Customer Reviews

Passport Brazil (Passport to World)

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This book is a great help in deciphering Brazilian customs and subtle cues. I would also recommend "A History of Brazil" and "The Brazilian Sound: Samba, Bossa Nova and the Popular Music of Brazil" as essential works that also give vital background.

Culture shock is sometimes taken for granted, however to be cosmopolitan, is to have experienced a culture shock and being able to fully utilize it to your own benefit. Brazil is one of these places in the world were the unwritten rules are as important as the air you breath, if you intend to successfuly journey through this country, it is imperative that you learn about the culture, the history and the economy. Yet the most precious commodity you can come accross, is a friend... Because doors will be open to you in ways you've not yet experienced before. This book is a friend.

It is very small and quick to read. However, it was amazing how much quality information the author could pack into such a small space. She lived 18 years in Brazil, and as a Brazilian reading the book, I can tell she knows what she was talking about. It was also curious for me to learn about things that I always took for granted, or that I thought were specific to my personality rather than from the culture. Unfortunately it is out of print as of this writing (Dec 2003). I hope it gets reprinted soon.