How to Be a Carioca

By Priscilla Ann Goslin and Carlos Carneiro

Book Overview

An international bestseller since 1992, this is a humorous look at what makes up one of the world's most colorful characters: the Carioca--those charming inhabitants of Rio de Janeiro, written by a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 8585556013
• ISBN13: 9788585556013
• Release Date: June 1992
• Publisher: Livros TwoCan
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 4.60 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Where is my sunga?

Let me begin by stating that this is one of the funniest travel books I have ever read. Also let me say that this is one of the most useful travel books I have ever read. Forget Lonely Planet and Rough Guide, go straight for this classic and then talk your way around Rio in confident Carioca slang. True, this book is not going to tell you anything about Sugar Loaf, or where to find a cheap hostel and place to eat, but it is going to give you the tools to go out there and strike up a conversation with the locals. While in some cases the book seems a little out-dated (it was published in 1991 when inflation of the now defunct Cruzeiro could easy run at 1000% per year), that is only a minor distraction from the wealth of knowledge available on almost every page. From explanations of how to spend your day at the beach like a Carioca (rather than as a gringo or Paulistano), to tips on how to meet new friends at the local bar, this book is fantastic. As a tourist in Rio you will find this book a fun read in addition to your other travel guides. As someone planning to live in Rio (especially Zona Sul) for any significant period of time, you will find this book extremely handy.

The survival tool kit for every gringos

This book is great because it is funny and not near to the reality: it IS the reality of Rio's way of life. French leaving in Germany, my first trip to Rio (and Brazil). My Girlfriend (Carioca) gave me that book: in 3 weeks in Rio I encountered 90% of the situations discribed. The slang is also to 90% up to date. Sum up: a Must!

Amazingly funny Cult guide for gringos as well as brazilians

Very funny situations are described in short anecdotes and one-liners. After you have been in Rio for a while you will recognise many of the habits and social codes laid out in this book. Actually because of the popularity there is even a special edition in Portuguese (I believe the cover is green instead of red) A must buy for your self and a great gift for fellow Brazil/Rio crazed mortals.

An essencial book for non-cariocas and for cariocas as well

This book is absolutely useful either for non-cariocas, or for cariocas. I am a true Carioca (I was born in Rio and I've lived here for all my life) and I always give this book to my foreigners friends when they come to Rio. It's an excelent helping tool for visitors in order to help them to understand the carioca way of life! Also, it's quite pure fun!

The best Culture/Survival guide to Rio de Janeiro

This book is one of the best books for anyone that will move or spend some time in Rio de Janeiro, it explains the real Carioca (people born in Rio de Janeiro) lifestile, even though it is very funny, almost everything in this book is perfect true. The behavior on the beach is perfectly described. A lot of fun.