Rio de Janeiro

I first read Ruy Castro's 'Bossa Nova' and wanted more! Then I found this book, and loved it. I also went on to read Ruy Castro's next book (translated into English) Garrincha which is about a Futebol star. I am not into soccer but I loved the book. I recommend this book.

As a lover of Rio de Janeiro (like every carioca), I was amazed by Ruy Castro's inspired view of Rio. He manages to make this book as interesting for someone looking just for a travel guide as for the most serious student of the city's history and soul. Rio is more than just a beautiful city, and he captures it. No one who's ever been to Rio or who lives here can ignore the fact that the city, with its problems and wonders, like a being greater than its buildings, streets, beaches and mountains, is a major character of our lives. He pictures everything the make us cariocas: the history, the geography, the habits, the music of the city. This is no common book about Rio. Ruy Castro offers, in a good-humored and elegant style, a guide to the carioca soul: a fresh, original and colorful view of the city and the people that make it the best place to live in the world.