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Croatian Saga #2
Croatia Strikes Back: The Unnecessary Sequel
The Saga Continues… in Croatia! In this sequel to the thrilling, er… well… humorous bestselling book, Chasing a Croatian Girl, we find author and hrvatski zet, Cody McClain Brown continuing his epic struggle to make Croatia his home. Allied with his wife, daughter, and mother-in-law, Cody joins new friends, new neighbors, and A DOG in an enthralling battle against bureaucracy, rampant skepticism, the Croatian language, and an impossible, physics-defying apartment. Croatia Strikes Back confronts the challenges of living in Croatia with laughter, community, and some much needed perseverance.
186 pages, Paperback
First published December 27, 2017
24 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 16, 2018
Ozbiljnije od prvog dijela, ali i dalje duhovito, maštovito, dosjetljivo, realno.. Drago mi je što je piscu sve ljepše živjeti u Hrvatskoj. Naši problemi su mu i dalje manji od onih u Americi, onih pozitivnih stvari ima puno više! Trebali bi se i mi češće podsjetiti na isto! Čitajte, nećete požaliti.. Odmor od svakodnevnih problema, čitajući o istima na simpatičan način!
December 11, 2023
Laughed so hard, tears sprung from my eyes!
This book accurately and humorously describes what it's like to live in Croatia. This is a sequel to Chasing a Croatian Girl: A Survivor's Tale and if anyone is interested in Croatian culture or is doing that thing where you read across the world, please read these books. They're actually quite short and you can read both in less than a day and I promise, it will make your day.
You won't be able to stop laughing.
This book accurately and humorously describes what it's like to live in Croatia. This is a sequel to Chasing a Croatian Girl: A Survivor's Tale and if anyone is interested in Croatian culture or is doing that thing where you read across the world, please read these books. They're actually quite short and you can read both in less than a day and I promise, it will make your day.
You won't be able to stop laughing.
January 4, 2018
Peculiarities of everyday life in Croatia presented in a witty and funny, but nonetheless accurate, way.
I would recommend this (and the first part Chasing a Croatian Girl: A Survivor's Tale) as obligatory reading for people:
- who are considering visiting Croatia as an entertaining introduction
- who live in Croatia as a hilarious reminder which will have you laughing in tears and nodding in agreement
- who are, for whatever reason, interested in cultural variations around the world
- who want a good laugh
P.S. I'm hoping there will be at least as many books as SW episodes 🙂
I would recommend this (and the first part Chasing a Croatian Girl: A Survivor's Tale) as obligatory reading for people:
- who are considering visiting Croatia as an entertaining introduction
- who live in Croatia as a hilarious reminder which will have you laughing in tears and nodding in agreement
- who are, for whatever reason, interested in cultural variations around the world
- who want a good laugh
P.S. I'm hoping there will be at least as many books as SW episodes 🙂
March 5, 2018
Nakon 'Propuha, papuča i punice', kojima je nasmijao i zabavio čitavu Hrvatsku (a vjerujem i šire) najpoznatiji hrvatski zet Cody McClain Brown vratio se da bi nam još jednom zbirkom zabavnih anegdota izmamio osmijehe na licima (a ponekad i pravu provalu smijeha).
U svojoj novoj knjizi, Cody nam nastavlja pričati o svome putu da se, kao stranac, uklopi u ovu našu šašavu zemlju i navikne na njene još šašavije običaje. Od mukotrpne borbe s birokracijom i vjetrenjačama prijenosa vlasništva nad nekretninama do susretanja s tipično hrvatskim 'čaša je uvijek napola prazna' pogledom na svijet, Cody nam na zabavan i originalan način, prožet obilnim dozama humora, opisuje svoje svakodnevne poteškoće na koje je nailazio u želji da se ovdje nastani i ostane.
Kroz Codyev jedinstven pogled na život stranca u Hrvatskoj, vidimo s kakvim se sve hrvatskim ludostima stranci (a i mi, domaći) često moramo nositi, a ludosti su to koje smo već u tolikoj mjeri prihvatili da ih gotovo uopće ne primjećujemo ili im jednostavno puštamo da nas nose kud ih je volja (poput temeljne osobine gotovo svih hrvatskih institucija: da nas tjeraju da neprestano prenosimo pečatirane papire s jednog mjesta na drugo ne bismo li konačno dobili neku potvrdu, dozvolu ili što li već).
