Puerto Vallarta Books

Escape to Paradise - A Mexican Odyssey: The book "Escape to Paradise - A Mexican Odyssey" is the fascinating memoirs of William Reed, a man who has lived an extremely full, fun and interesting life. Leaving in California in 1972, Reed drove to Vallarta to create a new life for himself - and create he did!

Riding Guts ‘n’ Glory: Riding Guts ‘n’ Glory, is the compelling story of Bo, a young cancer survivor and amputee. In a period of depression following his surgery, Bo becomes intrigued with the sport of bull riding and despite his physical challenges and with a few interesting twists of fate, he beats the odds and becomes a professional bull rider.

Puerto Vallarta on a Donkey a Day: “Puerto Vallarta on a Donkey a Day”, is the third hilarious book by 25+ years Puerto Vallarta resident, Gil Gevins. As with his other books, “Refried Brains” and “Puerto Vallarta on 49 Brain Cells a Day”, this book is a masterfully crafted collection of hilarious stories, depicting the unusual adventures of a gringo living in Puerto Vallarta.

Refried Brains: Gil Gevins is back at it again, with his second book of zany adventures. “Refried Brains” is a grand collection of humorous and often outrageous short stories, loosely based on his real life experiences in Puerto Vallarta. “Stuck Between a Mariachi and a Hard Place” is the hilarious story Gevins wrote about venturing into his rooftop water tank called a “tinaco”.

Puerto Vallarta on 49 Brain Cells a Day: "Puerto Vallarta on 49 Brain Cells a Day," an innovative and humorous collection of hilarious stories about a gringo living in Puerto Vallarta, was written by longtime Vallarta resident Gil Gevins. Although it is may be impossible to separate the facts from the enhanced details of the text, it really doesn’t matter, as these stories inspire the reader to laugh out loud.

New Field Guide to Regional Fauna Debuts: Originally from Czechoslovakia, author Petr Myska has been documenting local flora and fauna since 2002. Both a zoologist and an experienced photographer, Myska has just completed “Viva Natura,” a field guide to the fauna of western Mexico.

The Magic of Careyes: For anyone interested in the "real" story behind the founding of Careyes, this is the book told by those who were there. The project combined the talent of Mexico City writer Carlos Tello Díaz and renowned photographers Len Jershel, Diane Cook, John Frost and Michael Calderwood, whose unique images are featured extensively in the publication.

Rocks & Shoals: Writer and historian William Reed's latest opus could be considered a prequel to “Odyssey,” as he looks closely at his personal experience as a naval intelligence officer working with the National Security Agency during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Drama and Diplomacy in a Sultry Mexican Beach Town: The United States State Department loosely describes the responsibilities of US consular agents with four D's: death, detention, disappearance and destitute. Aside from drama and diplomacy, former Puerto Vallarta Consular Agent Jenny McGill contributes some D's of her own, based on her own experience, such as dirty old men and dope, in her recently published memoir.

Desde mi Balcon: In “Desde mi Balcon” (From my Balcony) Renaissance man Nacho Cadena, local hotelier and restaurateur, shares philosophical musings about life in Vallarta.

Tripper’s Travels: An International Scrapbook: As heartwarming for adults as it is for kids, the beautifully illustrated “Tripper’s Travels: An International Scrapbook” by Nancy and Lee Chapman makes gypsies out of all of us.

Mexico’s Hidden Gold: Combining adventure lust with local history and folklore, “Mexico’s Hidden Gold” by R. D. Lyons will have you wondering what other secrets Vallarta’s mountains hold.

Orchids of Mexico: A beautiful addition to any coffee table, “Orchids of Mexico” by pharmaceutical company Chinoin is the ultimate guide to this fascinating plant, featuring over 1,200 species and the work of 46 photographers.

Birds — Local Species Catalogue: When you want to know which of Banderas Bay’s 300-plus bird species you are looking at, the pocket-sized and full-color “Birds — Local Species Catalogue” by Petr Myska comes in very handy.