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South of Normal: My Year in Paradise
Have you ever sat at work and thought about leaving the rat race behind? Do you secretly question if it all makes sense, fantasizing about moving to a white sand beach in the tropics to live the easy-breezy life in paradise? Well, Norm Schriever did just that. Frustrated and unfulfilled with his comfortable existence in the States, successful businessman Norm Schriever knows there is something more he is supposed to do with his life. So, he quits his job, sells and donates all of his possessions, and moves down to Tamarindo, Costa Rica, with nothing but a laptop and a surfboard, vowing to chase his long-forgotten dream of being a writer. But Norm soon finds that paradise has its dark side, and the perfect life in a little seaside town isn't always as easy as it seems. Whether it's adapting to the local customs and the language barrier, dodging lawless drug traffickers and corrupt cops, or spending "quality time" in a Third World prison, Norm always keeps his sense of humor and forges ahead, intent on finding the paradise he has been looking for. Will Norm achieve his dream, and gain a new appreciation for life, love, and happiness in one of the most beautiful places on earth? Or will he succumb to the jungle heat, scorpions, and machete-wielding marauders? Grab your sunblock and buckle up, because you're in for a gonzo blast of laughter and adventure...south of normal. Norm Schriever is an author, humorist, cultural mad scientist, and enemy of the comfort zone. He grew up in Connecticut and attended the University of Connecticut, where he was never accused of over-studying. He's lived in Colorado and California and backpacked around the world, documented in his first book, Pushups in the Prayer Room. Most recently he's relocated to Tamarindo, Costa Rica, and San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, with only a laptop and a surfboard, where he writes with the intention to make this world a better place. You can connect with Norm at www.NormSchriever.com
344 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2013
49 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Norm Schriever
23 books62 followersNorm Schriever is a Amazon best-selling author, pro blogger, cultural mad scientist, and enemy of the comfort zone. His latest work, "South of Normal," just won a silver medal at the coveted Nonfiction Book Awards.
He grew up in Connecticut and graduated from the University of Connecticut, where he was never accused of over-studying, and went on to live in North Carolina, Colorado and most recently in Northern California.
Dissatisfied with a conventional existence, Norm sold or donated all of his possessions and moved down to Costa Rica in 2011 to pursue his passion of writing. His first book was written in the sleepy surf town of Tamarindo with the help of his secret weapons: fresh ocean air and Baileys in his morning coffee. He then moved north up the coast to San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua where he wrote "South of Normal," a memoir about that experience. He now lives in Southeast Asia, where he is surviving super typhoons, writing his heart out, and taking photos of everything he eats.
He sees his words as a way to illuminate the commonalities of human existence, and thereby hopes to leave this planet a little better than how he found it.
-Huffington Post biography
He grew up in Connecticut and graduated from the University of Connecticut, where he was never accused of over-studying, and went on to live in North Carolina, Colorado and most recently in Northern California.
Dissatisfied with a conventional existence, Norm sold or donated all of his possessions and moved down to Costa Rica in 2011 to pursue his passion of writing. His first book was written in the sleepy surf town of Tamarindo with the help of his secret weapons: fresh ocean air and Baileys in his morning coffee. He then moved north up the coast to San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua where he wrote "South of Normal," a memoir about that experience. He now lives in Southeast Asia, where he is surviving super typhoons, writing his heart out, and taking photos of everything he eats.
He sees his words as a way to illuminate the commonalities of human existence, and thereby hopes to leave this planet a little better than how he found it.
-Huffington Post biography
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 26, 2014
I couldn't even finish the first chapter. Honestly, I enjoyed the introduction more. This book wasn't my style at all; I thought it would be along the lines of "A Walk in the Woods", or "Wild", but when I found the first few pages littered with more f-bombs than I could count, I knew this wasn't the book for me, and deleted it from my Kindle. Disappointing - the premise sounded interesting.
June 8, 2013
This is an amazing, funny, and well written adventure of life outside the U.S. by a former American.
In a world where people you don’t know are eager to point out your mistakes, yet reluctant to celebrate your success and at times even question it, it is refreshing to read about the transformation and enlightenment of a regular guy. Norm lived the normal life that so many struggle to achieve, but this normal life lacked fulfillment. Rather than continuing in the wrong direction (for him) he chose to follow his dream of becoming a writer and did so in another culture embedded in a third world country lacking many of the things we take for granted. Like a hospital and, for a period of time, law enforcement. Um, no thank you. Ha! Somehow he not only survived but adapted and thrived in this totally unfamiliar environment.