Pričajući o osobinama naše zemlje i običajima s kojima se u njoj susretao, Cody svaki put iznosi i usporedbu istog iskustva u SAD-u, iz čega možemo sjajno vidjeti koliko se naš i američki način života i u kojim sve segmentima razlikuju. Ne samo da je čitati o tome bilo zabavno, već i vrlo, vrlo zanimljivo. I dok će većini nas američki način života izgledati kao san snova (naspram života u Hrvatskoj), zanimljivo je vidjeti kako Cody razmišlja upravo obrnuto i vidjeti koliko se njemu ovdje sviđa. Izgleda da nije ovdje zapravo baš tako loše kako često mislimo da jest (unatoč groznoj ekonomskoj situaciji, užasnim političarima, sporoj birokraciji i svim drugim stvarima koje ne volimo, ali ih se ni ne trudimo promijeniti), a ponekad ti treba neko mišljenje izvana da to skužiš. :)
Fascinantno je, također, i to koliko Cody, opisujući život u Hrvatskoj i naše (ponekad zbilja sulude) običaje (poput obaveze poklanjanja Kinder jaja klincima kojima idemo u goste), svojim viđenjem situacije, da tako kažem, 'pogađa u sridu'. Ne možete se ne nasmijati svim tim našim šašavostima i luckastim običajima od kojih nikada ne odustajemo, iako ne znamo zapravo ni zašto ih slijedimo.
Codyeva nova knjiga zabavan je, ali i do zadnjeg detalja točan, prikaz života u Hrvatskoj i hrvatskih običaja koje svi mi pobožno pratimo. Natjerat će vas da se nasmijete, od srca, ali i da počnete možda malo više cijeniti to što ovdje imamo. Unatoč uvriježenom hrvatskom skepticizmu, Cody će vas uvjeriti da nije sve tako crno i da imamo mnogo toga na što možemo biti ponosni.
Beskrajno optimistična i prepuna humorističnih prikaza najrazličitijih situacija s kojima se jedan stranac mora ovdje kod nas nositi, ova je knjiga stvorena za podizanje atmosfere, širenje vedrine i, općenito, dobru čitalačku zabavu. A ako ste se zapitali gdje je (sad već također slavna) punica, tu je. A ima i malo ništa manje slavnog propuha. :D
Have fun!
U svojoj novoj knjizi, Cody nam nastavlja pričati o svome putu da se, kao stranac, uklopi u ovu našu šašavu zemlju i navikne na njene još šašavije običaje. Od mukotrpne borbe s birokracijom i vjetrenjačama prijenosa vlasništva nad nekretninama do susretanja s tipično hrvatskim 'čaša je uvijek napola prazna' pogledom na svijet, Cody nam na zabavan i originalan način, prožet obilnim dozama humora, opisuje svoje svakodnevne poteškoće na koje je nailazio u želji da se ovdje nastani i ostane.
Kroz Codyev jedinstven pogled na život stranca u Hrvatskoj, vidimo s kakvim se sve hrvatskim ludostima stranci (a i mi, domaći) često moramo nositi, a ludosti su to koje smo već u tolikoj mjeri prihvatili da ih gotovo uopće ne primjećujemo ili im jednostavno puštamo da nas nose kud ih je volja (poput temeljne osobine gotovo svih hrvatskih institucija: da nas tjeraju da neprestano prenosimo pečatirane papire s jednog mjesta na drugo ne bismo li konačno dobili neku potvrdu, dozvolu ili što li već).
Pričajući o osobinama naše zemlje i običajima s kojima se u njoj susretao, Cody svaki put iznosi i usporedbu istog iskustva u SAD-u, iz čega možemo sjajno vidjeti koliko se naš i američki način života i u kojim sve segmentima razlikuju. Ne samo da je čitati o tome bilo zabavno, već i vrlo, vrlo zanimljivo. I dok će većini nas američki način života izgledati kao san snova (naspram života u Hrvatskoj), zanimljivo je vidjeti kako Cody razmišlja upravo obrnuto i vidjeti koliko se njemu ovdje sviđa. Izgleda da nije ovdje zapravo baš tako loše kako često mislimo da jest (unatoč groznoj ekonomskoj situaciji, užasnim političarima, sporoj birokraciji i svim drugim stvarima koje ne volimo, ali ih se ni ne trudimo promijeniti), a ponekad ti treba neko mišljenje izvana da to skužiš. :)
Fascinantno je, također, i to koliko Cody, opisujući život u Hrvatskoj i naše (ponekad zbilja sulude) običaje (poput obaveze poklanjanja Kinder jaja klincima kojima idemo u goste), svojim viđenjem situacije, da tako kažem, 'pogađa u sridu'. Ne možete se ne nasmijati svim tim našim šašavostima i luckastim običajima od kojih nikada ne odustajemo, iako ne znamo zapravo ni zašto ih slijedimo.
