Book Reviews by an Experienced Expat

CultureShock! Costa Rica by Clarie Wallerstein is a refreshingly informative analysis of the history, customs, and culture of Costa Rica. While it covers much of the basic history that is repeated by relocation guides, it connects historical events to its social implications. The approach reveals in detail the “idiosincrasia” that is uniquely Costa Rican. For […]

A visually exciting work of photography and no nonsense travel writing, Costa Rica: The Complete Guide is quite possibly the best guide on the market for eco-tourism in Costa Rica. Produced independently by James Kaiser the book is printed on high quality stock paper and puts to shame anything that cartels such as Lonely Planet, […]

Written by six year expats Fred and Mary from Texas, How to Live in Costa Rica On $1500.00 a Month is a primer for anyone on a fixed income, considering relocation and living in Costa Rica. In the first chapter Fred explains their move in 2005, and the reasons why retirement in Dallas, Texas would have […]

Written by a Canadian author, who is an expert in escaping the cold weather for half the year, So, You Want to Move to Costa Rica? is an excellent introduction to the concept of living in Costa Rica on a part time basis. This isn’t a book on how to relocate, pack all your earthly […]

Although it may take a while to learn the pronunciation, this Spanish language guide by Chris Howard is designed to teach you to speak Spanish like a Tico. The book starts with a quick explanation of how to pronounce common constants and vowels in Spanish. It then moves into basic, “survival” Spanish phrases that you […]