One of the many things that stood out in his book aside from the excellent writing and humorous stories is the number of people calling him crazy for refusing to conform to society’s standard of living and following his dream. He questions his sanity at times too. I personally feel it’s crazy NOT to follow your dreams. It's nice to see he did this. If he can do it, so can you.
This is a great book I highly recommend. We need more people like this in the world!
In a world where people you don’t know are eager to point out your mistakes, yet reluctant to celebrate your success and at times even question it, it is refreshing to read about the transformation and enlightenment of a regular guy. Norm lived the normal life that so many struggle to achieve, but this normal life lacked fulfillment. Rather than continuing in the wrong direction (for him) he chose to follow his dream of becoming a writer and did so in another culture embedded in a third world country lacking many of the things we take for granted. Like a hospital and, for a period of time, law enforcement. Um, no thank you. Ha! Somehow he not only survived but adapted and thrived in this totally unfamiliar environment.
One of the many things that stood out in his book aside from the excellent writing and humorous stories is the number of people calling him crazy for refusing to conform to society’s standard of living and following his dream. He questions his sanity at times too. I personally feel it’s crazy NOT to follow your dreams. It's nice to see he did this. If he can do it, so can you.
This is a great book I highly recommend. We need more people like this in the world!
June 7, 2013
At first, I thought this might be a travel book, but then, from the first page, I knew I was in for an adventure and a half! However, I definitely consider this more of a literary memoir--that just happens to be filled with a whole lot of kick-ass, edge-of-your-seat scenes. Additionally, the author has a very strong voice that pulls you in even further, so half the fun is hearing what his reaction to the situations will be. At times I imagine him as Bruce Willis, and at other times, Adam Sandler with a surf board. Lots of wit and hilarious passages. Also, if read a bit deeper, the author has some important messages and ideas to share. The perfect by-the-beach-book for this summer. Highly recommend it and will be eager to read his next book.
October 14, 2016
One of the "Golden Rules" in life is, if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all. I'll try to stay close to that but this is a review and sometimes you have to settle on doing the best you can. To put it mildly, I endured this book. It took me a long time to get through the 325 pages because it just didn't hold my interest. I kept telling myself to keep an open mind because the book is about one man's journey and every journey like this is unique but by the end, along with a sense of relief, all I felt was that this was the Anti-Rick Steves' book on Costa Rica and makes me seriously question if that is someplace I'd ever want to go.
June 10, 2013
'South of Normal' is a funny, heartwarming, and insightful narrative of Norm's experiences and misadventures in Tamarindo. An awesome read; I absolutely laughed out loud throughout, it warmed my heart, and inspired me to explore life and all its possibilities beyond my comfort zone. I look forward to receiving my copy of Push-ups in The Prayer Room, as well as any other projects he has forthcoming #puravida
June 7, 2013
Haven't we all dreamed of leaving everything behind, starting a new life, and moving to paradise? Norm did exactly this and takes you on his humorous and emotional journey to Costa Rica. If you're looking for an escape from your 'regular' reading, then you'll love this book. It's well written, fun, and funny!
June 11, 2013
I just finish reading South of Normal. The book was a great story about the reflection of a man's life. It was funny and highly emotional book. Were you could feel the author blood sweet & tears. It is a great book for anybody who was a great laugh or want to reflect on life without moving to Costa Rico.
June 26, 2014
South of Good....
couldn't decider from fiction and non-fiction while reading this book. some good stories, but other attempts I f trying to relay a more introverted version of time in CR completely lost interest.
couldn't decider from fiction and non-fiction while reading this book. some good stories, but other attempts I f trying to relay a more introverted version of time in CR completely lost interest.
June 8, 2013
Great, funny at times book by an amazing author, about his life journey to go to costa rica to pursue writing a book which was on his bucket list. He left his life in Sacramento, Cal to do just that!
February 24, 2014
This book wasnt really me. I tried to like it as the description was exactly what I would normally read but for some reason it didn't grab me at all.
