How to Be a Carioca [Paperback]

Priscilla Ann Goslin (Illustrator), Carlos Carneiro (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Livros TwoCan; 27 edition (June 12, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 8585556013
• ISBN-13: 978-8585556013
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #478,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious, BUT Don't take it all too seriously, April 21, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Be a Carioca (Paperback)

Let me begin by saying that this book is just hilarious. The content as well as the way it is written make it a pleasure to read. Hence, I would recommend it for that purpose. However, this is, by no means, a guide to Rio. It is a hyperboly, grossly exaggerating and stereotyping many facets of the residents of Rio. As another reviewer correctly pointed out, How to be a Carioca, only applies to about 5% of Rio. There is nothing wrong with staying within this 5%, which steches from Copacobana to Barra, but should you venture inland, be prepared for a stark contrast. A really anoying aspect of this book is that even though it was printed recently, it hasn't been updated in a while. The chapter on money stopped being relevant in 1994 when Brazil implemented Plano Real, hence ending the rampant inflation. Another thing that I didn't like was the book's light-hearted treatment of crime. Rio's crime and violence is a serious problem that even the Cariocas do not find funny. If you have been to, are going to, or are just curious about Rio, I would recommend this book, but only as a source of a few good laughs and not as a guidebook.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly funny Cult guide for gringos as well as brazilians, November 5, 1999

By 

Hans Blankenburgh ([e-mail]) (Leiden, Holland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Be a Carioca (Paperback)

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.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The survival tool kit for every gringos, June 26, 2000

By 

Éric Savary (Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Be a Carioca (Paperback)

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!