Gringos in Paradise: Our Honduras Odyssey by Malana Ashlie is a delightfully amusing and lighthearted autobiography chronicling her move from Hawai’i to the Caribbean Coast of Honduras. When she and her husband decide to relocate to a more secluded paradise the fun begins. She shares the trials and triumphs of building a new life in Central America, in what can best be described as a spiritual journey of faith.
Of special appeal to the swelling ranks of expat retirees in Mexico and Central America (over one million strong, according to 2005 census estimates), Gringos in Paradise shares the adventures — and misadventures — two retirees face as they set off to the Caribbean coast of Honduras in search of financial freedom, personal fulfillment, and peace.
In My Opinion:
My initial draw to this book was the fact that it was set in Honduras. I have been to Honduras myself 7 times and when I seen this book come up for review I wanted to read about Americans who actually live there. As the book states, “Visiting a third world country is much different than seeing it as your home.”
I found the book a delightful look into an area I know, and found myself nodding as Malana describes what the driving 
is like I remember my first time there ( as a passenger in a van) I just closed my eyes I really couldn’t watch! As Malana talks about not taking water for granted that is really an eye opener as well to be where you dont always have it.
Chapter by chapter I laughed and felt as though Malana had literally brought my along with her. With a journal type flare, Malana shares the adventures and misadventures and I walked beside her page by page and am thankful for the journey.
I received my review copy from Pump Up Your Book Promotion
Book Journey 
It’s always fun to read about places you’ve been, isn’t it? This sounds delightful and gritty and a lot more…
Hi Laurel – it is because as the author is writing about their experiences I can really picture them. It made it kind of a neat read for me.
A friend of mine in elementary school was from Honduras but that’s all I really know about it. Sounds lovely though!
Thanks Ladytink 🙂
This sounds like a wonderful book-I enjoy books that just take you along.
Thats exactly what it did Esme. As the book goes into details of Honduras I felt like I was back there.
Sounds like a great book! My husband and I keep saying that we’ll retire to Central America one day to get away from the bad winters here, so this one sounds right up my alley! Thanks for the review!
Alexia, I have told my husband often that i would love to spend the winters in Honduras, like November – May. The weather is more appealing to me, and when we are there we work with street kids and many Hondurans who I have come to know as family.
I love reading about places where I’ve visited. I bought the book “The Monsters of Florence” with me when I went to Florence, Italy. It’s neat to read the book and recognize the places it mentions.
To Honduras seven times? That is so neat.
I like that too Lynne, if I can find books centered around where I am traveling that is a plus! I have went to Honduras at least once a year since 2004. We work with street kids there and this past November we worked with kids who live in the dump.
Oh, I forgot to mention…saw your Tweet about Biggest Loser! Don’t tell me who won! I tivoed (sp?) it and haven’t watched it yet.
I cry every darn episode!! Why is that? I just love watching people’s lives change for the better, I guess. The transformations are amazing and to see the contestants become like beautiful butterflies…it makes me cry a happy cry 🙂
I wont say a word Lynne other than get out the kleenex! 🙂
This is a great review Sheila! It’s especially neat because you’ve been there and had some of these experiences.
I loved the final episode last night of The Biggest Loser. It was a very emotional show! I’m amazed by the changes that the contestants make on the show.
Thanks Julie! I loved that episode too…. the changes in the people are remarkable aren’t they!
hola, que tal! Sheila. What a great blog you have. Scrolling the pages is like wandering through a major bookstore; lots of interesting reading, comfortable places to explore, and the chance of running into friends. Only pastries and coffee were missing, but I have my own.
Where in Honduras do you generally visit? We are on the north coast. Please contact me the next time you’re in the country. Would love to return your warm hospitality.
Thank you for hosting me on your blog. I’ll have to get you a picture to post. Un abrazo de Malana
HI Malana – thanks for stopping by. 🙂 We are usually in Tegucigalpa (I was there in November) and then occasionally we are working in the Talanga area as well.
I dont think I will be back that direction now until late October of next year… I usually go in February as well but this year I will be spending some February time in Florida at my cousins home instead.