June 4, 2014
Maybe it's me. I struggled through this book. Maybe I'm too caught up in busyness, but I wanted to shake each and every character.
January 22, 2019
A Journey worth taking
And a perspective worth seeing. Even though I’ve never been to Costa Rica, but I can see the dust on my shoes and sweat on my brow. Meet Tania, The Critters and a taxi driver named Hector.
And a perspective worth seeing. Even though I’ve never been to Costa Rica, but I can see the dust on my shoes and sweat on my brow. Meet Tania, The Critters and a taxi driver named Hector.
December 18, 2018
I couldn't finish it. It had moments of funny and witty, but it dragged.
July 3, 2025
Memoir, live in Costa Rica, stories of his almost one year living there. Funny with just enough seriousness thrown in.
August 17, 2013
Finish time: 1-2 weeks? This is a long book or maybe I’ve just been exhausted and going to bed earlier and not reading as much at night. That is not a reflection of this book. It was a very enjoyable read. I don’t read memoirs (biographies, true stories?) often, in fact, this may be my first review on this blog of one. But that is exactly why I chose this book, it’s something different and that is my goal, to stretch my reading away from my usual, comfortable, less-rewarding chick-lit. (Although I’ve been straying away from a lot of that lately out of embarrassment to admit I read that!)
Meet Norm. Normal (pun intended) almost 40-year-old dude. Tired of corporate life in the US, he moves to Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Another reason I chose this book was because we spent our Honeymoon in Costa Rica in 2007. Let’s just say I’m glad I read this book after our trip! Seriously, I may have been a little more aware of my surroundings or just felt more in-the-know learning all I did about the local culture, but would not have changed it and nothing happened to us. While I felt we over-paid on certain things at times (the tourist rates), I now (6 years later) am comfortable with that! It seems to be a love-hate with tourism. On one hand, it’s bringing money into the country (their city), on the other, it disturbed their previous quiet life. While I would still argue for most it still seems like a life of leisure, people are still scraping by and it’s not a lifestyle I would choose. But then again I’m a Type A, borderline OCD, accountant!
I can honestly say I was laughing out loud at certain parts. Like when Norm was daily ordering “pinga” thinking it was pineapple (look that one up!). Or when he was taken down by 9 terriers and a pig with earrings on the beach. I really felt like I was sitting at a bar or coffee shop hearing his stories first hand. His writing is so casual, yet descriptive, that I have a vivid picture in my head of Tamarindo (it also doesn’t hurt that we spent time in a similar town!) The cast of characters that he encountered daily, is just so absurd, it could only be real. I found myself invested in what was happening with his friend, Pistol, and rooting for his release. I also really enjoyed the end where he did a “where are they know” update (as a reader, I did want to know, especially about Bella!)
What I also liked was his discussion and thoughts on certain issues. One that stands out is around marijuana. It’s a plant, one of 400k+ plants in the world, yet illegal. (The reason Pistol was in prison) But then going a step further to ponder if you get in trouble for something illegal and then that something becomes legal (think pot in CO), is that the justice system (government) admitting they were wrong? Were you wrong in the first place? Just questions like that really kept my mind engaged in the book and had me thinking long past putting it down.
There is so much more I could mention, but I really did enjoy this book, and it was good to have one that kept me occupied for so long (maybe not for blog content, but for my own personal entertainment!) Pick it up, you’ll like it. I did!
One last note, in trying to take things back to MY calling, I really enjoyed meeting Norm and watching him live out his calling. It may be an unusual one, but that just confirms my belief that God has purpose for all of us, and even a sense of humor. I wanted to leave you with a paragraph from the last chapter (don’t worry – it won’t spoil the book!)
“What I am doing still makes no logical sense, to me or to anyone around me. People still look at me funny and question what the hell I’m doing. I don’t know, exactly, but at least I’m doing something. You should do the same. Go on a journey. Do something that rings true in your heart, even if it doesn’t add up in your mind. It doesn’t need to be a geographical journey, but a journey toward your dreams. Take one little step in that direction, that’s all I ask. OH, but remember to smile, and believe”
Thanks Norm. I look forward to hearing about your next adventure!
