I had not intended to read the text, but I started reading a bit here and there and ended up reading it cover-to-cover. This book covers it all -- I couldn't recommend it more highly.



4. This book was a gift from my brother for the holidays. Being a native from Puerto Rico, I believe this book is invaluable for those of us who have been raised in Puerto Rico and like many others, like Mr.Labrucherie expresses in his book chapter "Jibaro", have pursued a more progressive lifestyle in the mainland. Nowhere have I read a book about Puerto Rico, its history and culture, that illustrates the true essence of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican as this book does. The author has an amazing ability of providing insight about the Island not only for the tourist but particularly to us that have lived there and are away. In its own way an analytical review of the Island's background, the book has been written in such a way that not only you learn but mostly you navigate through the book. When you finish each chapter, you feel that you have become part of the story told. Of course, the photography is superb, taking you to the heart of the topic for an extraordinary display of the profound beauty of Puerto Rico. A real pleasure and joy to read. Thank you, Mr. Labrucherie, for making me fall in love with my Island all over again. Cheers, for a fantastic photojournalism and writing exceptional gift!



5. A great coffee table book. A good start to a quality conversation.

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2 comments about Frommer's Irreverent Guide: U.S. Virgin Islands.

1. My husband and I are moving to the U.S. Virgin Islands and could not find any books that were not geared towards all of the tourist traps and tourist sights. This guide gives you everything you need to know as a tourist and then everything else you would like to know that travel books never seem to have. This book not only tells you the great stuff but it also tells you the not so great stuff. My husband even read this book! Very insightful and very helpful.



2. After reading all the books I could find on the Virgin Islands,I have to say that I enjoyed this one the best. It gave me the information that I really wanted. My only regret is that there is not a more current edition. But that said, if you are planning a trip to the Virgin Islands this book is a must have!!!

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