Radical Sabbatical

by Glen Tibaldeo, Laura Berger

In this real-life comedic memoir, Laura Berger and Glen Tibaldeo expose the blessings and ironic struggles of ditching their cut-throat corporate jobs for life in a tranquil jungle paradise. Following the spirit and encouragement of friends met on a desperately needed vacation two years earlier, they leave their Chicago home with eleven suitcases, two laptops, and two cats to land in Pair-o-Dice Village, the scene of their big life gamble.
Surprisingly intense life changes immediately prompt a slew of rarely contemplated questions. Could you:

• Completely change your sources of happiness?
• Set a boa constrictor free in your house to eat the bats?
• Drink mystery potions from a shaman?
• Brave cliff sides when you’re deathly afraid of heights?
• Make friends with your pesky inner voice at all costs?

In Radical Sabbatical: A Hilarious Journey from a Stifling Rut to a Life without Boundaries (September 2013 / $16.99 / Berdéo LLC), join a journey of laughter as Laura and Glen pick apart the foibles in all of us. Find yourself rooting for a couple in a life adventure, at the brink of losing everything they have to get everything they’ve ever wanted. From random wildlife dropping from the sky and battles with vipers to culture clashes and visits with shamans, Radical Sabbatical captures the thrills

Genres: Travel

350 pages, Paperback

First published September 23, 2013

Reviews

[Carrie Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read that Costa Rica is the happiest country on earth according to the happy planet index and having read Glen and Laura's book, I understand why. Their account reveals how Costa Ricans care about pura vida, living life without the "shoulds," and appreciating how you are abundantly blessed. The tone of their story is honest and humorous leaving themselves vulnerable to their readers who can laugh and groan along with their bumps in the muddy, hilly Costa Rican road. This book tells a courageous story that is inspirational for us dreamers. Carpe diem!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book through the Good Reads First Reads program.

A Chicago couple tries out life in Costa Rica to see if they can make it work for the long term, but they run into a multitude of difficulties from the start. Everything from having clean, running water in their house to keeping vehicles running on the terrible roads is an enormous challenge, and trying to maintain their Costa Rican life to their United States standards nearly does them in. It was a fun read, and I enjoyed seeing what challenge would pop up next and how they would face it.

[Anna Fishel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am reading it because I live in "Pair-of-Dice" village and was curious to hear their story. The book is entertaining and speaks to the uniqueness of life in the jungle ten years ago. The three star rating is primarily because it reads more like casual blog than a book and would have benefited from an editor. I doubt I would have finished it except for the fact that it is about the village that I call home.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just found out that I won this book! Can't wait to start reading it once it arrives by mail. UPDATE: Read the book, what a good and light read! If you ever get your hands on this book, read it....Recommend it!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was funny...gut busting, trying to be quiet and not wake your sleeping spouse while reading in bed funny in places.

The authors lead us through an awakening... as individuals, as a couple, and as spiritual beings.

Perhaps most of all, they inspire us.....take the leap. Do that thing. Live.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring, powerful and funny read. I got to meet Laura and talk about journeys, destinations, risks and work. The world can surprise you when you least expect it and in ways that surprise you. This is a wonderful reminder that we need to be open to what life has in store.

[Teri Gillen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can I Really Do What They Did?

Very good insight and thought provoking for anyone contemplating a move. I really felt the emotional struggle to acclimate to a new country and plan to revisit this book again as we plan our own radical sabbatical.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Entertaining and introspective storyline with crazy ex-pat adventures and mishaps in Costa Rica. Would have benefitted from a heavy-handed editor.