Meet Norm. Normal (pun intended) almost 40-year-old dude. Tired of corporate life in the US, he moves to Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Another reason I chose this book was because we spent our Honeymoon in Costa Rica in 2007. Let’s just say I’m glad I read this book after our trip! Seriously, I may have been a little more aware of my surroundings or just felt more in-the-know learning all I did about the local culture, but would not have changed it and nothing happened to us. While I felt we over-paid on certain things at times (the tourist rates), I now (6 years later) am comfortable with that! It seems to be a love-hate with tourism. On one hand, it’s bringing money into the country (their city), on the other, it disturbed their previous quiet life. While I would still argue for most it still seems like a life of leisure, people are still scraping by and it’s not a lifestyle I would choose. But then again I’m a Type A, borderline OCD, accountant!
I can honestly say I was laughing out loud at certain parts. Like when Norm was daily ordering “pinga” thinking it was pineapple (look that one up!). Or when he was taken down by 9 terriers and a pig with earrings on the beach. I really felt like I was sitting at a bar or coffee shop hearing his stories first hand. His writing is so casual, yet descriptive, that I have a vivid picture in my head of Tamarindo (it also doesn’t hurt that we spent time in a similar town!) The cast of characters that he encountered daily, is just so absurd, it could only be real. I found myself invested in what was happening with his friend, Pistol, and rooting for his release. I also really enjoyed the end where he did a “where are they know” update (as a reader, I did want to know, especially about Bella!)
What I also liked was his discussion and thoughts on certain issues. One that stands out is around marijuana. It’s a plant, one of 400k+ plants in the world, yet illegal. (The reason Pistol was in prison) But then going a step further to ponder if you get in trouble for something illegal and then that something becomes legal (think pot in CO), is that the justice system (government) admitting they were wrong? Were you wrong in the first place? Just questions like that really kept my mind engaged in the book and had me thinking long past putting it down.
There is so much more I could mention, but I really did enjoy this book, and it was good to have one that kept me occupied for so long (maybe not for blog content, but for my own personal entertainment!) Pick it up, you’ll like it. I did!
One last note, in trying to take things back to MY calling, I really enjoyed meeting Norm and watching him live out his calling. It may be an unusual one, but that just confirms my belief that God has purpose for all of us, and even a sense of humor. I wanted to leave you with a paragraph from the last chapter (don’t worry – it won’t spoil the book!)
“What I am doing still makes no logical sense, to me or to anyone around me. People still look at me funny and question what the hell I’m doing. I don’t know, exactly, but at least I’m doing something. You should do the same. Go on a journey. Do something that rings true in your heart, even if it doesn’t add up in your mind. It doesn’t need to be a geographical journey, but a journey toward your dreams. Take one little step in that direction, that’s all I ask. OH, but remember to smile, and believe”
Thanks Norm. I look forward to hearing about your next adventure!
January 26, 2014
Wow what great book to read at the start of the year. Who hasn't said "I feel like selling everything and moving to a tropical paradise"? Well Norm schriever the author of South of Normal did just that and moved to Tamarindo Costa Rica and wrote a book. This book is fantastic. Norm is a decent guy who Pushups in the Prayer Room: Reflections from a Year Backpacking Around the World more out of life. This is not like other books like Under the Tuscan Sun, written by yuppies lamenting about the trials and tribulations of living in a villa, and "trying to adapt to the local. Ways", that book was good but this book is far more genuine. I highly recommend this book. It is funny, it is touching and it is a guidebook of how one man dealt with wanting more in our technology crazed 21st century.
*****!
*****!
August 5, 2013
After reading Push-ups in the Prayer Room last week and now just finishing South of Normal, I will anxiously wait for his next book. Sometimes the perfect book comes up at just the right time when it's most needed, and both of these fall into that category for me. I really like the style of his writing, he is funny and honest, and makes you feel like he is a friend that you would like to have. It's nice to know that there are still good people like him out there.
The stories make you laugh but also make you think about what we take for granted every day. Sometimes we need that to remind ourselves how fortunate we are. I am happy to be part of his journey....
The stories make you laugh but also make you think about what we take for granted every day. Sometimes we need that to remind ourselves how fortunate we are. I am happy to be part of his journey....
October 2, 2013
I think the author has a lot of talent and a great sense of humor. The book was educational as well as entertaining, but by the time I was about 75% through with it, I was beginning to wonder if it was ever going to end. I think it could've been a bit more condensed and left the reader with the feeling of wanting more. For that reason only, I'm giving it 3 instead of 4 stars.
