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Summary: Outsiders become the Insiders
Review: Tessa Borner has given the reader a thorough and important review of all of the potholes, i.e. pitfalls that one can encounter when moving to Costa Rica to start a business. It is not only about starting a business. It is about understanding another culture from the inside out and graciously adapting to the cultural norms both professionally and personally. She does this with a true interest in the Costan Rican people with whom she has developed a great appreciation.Tessa and Martin's adaptation has not been easy. This book is to spare us aggravation and time by spelling out in detail how to conduct business without getting snagged by culturally intrinsic rules - often invisible to the outsider. The reader learns from the process they went through - all the "potholes" that one would not expect or even look for. Tessa has an eye for and interest in detail, and it is a joy to see Costa Rica interpreted through the eyes of an astute cultural observer with a fascination for all the little cultural innuendos. This ability is why she is running one of the most successful and elegant Bed and Breakfasts in Costa Rica. I have been to Posada Mimosa, and it is close to paradise because the Martins remove all of the "potholes" from your stay.
Rating: 
Summary: Potholes to Paradise - a useful resourse
Review: Tessa's book is a valuable guide for anyone considering living in Costa Rica. It is very easy to read and contains valuable information and facts about the country as well as interesting stories of the Borner's experiences and those of their friends. Tessa will save you time and trouble if you follow her advise. She has done the work for you!
Rating:
Summary: Potholes to Paradise
Review: Tessa's book is upbeat and fun, beginning with the perfect title.
Reading is quick, easy, and entertaining. Her book brings a refreshing and much needed "tell it like it is" approach to living in Costa Rica, compared to other Costa Rica "retirement guides". Her advise is invaluable.
Rating: 
Summary: Save Your Money
Review: The authors can't be serious! I really didn't get any benefit from this book. I just moved to Costa Rica and didn't learn much from it. It just doesn't contain enough info. for the potential resident. I read other books on the subject and prefer "The New Golden Door" and "Choose Costa Rica." The authors of these guides really seem to know the scoop.
Rating:
Summary: Save Your Money
Review: The authors can't be serious! I really didn't get any benefit from this book. I just moved to Costa Rica and didn't learn much from it. It just doesn't contain enough info. for the potential resident. I read other books on the subject and prefer "The New Golden Door" and "Choose Costa Rica." The authors of these guides really seem to know the scoop.
Rating:
Summary: I concur with the readers who gave it the same low rating
Review: The table of contents makes this book seem more complete than it really is. The last forty pages are a diary, thus reducing the useful content to only 130 pages. The book constantly plugs the author's bead & breafast business. Furthermore, the whole book seems to designed for Canadians rather than people from the U.S.
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Summary: Review of Potholes
Review: Things seem to have changed since this book was written. There is some good info., but I was amazed how much isn`t accurate. There are also some disparaging remarks made about the Costa Ricans which are far too subjective. The author must have had some bad experiences.
Rating: 
Summary: Okay, but could be better written
Review: This book is interesting, but not as well written as I would have thought--it's rough, like the collection of newsletters that it's composed of. Also the author seems a bit condescending towards the local people (although maybe that's what the "inside story" is all about). Most of all, don't use this book as a travel reference--the author's advice is very sparse and much better info can be found in travel guides.
Rating:
Summary: Just another book on the same subject
Review: This guide has some valuable material for the potential resident. Basically it rehashes the same subjects already covered in previous guidebooks about living in Costa Rica. The country is very popular as an expat haven and there have already been five books wirtten on the subject. All have something to offer but some are much better than others. The intentions of the author are good but I feel she is wearing out the subject.
Rating:
Summary: Not as Complete as I Thought
Review: This guide seems to be pieced together and far too subjective rather than factual. I also found it to be incomplete in several key areas about living here in Costa Rica. My husband and I prefer some of the other guides on the same subject.
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