Codyeva nova knjiga zabavan je, ali i do zadnjeg detalja točan, prikaz života u Hrvatskoj i hrvatskih običaja koje svi mi pobožno pratimo. Natjerat će vas da se nasmijete, od srca, ali i da počnete možda malo više cijeniti to što ovdje imamo. Unatoč uvriježenom hrvatskom skepticizmu, Cody će vas uvjeriti da nije sve tako crno i da imamo mnogo toga na što možemo biti ponosni.
Beskrajno optimistična i prepuna humorističnih prikaza najrazličitijih situacija s kojima se jedan stranac mora ovdje kod nas nositi, ova je knjiga stvorena za podizanje atmosfere, širenje vedrine i, općenito, dobru čitalačku zabavu. A ako ste se zapitali gdje je (sad već također slavna) punica, tu je. A ima i malo ništa manje slavnog propuha. :D
Have fun!
November 11, 2018
Ne mogu reći da me ovo nasmijalo više, čak niti jednako kao Propuh, papuče & punica...
Mislim da mi je najviše zasmetalo što je na početku previše toga ponovio iz prve knjige, pa mi je kao čitatelju-nastavljaču to bilo dosadno, a druga stvar je što se u ovoj knjizi najviše koncentrirao na tu kupovinu stana i traženje posla i sve peripetije vezane uz to.
S druge strane, zanimljivo je vidjeti kako nas vidi stranac i što je još pronašao da mu je „čudno“ u životu u Hrvatskoj. Birokracija i veze su sjajno pogođeni, kao i divna susjedska prijateljstva. To poglavlje (15., ako se ne varam), u kojem se osvrnuo na društvene razlike između Hrvatske i SAD-a mi je bilo baš nekako drago...
„Vrijednost zajednice nadvladava estetiku koju mi u Americi toliko obožavamo.“
„U beskrajnom prostranstvu američkog Srednjeg zapada, mi se selimo kroz toliko kuća i naselja da ostajemo anonimni. Kao suprotnost poznanstvu, anonimnost rađa ravnodušnost i ta ravnodušnost je suprotnost zajedništvu. Eto, to sam naučio u našem epskom lovu na stan, kroz potragu, kupovinu, brigu, nadanje da će se dogovor ostvariti, da je to najveća razlika između tu i tamo, između moje Hrvatske i moje Amerike.“
Mislim da mi je najviše zasmetalo što je na početku previše toga ponovio iz prve knjige, pa mi je kao čitatelju-nastavljaču to bilo dosadno, a druga stvar je što se u ovoj knjizi najviše koncentrirao na tu kupovinu stana i traženje posla i sve peripetije vezane uz to.
S druge strane, zanimljivo je vidjeti kako nas vidi stranac i što je još pronašao da mu je „čudno“ u životu u Hrvatskoj. Birokracija i veze su sjajno pogođeni, kao i divna susjedska prijateljstva. To poglavlje (15., ako se ne varam), u kojem se osvrnuo na društvene razlike između Hrvatske i SAD-a mi je bilo baš nekako drago...
„Vrijednost zajednice nadvladava estetiku koju mi u Americi toliko obožavamo.“
„U beskrajnom prostranstvu američkog Srednjeg zapada, mi se selimo kroz toliko kuća i naselja da ostajemo anonimni. Kao suprotnost poznanstvu, anonimnost rađa ravnodušnost i ta ravnodušnost je suprotnost zajedništvu. Eto, to sam naučio u našem epskom lovu na stan, kroz potragu, kupovinu, brigu, nadanje da će se dogovor ostvariti, da je to najveća razlika između tu i tamo, između moje Hrvatske i moje Amerike.“
March 26, 2024
A bit more dark than it prequel, but still entertaining and insightful.
July 14, 2019
Not as good as the first one
October 13, 2018
Ako se želite smijati na glas čitajući knjigu, na pravom ste mjestu! Ne sjećam se gdje sam čitala Propuh, papuče i punicu, ali znam da sam se smijala. Jako. Na glas. Knjigu Hrvatska uzvraća udarac počela sam čitati na željezničkom kolodvoru, pa u vlaku i ljudi su me čudno pogledavali jer sam se stalno smijala. Nisam se smijala na glas, ali sam se stalno smijuljila.
Cody živi u Hrvatskoj, sa ženom i kćerkom u Zagrebu. Samostalan je čovjek, ali još uvijek stranac. Uči hrvatski uz pomoć kćerkice kojeg zapravo uspješno savladava. U prvoj se knjizi koncentrira na perspektivu jednog stranca koji upoznaje čari Hrvatske, a u drugoj se orijentira na perspektivu stranca koji pokušava živjeti u Hrvatskoj.
Svi znamo da život u Hrvatskoj nije lagan, a kako je tek strancu koji upoznaje zamršeni jezik i pokušava ostvariti svoj život u Lijepoj našoj. Od učenja hrvatskoga, traženja stana, traženja posla, dolaska punice, savjeta prijatelja, sve to Codyju predstavlja svojevrsnu nepoznanicu, jer mi ne funkcioniramo kao Amerikanci.
„Hrvatskoj birokraciji papir je fetiš.“ Mislim da je to činjenica, činjenica kojoj se Cody nije mogao načuditi. Uvijek fali papir za ovo ili papir za ono. Ja kad idem po neke papire, uzmem i nekoliko drugih, za svaki slučaj. Kad sam bila student svake sam godine morala nositi potvrdu da sam redovan student u Zavod za zdravstveno osiguranje. Kako se u Studomatu moglo dobiti 3 potvrde koje su bile vezane za zdravstveno osiguranje, ja sam svake godine uzimala sve tri. Pogodite što? Svake godine su uzeli drugi od ta tri papira.
Najbolja je potvrda rodni list (ne stariji od 6 mjeseci). Ta mi potvrda nikad neće biti jasna. Što se u mom rodnom listu može promijeniti?
No, navikli smo s papirima. Znamo da je to tako. Za sve treba papir i uvijek neki fali. Pitanje je jedino hoćeš li uvijek dobiti dobro objašnjenje o papiru koji ti fali i gdje ćeš ga moći nabaviti?
„Tu te nada iscrpljuje. Slabi te i umara dok te dijelovi sistema, mentalitet i kultura tjeraju da zastaneš, predaš se i odustaneš. Ovdje se nije lako nadati.“ Završila sam fakultet prije godinu dana i još uvijek ne mogu naći stručno osposobljavanje. Naime, moje zanimanje (magistar sestrinstva) ne postoji u popisu zanimanja Republike Hrvatske. Zbog toga ja nisam mogla naći stručno osposobljavanje, koje mi država uvjetuje, jer bez njega ja ne mogu nikad početi raditi. U međuvremenu su promijenili neki zakon koji mi dozvoljava da idem na stručno osposobljavanje s nižom razinom obrazovanja, ali oni još nisu krenuli aktivno koristiti taj zakon. Zato ja čekam. I ne radim ništa, pa se čini da ne želim raditi. Ako krenem raditi nešto drugo, gubim pravo stručnog osposobljavanja. Zanimljivo, zar ne? UPDATE. Našla sam stručno osposobljavanje, samo im je trebalo godinu dana da krenu primjenjivati zakon. Lucky me, huh?
S obzirom da sad živi u Hrvatskoj, očigledno je da mora nešto i raditi. Pojavio se oglas za posao. Cody odgovara svim kriterijima. Posao je na fakultetu. Iskreno, što vam je prvo palo na pamet? Hoće li dobiti posao? Jesam li vam pročitala misli ako bi rekla da ste pomislili da nema šanse da dobije taj posao jer je a) stranac, b) ne zna još dobro hrvatski, c) taj posao već namijenjen nekom drugom, a oglas je postavljen radi reda ili d) sve navedeno?
Kako je Algoritam zatvorio svoja vrata, Cody je ostao bez svog izdavača. I onda se odlučio na pisanje druge knjige. Tu na scenu nastupaju prijatelji. Čemu pisanje kad se to u Hrvatskoj danas ne isplati? Kako će izdati knjigu ako nema izdavača? Shvaća li on koliko postoji rizika u tome svemu? Naravno da ne shvaća!
Ali, tu su naravno neizostavne scene s punicom, sa kćerkom koja ne može spavati u svom krevetu i veliki poduhvat kao što je kupovina stana!
Ako ste pročitali Propuh, papuče i punicu, Hrvatska uzvraća udarac nikako vas neće iznevjeriti! Smijat ćete se, itekako ćete se smijati! A kad završite s knjigom, nećete moći prestati pričati o njoj i svima ćete ju gurati u ruke!
https://knjigozderonja.wixsite.com/kn...
Cody živi u Hrvatskoj, sa ženom i kćerkom u Zagrebu. Samostalan je čovjek, ali još uvijek stranac. Uči hrvatski uz pomoć kćerkice kojeg zapravo uspješno savladava. U prvoj se knjizi koncentrira na perspektivu jednog stranca koji upoznaje čari Hrvatske, a u drugoj se orijentira na perspektivu stranca koji pokušava živjeti u Hrvatskoj.