Still, with that being said, this guy sounds like a remarkable human being and I would definitely consider reading more from him. He has a wonderful outlook on life.
Still, with that being said, this guy sounds like a remarkable human being and I would definitely consider reading more from him. He has a wonderful outlook on life.
July 6, 2013
I really enjoyed it. Made me think what do I really want to do with my the rest of my life. The author decided to go to Costa Rica with 3 goals: be in the best shape of his life, to be happy and to write a book. Key message is to "go on a journey. Do something that rings true in your heart, even it I doesn't add up in your mind." "...but a journey toward your dreams. Take one little step in that direction"
GREAT READ
GREAT READ
July 17, 2013
This was an engaging read with a great message - "Pura vida".
The author spent a year or so in Costa Rica just before turning 40 and relates his experiences with good natured humor. The reader gets an excellent description of real life in a small coastal Latin American town, including the darker side, and there is also just the right dose of the author's philosophy about how to make the most of life.
Enjoyed it. Not bad for a Kindle freebie!
The author spent a year or so in Costa Rica just before turning 40 and relates his experiences with good natured humor. The reader gets an excellent description of real life in a small coastal Latin American town, including the darker side, and there is also just the right dose of the author's philosophy about how to make the most of life.
Enjoyed it. Not bad for a Kindle freebie!
July 20, 2014
I was a little apprehensive as I started this book...felt it was kind of slow and somewhat depressing, but I stuck with it and I'm glad I did...found myself being drawn to the characters and to the reflections/emotions of Norm...having previously visited Costa Rica probably helped me immerse myself into the setting..."good read"...
January 12, 2015
South of Normal is funny, while also objectively explaining the phases of cultural shock an American goes through when moving to a rural beach town in Costa Rica. This book records a mixture of anecdotes, philosophy of life, third world problems and how to adapt to them, it´s a journey the author takes to an other culture to find himself. I loved the book!
November 16, 2015
Having lived in Nicaragua and having spent a little bit of time in Costa Rica, I found South of Normal to be a great read, indeed! Norm did a remarkable job of making you feel like you were there, throughout the chapters. And though it's not the most riveting book ever written, it's certainly a good read, and true to expat life in Central America! Looking forward to reading more of his work!!!!
July 7, 2013
Actually should be more of a 4.5. All in all a good story. There were parts where I actually laughed out loud and I learned a few new swears in Spanish! Would like to read more of Norm's exploits.
September 21, 2013
It's raw, it's real, it's funny when it needs to be and frighteningly serious in enough places to get me completely out of my comfort zone. The author's ability to make me feel like I'm there (love the vicarious thrill)is admirable. It' a 10-star winner for me.
January 7, 2014
Good book! I love books about other countries and cultures, and Norm captures the local scenes, flavors and people in his writings about his adventures as he moves about the world. This book is about his experiences in Costa Rica.
March 2, 2016
Going to Tamarindo?
I read this just before a ten day vacation in Lugar Bonita (inexpensive boutique hotel near Tamarindo). What a treat! It made everything in Tamarindo seem familiar. I loved reading about Norm's adventures and how he adapted to life in Costa Rica.
I read this just before a ten day vacation in Lugar Bonita (inexpensive boutique hotel near Tamarindo). What a treat! It made everything in Tamarindo seem familiar. I loved reading about Norm's adventures and how he adapted to life in Costa Rica.
June 9, 2016
Entertaining
Having traveled several times to Costa Rica myself, I enjoyed Norm's perspective on the Tama area. I never really spent much time in Tama since it does have (even more so now I'm sure) such a touristy vibe. Really enjoyed the Tico slang chapter.
Having traveled several times to Costa Rica myself, I enjoyed Norm's perspective on the Tama area. I never really spent much time in Tama since it does have (even more so now I'm sure) such a touristy vibe. Really enjoyed the Tico slang chapter.
July 8, 2013
I enjoyed this! I also could relate having lived in the 3rd World.
Wherever Norm is, I wish him all the best !!!
Wherever Norm is, I wish him all the best !!!
July 4, 2013
Norm is a funny guy with a good heart and a huge spirit for adventure. This was an entertaining book and made me once again have to squash my always threatening wanderlust.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews