Heap of Bones: A Baja Surfer's Chronicle by Steve Sorensen

by Steve Sorensen

After the ruin of California’s coastline in the 20th century, ragged bands of dispirited surfers began migrating down the Baja highway in search of a lifestyle they couldn’t find north of the border anymore. In this humorous and colorful chronicle, Steve Sorensen, a surf refugee who made that journey and became a permanent resident of Mexico, describes what the expat surfers an alien landscape, a strange culture, and spectacular waves.“If you ever thought the California dream is over, then this is for you—an honest story about a group of Americanos who broke out and went looking for something better…. A fantastic and motivational book…. Sometimes I had tears from laughing.” — Mike Doyle, legendary surfer and author of Morning Glass

Genres: Memoir

Paperback

First published March 3, 2013

Reviews

[Val Wilkerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got some good laughs, and learned a few things from this book. I also live in San Jose del Cabo, have South Dakota Plates and can add that this is a very true look at living in baja. I think I know the woman who taught Claudia paper machete, Jane right? You learned from the best, plus I believe you had an article in the local paper about your fish. I highly recommend this to anyone considering moving to Mexico. I too love it here.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author helped Mike Doyle write "Morning Glass", a good start for anyone interested in the glory days of surfing as California surfers began testing their skills in the serious waters of Hawaii. The author cut his teeth as a regular columnist for "The Reader", a local weekly in San Diego. His description of the regulars, who have left the crowds of California for the Cape area of Baja Sur, has a fly on the wall quality that makes it a fun read. His home at the Cape is a far cry from my outpost in Baja Sur to the north, with a single battery and solar panel. Perhaps that is why he is able to live in this very tropical and sun drenched part of the world for the majority of the year. He seems to have a good heart and some sympathy for the locals, who are being crowded out by the lavish estates of ex pats. Nothing remains the same, even as we all try to find a little solitude and beauty in the places close to the sea.

[RICHARD B. WEBSTER · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Morning Glass which perked my interest in Baja, Mexico. I enjoyed both books. I personally started surfing in Southern California in 1956 on a large balsa board. In 1959 I moved to Hawaii and surfed for 20 years. I could easily relate to the people in both books. As the books state, nothing stays the same and I found in 1983 Hawaii becoming much too crowded and expensive. I now live near a lake in the foothills of the NC mountains. This too will change, but right now it is ideal.

[John McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I have always had a fascination with Baja and surfing, This book will take you there. I think the book has a good message, Mexico and it's people are generally warm and friendly.