I have become an English language book whore. It was a making of my own as I never seem to bring enough back with me.
I find, after years of living in Rio de Janeiro, that I will essentially read any book in English that I can get my hands on. It's horrible. I've actually felt shame over some books and discovered a guilty pleasure with others that I never would normally have read.
One of the worst books I've read was 'If the Buddha Married'. It just wasn't my cup of tea. I'm sure others have found it helpful or insightful but, in all honesty, I'm about as Zen as a crack addict. I can't help it. I run on spit and vinegar. I'm happy. I play around and tease. But I'm not Zen.
Once, I actually got so desperate for a book that I started re-reading an old one from a religion class I took in college. Just so you know, 'Who Wrote the Bible' is a very interesting book but does not make a good free-time read.
What about bookstores? Out of principal, I won't buy English books at bookstores in Rio de Janeiro. I can't stand the cost! It's a crime to charge R$40 for a paperback! Don't even get me started on the R$24 for a fashion magazine.
I finally broke down and started ordering from Amazon. It's not that expensive and the shipping is fair. I had resisted for so long in hopes that I'd finally pick up a book in Portuguese and expand my Portuguese mind.
It never happened. I found myself searching through books people were selling on the streets. Occasionally you do find English. They almost always have Fabio on the cover. Even a book whore has her limits.
Yikes - I wrote a whole big thing and the computer swallowed it... second try.
ReplyDeleteSo anyway - I have been forever frustrated that all you can find in English are trashy airport novels in paperback for $R25 (shelved in the "American literature" section of the store!
I am one to trade books with other ex-pats. So if you are interested let me know. We could meet up at a barzinho or something. But I must warn you that I have very few fashion or hip mommy titles. But maybe something you would like.
Let me know.
Would love to! I have some books I've already read too. We should figure something out
ReplyDeleteOne of my big concerns about living in Rio (btw the visa process is finally under way...yay!) is books in English for my 2 year old. Can one order kid books in English from amazon and have them shipped directly to Rio? Or do they have to be sent to a US address and then someone sends them to us in Rio?
ReplyDeleteAnd are there libraries with books in English (for kids preferably) in Rio? I'm afraid this might be wishful thinking, but I thought I'd ask anyway...
Jean, if you maintain a credit card with an American billing address you can order books from Amazon (and other stuff from other US sites). I have one at my mom's address in Florida.
ReplyDeleteThey will ship directly and there will be no additional duty charges. And you can use the Amazon used books vendors as well - no problem.
Libraries are not known for their English titles. After all - how many Portuguese tiles can you find at your local library?
Jim, that's great news! I'm happy that I'll be able to order books for my little one as well as other things like toys (I hope?) and stuff from other sites. I order online almost weekly! So I'm really happy to hear this.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right. Not many Portuguese titles in Houston, Texas! I guess that's what amazon, school, and trips back to the US will be for ;-)
Thais said, not Dr. Marcus (LOL). I have the 2 last Harry Potters, all the Twilights, a Danielle Steel, which really sucks, the latest Dan Brown, 3 Marion Zimmer Bradleys, I might have more in Rio, but not sure. They are all very very mainstream, but easy reading and entertaining. I don't know if you're looking for cult titles, but if you want any of those, just say the words. Amazon will deliver books, but some things they just don't ship internationally. And I've been able to buy it with a Brazilian credit card, with a brazilian billing address.
ReplyDeleteBe careful. PRINT materials have no duty. But other itens have a 60% tax. That is why we ask our friends to bring things for us.
ReplyDeleteKeep asking specific questions to your shipping agent.
Thais said, again. I also have The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. BTW, who's Fabio?
ReplyDeleteWho is our new friend Dr. Marcus? Hey buddy - talk to us. What is your deal?
ReplyDeleteBe truthful.
Fabio is a male romance cover model. That's all he's done, right?
ReplyDeleteDr. Marcus is Thais' husband. But Marcus doesn't speak English, so I thought. What's going on here people!
Feel the love -- just feel the love...
ReplyDeleteWhen we finally hook-up I have several books for you (my songra is a book Editor here and gives me lots of English titles). Some are good, others crap, but like you said, you take what you can get your hands on!
ReplyDeleteWe had a flood in our apartment when we first arrived...the water landed directly on the books. My husband had no idea the depth of my grieving
ReplyDeleteI have spent most of my time in Sao Paulo where expats share/sell books for charity each month at the Newcomers meetings and the British Council has a very good library and several bookclubs. There are also some great used bookshops with English titles. All of that involves some luck, and traffic so this year I bought a kindle. I thought I would crave the paper and hate it...but instead I fell in love, love, LOVE. Books downloaded for free or at significantly reduced rates, no paper wasted and I can read to my hearts content as I wait (and wait and wait) for doctors, in laws or appointments. Oh and you know when you read in bed and the book gets heavy...never again. I would HIGHLY recommend them for anyone coming to Brazil. I also reccomend a good cover/case to reduce the "electronic" look or profile so that appears more like a planner for safety purposes. You can also use it to check your e-mail when you are without internet.
Happy Reading
I'm hoping for a Kindle for Christmas! Part of me feels like a sell out but oh well. Reading is reading. I got used to internet over magazines, I can do a kindle over books... I hope
ReplyDeleteI also buy books from Amazon with my Brazilian CC and send it straight here.
ReplyDeleteRachel we must meet - I am planning to have a book exchange at my place in a few weeks. So far that is as far as it has gotten! Jean, unfortunately you can't bring in toys via amazon here.
ReplyDeleteDRL - thanks for the info. What a bummer. Because as I'm sure mommies know, it's hard to predict what toys their child will be into next, so it's hard to "buy ahead" with toys before we move to Rio. I refuse to buy imported toys at astronomical prices in Rio!
ReplyDeleteSo how can we get big bulky toys into Rio (like play kitchens, tricycles, kiddie tables/chairs, wagons, play strollers, etc.) since they won't fit in luggage and can't be ordered online?
Sorry to digress off the books topic but toys are more important to me (and my little one) at the moment. And unfortunately I don't make time for myself to read anymore unless it's on the internet. Sigh...
Ah I'm so far behind on this post. Books books books, I need em I love em! Can we really arrange for this book exchange? It would be fantastic.....
ReplyDeleteLove the book exchange idea! You are welcome to check out my kindle anytime as we are bouncing between Rio and SP these days.
ReplyDeleteJean- two words. if you want those large items at good prices the easiest option is a shipping container when you first arrive. It is hard to know what kids will devour next but there are some good guides and resources for classic toys to grow on or use at multiple developmental stages. Some people I know in Sao Paulo host an ex-pat kid-stuff bazaar every few months. That can be a great resource for items that kids move past quickly. If it does not already happen here in Rio you might want to consider starting one.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in your planning!
Jean, you'd be surprised at what you can fit into a suitcase. What you can't fit, leave in the box and pay the extra luggage fee. It's worth it!
ReplyDeleteDLR, I would love to!
Jean, my apologies to imply you must have a shipping container- I never did and sometimes fantasize. I think most everyone living here has an advanced degree in packing. I use every last ounce of my 70 pounds each and every time. I met a few people who turned down a shipping container...and if that is an option I would take advantage. It is also a fabulous chance to bring down things to help a non-profit group.
ReplyDeleteIf I could afford a container I'd get one! Hell, I'd get two! I'd have to buy a second apartment to fit all the random stuff I'd bring. Oh, the amounts of ziplock baggies I'd have then!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice all, thanks. We are planning to ship a container, so I'm going to pack that thing with as much as I can. And I'll pay the extra luggage to bring boxed toys back to Rio every time I make a trip to the US.
ReplyDeleteSarah - good tip about an expat kid bazaar. Will definitely think about it. Might also be a good way to exchange kiddie clothes that have been outgrown.
Isn't moving such a joy? Especially with a little one! ;-)
Dr. Marcus is Rachel's lover's pseudonym. She likes him to dress white and make very thorough physicals...
ReplyDeleteNo, that was just me using my husband's account to talk shit. Damm, should have used that one for the pilot comment...
My parents actually brought a princess bed for my kid last time. We also brought bouncers and Fisher Price's Potty. We've brought lamps, paintings, name it, we brought it. Never paid extra luggage fees...
Come on Thais, my lover's pseudonym would be Big John ;)
ReplyDeleteYeah, well that's TMI for me, I wouldn't know. Kinda relieved it's not Dr. Marcus though... LOL
ReplyDeletewhat am I saying, it was my stupid joke....
Lol. I thought it was funny.
ReplyDeleteBut come on guys. 27 comments on this post! You are making me feel too special!