Svi znamo da život u Hrvatskoj nije lagan, a kako je tek strancu koji upoznaje zamršeni jezik i pokušava ostvariti svoj život u Lijepoj našoj. Od učenja hrvatskoga, traženja stana, traženja posla, dolaska punice, savjeta prijatelja, sve to Codyju predstavlja svojevrsnu nepoznanicu, jer mi ne funkcioniramo kao Amerikanci.
„Hrvatskoj birokraciji papir je fetiš.“ Mislim da je to činjenica, činjenica kojoj se Cody nije mogao načuditi. Uvijek fali papir za ovo ili papir za ono. Ja kad idem po neke papire, uzmem i nekoliko drugih, za svaki slučaj. Kad sam bila student svake sam godine morala nositi potvrdu da sam redovan student u Zavod za zdravstveno osiguranje. Kako se u Studomatu moglo dobiti 3 potvrde koje su bile vezane za zdravstveno osiguranje, ja sam svake godine uzimala sve tri. Pogodite što? Svake godine su uzeli drugi od ta tri papira.
Najbolja je potvrda rodni list (ne stariji od 6 mjeseci). Ta mi potvrda nikad neće biti jasna. Što se u mom rodnom listu može promijeniti?
No, navikli smo s papirima. Znamo da je to tako. Za sve treba papir i uvijek neki fali. Pitanje je jedino hoćeš li uvijek dobiti dobro objašnjenje o papiru koji ti fali i gdje ćeš ga moći nabaviti?
„Tu te nada iscrpljuje. Slabi te i umara dok te dijelovi sistema, mentalitet i kultura tjeraju da zastaneš, predaš se i odustaneš. Ovdje se nije lako nadati.“ Završila sam fakultet prije godinu dana i još uvijek ne mogu naći stručno osposobljavanje. Naime, moje zanimanje (magistar sestrinstva) ne postoji u popisu zanimanja Republike Hrvatske. Zbog toga ja nisam mogla naći stručno osposobljavanje, koje mi država uvjetuje, jer bez njega ja ne mogu nikad početi raditi. U međuvremenu su promijenili neki zakon koji mi dozvoljava da idem na stručno osposobljavanje s nižom razinom obrazovanja, ali oni još nisu krenuli aktivno koristiti taj zakon. Zato ja čekam. I ne radim ništa, pa se čini da ne želim raditi. Ako krenem raditi nešto drugo, gubim pravo stručnog osposobljavanja. Zanimljivo, zar ne? UPDATE. Našla sam stručno osposobljavanje, samo im je trebalo godinu dana da krenu primjenjivati zakon. Lucky me, huh?
S obzirom da sad živi u Hrvatskoj, očigledno je da mora nešto i raditi. Pojavio se oglas za posao. Cody odgovara svim kriterijima. Posao je na fakultetu. Iskreno, što vam je prvo palo na pamet? Hoće li dobiti posao? Jesam li vam pročitala misli ako bi rekla da ste pomislili da nema šanse da dobije taj posao jer je a) stranac, b) ne zna još dobro hrvatski, c) taj posao već namijenjen nekom drugom, a oglas je postavljen radi reda ili d) sve navedeno?
Kako je Algoritam zatvorio svoja vrata, Cody je ostao bez svog izdavača. I onda se odlučio na pisanje druge knjige. Tu na scenu nastupaju prijatelji. Čemu pisanje kad se to u Hrvatskoj danas ne isplati? Kako će izdati knjigu ako nema izdavača? Shvaća li on koliko postoji rizika u tome svemu? Naravno da ne shvaća!
Ali, tu su naravno neizostavne scene s punicom, sa kćerkom koja ne može spavati u svom krevetu i veliki poduhvat kao što je kupovina stana!
Ako ste pročitali Propuh, papuče i punicu, Hrvatska uzvraća udarac nikako vas neće iznevjeriti! Smijat ćete se, itekako ćete se smijati! A kad završite s knjigom, nećete moći prestati pričati o njoj i svima ćete ju gurati u ruke!
https://knjigozderonja.wixsite.com/kn...
February 1, 2018
I have to admit that I've liked this one even better than the first one. While the first one seemed more humorous, given that it dealt primarily with the instant cultural differences between the USA and Croatia - those that hit you right in the head. Naturally, as the years the author spent in Croatia passed, he grew to know our dear little country a whole lot better. This is where the negative sides come to the surface. Admittedly, no country is ideal, let alone Croatia and all the things mentioned and described in the book are true. Still, I loved the fact that the book, once again, just like the first one, reminded me why I love this country - it is the people and the society which do not seem that disconnected as our global society on the whole appears.
November 30, 2024
As someone who emigrated from Croatia a year ago and read the first part of this duology during that period, today, one year later, and still abroad, I have read the second part. Although I agree that the second part of the book is darker and more realistic, obviously written after coming out of the "honeymoon" phase of settling in Croatia, I am pleased to see how successfully the author has "Croatianized" himself. Also, hats off to him for learning the Croatian language and setting a positive example – if only all immigrants, wherever they went (Germany, Canada, Croatia…), would show a certain degree of respect for the place and people they’ve moved to and learn the official language of their new homeland.
The author, as someone who has both a degree and a doctorate in political science, has managed to explain the very essence of our mentality and history in a few engaging and fun chapters – something that I, as a member of the Croatian people, have not managed to explain to myself. However, he did this from a place of love and as someone who, in the meantime, I would dare say, has become a true local patriot, and I use this term with all its positive connotations.
On the other hand, what prevents me from giving this book 5 stars – and I even considered giving it 3 stars – is the fact that, despite all the post-socialist problems that the author himself described, he clearly holds on to many socialist, if not communist, ideas. These include advocating for free healthcare and education for all, even though it is clear that the quality of these services, especially in Croatia, diminishes when they are made too available without the relevant financial participation of the "customers." As the author himself accurately described in one chapter, hospitals in the USA are like hotels, while ours are bleak and desperate. Education and healthcare are the most important things in life and cannot develop and reach a more serious level without investment and financial support, which should come from all citizens. A good example is Switzerland, where both children and pensioners pay health premiums and medical bills to certain (but rather high) degree, but because of this, we all have a certain image of Swiss hospitals at the mere mention of them. Who knows, if our healthcare were organized in such a way – where we paid premiums and a share in the treatment – perhaps Croats wouldn’t be smoking so many packs of cigarettes, sitting at cafes for a minimum of three hours, and spending everyone’s money treating the consequences of such a lifestyle.
I’ve strayed a bit from the main topic, but a big shortcoming of the book is the author’s glorification of socialism, while it is precisely socialism that led to many of the problems we see today, almost ten years after this book’s publication. My goal is not to start any debates, but simply to point out how the author clearly sees socialism as the cause of today’s societal state, and then propagates socialist ideas.
Despite this, I eagerly await the continuation of this book and can easily imagine it as at least a trilogy, in which the further realization of the Croatian dream will be explored, along with the fates of his "neighborhood" friends and unforgettable punica.
The author, as someone who has both a degree and a doctorate in political science, has managed to explain the very essence of our mentality and history in a few engaging and fun chapters – something that I, as a member of the Croatian people, have not managed to explain to myself. However, he did this from a place of love and as someone who, in the meantime, I would dare say, has become a true local patriot, and I use this term with all its positive connotations.
On the other hand, what prevents me from giving this book 5 stars – and I even considered giving it 3 stars – is the fact that, despite all the post-socialist problems that the author himself described, he clearly holds on to many socialist, if not communist, ideas. These include advocating for free healthcare and education for all, even though it is clear that the quality of these services, especially in Croatia, diminishes when they are made too available without the relevant financial participation of the "customers." As the author himself accurately described in one chapter, hospitals in the USA are like hotels, while ours are bleak and desperate. Education and healthcare are the most important things in life and cannot develop and reach a more serious level without investment and financial support, which should come from all citizens. A good example is Switzerland, where both children and pensioners pay health premiums and medical bills to certain (but rather high) degree, but because of this, we all have a certain image of Swiss hospitals at the mere mention of them. Who knows, if our healthcare were organized in such a way – where we paid premiums and a share in the treatment – perhaps Croats wouldn’t be smoking so many packs of cigarettes, sitting at cafes for a minimum of three hours, and spending everyone’s money treating the consequences of such a lifestyle.
I’ve strayed a bit from the main topic, but a big shortcoming of the book is the author’s glorification of socialism, while it is precisely socialism that led to many of the problems we see today, almost ten years after this book’s publication. My goal is not to start any debates, but simply to point out how the author clearly sees socialism as the cause of today’s societal state, and then propagates socialist ideas.
Despite this, I eagerly await the continuation of this book and can easily imagine it as at least a trilogy, in which the further realization of the Croatian dream will be explored, along with the fates of his "neighborhood" friends and unforgettable punica.
October 8, 2023
Again, sparkling 5 stars!
Enjoyed this so so immensely much. It's for sure if not the best, then one of the best books there are on Croatian culture, people and living here. And definitely without question, my favorite.
I dragged reading this for a bit, reading it every afternoon with my mandatory cup of coffee and I'm so so sad it's now over. I hope Cody McClain Brown continues writing these and there comes out a TV show. It all genuinely deserves so much more praise. So funny, witty, so very relatable and realistic. Couldn't have imagined a better representation than I've seen in these books.
Enjoyed this so so immensely much. It's for sure if not the best, then one of the best books there are on Croatian culture, people and living here. And definitely without question, my favorite.
I dragged reading this for a bit, reading it every afternoon with my mandatory cup of coffee and I'm so so sad it's now over. I hope Cody McClain Brown continues writing these and there comes out a TV show. It all genuinely deserves so much more praise. So funny, witty, so very relatable and realistic. Couldn't have imagined a better representation than I've seen in these books.
February 7, 2019
Puno ponavljanja iz prvoga dijela s nešto američkih komentara koje možete pročitati od svakog američkog ljevičara na internetu koliko su se izlizali.
April 12, 2021
Stick with reading "Chasing a Croatian Girl" and skip this one. It was as if he ran out of material to write about but then managed to still be long-winded.
August 11, 2018
HRV: Ova knjiga je presmiješna, istinita, i mogu pronaći svoju obitelj na svakoj stranici. Žena i punica itekako unose splitski duh u zagrebačko okruženje knjige, i u tome uživam.
ENG: My dear foreign friends, this is a perfect book for you to read to get a view into what life in Croatia is like. Funny and so truthful, I could find my family on every page - eveb though the setting is in Zagreb and I live in Split. But, the wife and the mother-in-law are from Split, and the spirit sure carries!
ENG: My dear foreign friends, this is a perfect book for you to read to get a view into what life in Croatia is like. Funny and so truthful, I could find my family on every page - eveb though the setting is in Zagreb and I live in Split. But, the wife and the mother-in-law are from Split, and the spirit sure carries!
May 4, 2019
Cody strikes back! :)
Although not as funny as the first one, this book contains more intimate view on author’s life and its relationship with Croatia. He knows us better and is able to cut through the Croatian core like a well buttered knife, making this set of stories much better and more mature than the first one. Hope he is preparing “Return of the Vrbik” or similar title soon :)
Although not as funny as the first one, this book contains more intimate view on author’s life and its relationship with Croatia. He knows us better and is able to cut through the Croatian core like a well buttered knife, making this set of stories much better and more mature than the first one. Hope he is preparing “Return of the Vrbik” or similar title soon :)
March 3, 2018
Cody goes deep!
While the first book dealt mostly with humorous but superficial differences between American and Croatian customs, the sequel holds informed and thought-through insights into deeper societal issues. Thankfully, the author offers both praise and criticism (of both cultures) from a place of heart.
A great, delightful read, but do start with the first one. ;)
While the first book dealt mostly with humorous but superficial differences between American and Croatian customs, the sequel holds informed and thought-through insights into deeper societal issues. Thankfully, the author offers both praise and criticism (of both cultures) from a place of heart.
A great, delightful read, but do start with the first one. ;)
December 1, 2025
trop bien comme le premier, trop intéressant d’aller encore plus loin surtout au niveau bureaucratique ! it explains a lot
Toujours aussi léger et rigolo pour autant:)
Un plaisir de replonger en Croatie un instant!
Toujours aussi léger et rigolo pour autant:)
Un plaisir de replonger en Croatie un instant!
October 25, 2018
While the first book was a more humorous retelling of experiences involving the cultural clash between the US and Croatia, this second book focuses more on Croatia, its (our :) ) good and bad sides, its bureaucracy and its society. It might be I liked the first book more because I already know most of what is written in the second one but it was still fun to read, and I think the author has managed to describe - and understand - Croatia quite well. My favourite bit was the chapter "A good friend is a skeptic", in particular his interpretation of the differences in how Americans and Croatians (Europeans? Non-Americans?) perceive personal success and who or what is responsible for it. It gives a good insight into what I normally wouldn't really understand about the (American) mindset. It's difficult to explain without quoting the whole chapter so I'm just going to leave it at that.
And to close the review off, here's my favourite quote in the whole book, which I think everyone who's ever lived someplace other than their hometown can relate to: The problem with being an immigrant is missing home, but not wanting to actually live there.
And to close the review off, here's my favourite quote in the whole book, which I think everyone who's ever lived someplace other than their hometown can relate to: The problem with being an immigrant is missing home, but not wanting to actually live there.
May 18, 2018
Nice read. It's probably because I am an expat and I have been in Croatia recently where I found the book. It describes common nightmares any expat can relate to and even some new ones since the author is settling in that country. The author is from the US so the comparisons are made against his country, which is also interesting being european. The geeky part with references to Star Wars and the like is a nice touch (for a geeky reader at least) and it has really good points that made me laugh. Did not totally like those parts with the comic strips and I think it's a bit cheesy, or maybe I should say optimistic... :-) All in all, interesting, specially if you know (at least a bit) the country, you are Croatian or you can understand what's like to live and struggle in a foreign country that has nothing to do with yours.
October 11, 2020
Further Adventures
Americans abroad love, as they say in Pulp Fiction, the little differences. They are always contrasting the new home with their old home. The most observant see the old home more clearly from outside. This is what makes this writer succeed. His contrasts and beispiels work very well. The confessional mistakes and the witty and wry observations of the fish out of water give us a mystery as to whether he will ever bond with the new country. The triumphs and fails candidly told are ever endearing. A book like "Once Upon an Alp" where an American lives in Switzerland and "Me Talk Pretty One Day" where Sidaris lives in France are good primers but short on the two sides of the expat coin. I like this book for the home and home away observations. They are well told and quite a story.
Americans abroad love, as they say in Pulp Fiction, the little differences. They are always contrasting the new home with their old home. The most observant see the old home more clearly from outside. This is what makes this writer succeed. His contrasts and beispiels work very well. The confessional mistakes and the witty and wry observations of the fish out of water give us a mystery as to whether he will ever bond with the new country. The triumphs and fails candidly told are ever endearing. A book like "Once Upon an Alp" where an American lives in Switzerland and "Me Talk Pretty One Day" where Sidaris lives in France are good primers but short on the two sides of the expat coin. I like this book for the home and home away observations. They are well told and quite a story.
May 25, 2020
A wonderful piece of psychological/sociological observation. But as well as being highly perceptive, it’s a very entertaining read. Drop Bill Bryson into Croatia and you’d probably end up with a very similar book.
Through the stories he tells of daily life in Zagreb – and of his interactions with his neighbours in particular – the writer portrays the fierce loyalty and endearing nature of the people as well as their infuriatingly inept and cussed side.
Humorous throughout and laced with interesting anecdotes, the book is light to read and should be mandatory reading for anyone who is spending any amount of time in Croatia or doing business there.
We really could do with this sort of book on every country in the world!
Through the stories he tells of daily life in Zagreb – and of his interactions with his neighbours in particular – the writer portrays the fierce loyalty and endearing nature of the people as well as their infuriatingly inept and cussed side.
Humorous throughout and laced with interesting anecdotes, the book is light to read and should be mandatory reading for anyone who is spending any amount of time in Croatia or doing business there.
We really could do with this sort of book on every country in the world!
September 4, 2020
Much like his in previous book, Hrvatska uzvraća udarac contains carefully observed Croatian customs that are entrenched in our culture. Some were spot on, and some a bit less. But while the last book was a collection of a couple of very different and light-hearted topics, this one feels like it has an intentional message, saying how Croatian culture is strong because of our interconnections, and how good it feels to be a part of it.
Still really good and would recommend for an interesting and fast read, but the first one was funnier.
Still really good and would recommend for an interesting and fast read, but the first one was funnier.
November 20, 2019
Cody se vraća s novim dogodovštinama u Hrvatskoj, ovaj put u nešto ozbiljnijoj knjizi od Propuha, papuča i punice, ali i dalje s dozom humora i uvida u bit našeg mentaliteta. Od borbe s birokracijom, kupnje stana do nabavljanja psa, uz neizostavnu punicu i propuh ponovno izmamljuje osmijeh na lice i potvrdno kimanje glavom koje samo potvrđuje koliko se pomalo suživljuje s Hrvatima, iako će vjerojatno svima uvijek ostati "onaj" Amerikanac. Zabavno štivo koje se čita samo od sebe. 😀
June 17, 2018
Jednako dobra kao i knjiga prije nje, što me ugodno iznenadilo. Ponešto ozbiljnija ali i dalje pozitivna i duhovita. Svakome tko je pročitao i kome se svidjela knjiga "Propuh, papuče i punica" preporučam ovaj nastavak.
February 10, 2019
Slično kao i u prvoj knjizi i ovde "stranac" Cody na jedan zabavan i duhovit način dijeli svoje iskustvo života na brdovitom Balkanu.
Mrvicu lošija od prve knjige, ali i dalje vrlo zabavna za čitanje.
Mrvicu lošija od prve knjige, ali i dalje vrlo zabavna za čitanje.
June 20, 2018
Good and insightful, definitely in a more serious tone than the first book, would recommend to every foreigner moving to Croatia.
July 11, 2018
Insightful, funny (ala Bill Bryson), and thoughtful observations on living in Croatia (and looking back to the United States).
November 13, 2018
Presimpa ^^
January 22, 2020
This book gives a nice description of what it’s like to live in Croatia from an American perspective
September 9, 2020
Great, enjoyed it!
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