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Happier Than a Billionaire #2
Happier Than A Billionaire: The Sequel
Happier Than A The Sequel continues the journey of one couple's adventures in Costa Rica. Follow the author and her husband as they move to the beach to build their dream home. Although the seafood is fresh and the sunsets are golden, it doesn’t take long for Nadine to find that this process won’t come easy, even when living in one of the prettiest places on earth. In the midst of it all, Nadine entertains her parents and mother-in-law, kayaks crocodile-infested waters, and obsesses over howler monkeys that reside above her neighbor’s house. She also discovers that not all dreams come in the form of brick and mortar. Some appear after taking a chance when all odds are against you.
- GenresTravelNonfictionMemoir
318 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2012
49 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Nadine Hays Pisani
11 books74 followersNadine was born in Elizabeth New Jersey and attended Rutgers University. She lives in Costa Rica with her husband and dog, Clementine. When not writing, you can find her at the beach, on the back of a scooter, or frantically tossing scorpions out of her bed. She shares her weekly adventures on her blog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 18, 2016
I love this book .
The 5 star rating is to help offset those that give the book a 1 star and to bring encouragement to the author. This book tackles so much more than the risks and experiences in making a move to Costa Rica. It's about not taking life for granted. It's about appreciating the little things as well as enjoying the array of everyday people placed in our path. I'm not sure I could be so bold as to make the move, buy property or build a home in a foreign country. However, I most definitely want to visit and explore the beautiful country of Costa Rica and maybe even meet the author. She is a treasure and an inspiration.
The 5 star rating is to help offset those that give the book a 1 star and to bring encouragement to the author. This book tackles so much more than the risks and experiences in making a move to Costa Rica. It's about not taking life for granted. It's about appreciating the little things as well as enjoying the array of everyday people placed in our path. I'm not sure I could be so bold as to make the move, buy property or build a home in a foreign country. However, I most definitely want to visit and explore the beautiful country of Costa Rica and maybe even meet the author. She is a treasure and an inspiration.
April 22, 2014
I picked this book up AFTER a trip to Costa Rica. It confirmed a few of my experiences and convinced me that I am blessed to live in USA. We take so much for granted here: electricity, water, and transportation. I admire Pisani fortitude and determination. I would not have lasted 90 days.
February 28, 2022
While still an enjoyable read, I definitely didn't get into the sequel as much as the first book. In the first one, it was understandable that Nadine and Rob didn't speak Spanish. Now that they've been living there for years and still haven't made the effort, it's a bit insulting. Imagine someone moving to the US and not learning English.
The author is a fan of Frances Mayes and sometimes it seemed like she was emulating her with literary quotes and endless descriptions, but thankfully she never reached the same height of pretension.
This book also told the story of how Pisani published her first novel, and I cringed a bit when I read that she didn't get any help. It does explain a few things. Yes, self-publish, but get it edited. And pay someone to design a cover, or at least get a pre-made one...few authors try to do everything themselves.
On one hand, I really loved her descriptions of how different her life is now, and how time is no longer speeding by, but...let's get real, shall we? The Pisanis are retired. They clearly made enough from the sale of their home and business and previous savings that they don't have to work or worry about earning a living anymore. That alone would remove most people's stress. Is it Costa Rica, or is it the lack of job? If Nadine was hauling herself to an office every day and adjusting the spines of whiny tourists, I doubt she'd have time to wax lyrical about sunsets. They're even building a home on the beach, so they definitely have money.
In the first book, her snarky asides and fun at other people's expense was quite funny, but as she recounts that book getting published and how she had to immediately apologize to everyone, it brought home the fact that the people she's making fun of are real. I'd be so afraid to do anything around her, lest it end up as a big laugh in her next book. Even the negative reviews she received are mocked in this book, complete with her father insulting each reviewer. Cringe. Another thing authors shouldn't do. I can understand mentioning how much the first bad reviews hurt, but publishing them in your next book and making fun of the reviewers? Ouch.
The other drawback was her husband. Rob is ridiculously controlling in this one, but I don't remember him being that way in the first book. In the sequel, he's so obsessed with turning their rented house into a fortress that I'm wondering why they moved there if it's that unsafe.
Overall, this was a cute, fun read, but I really hope this couple starts learning Spanish!
The author is a fan of Frances Mayes and sometimes it seemed like she was emulating her with literary quotes and endless descriptions, but thankfully she never reached the same height of pretension.
This book also told the story of how Pisani published her first novel, and I cringed a bit when I read that she didn't get any help. It does explain a few things. Yes, self-publish, but get it edited. And pay someone to design a cover, or at least get a pre-made one...few authors try to do everything themselves.
On one hand, I really loved her descriptions of how different her life is now, and how time is no longer speeding by, but...let's get real, shall we? The Pisanis are retired. They clearly made enough from the sale of their home and business and previous savings that they don't have to work or worry about earning a living anymore. That alone would remove most people's stress. Is it Costa Rica, or is it the lack of job? If Nadine was hauling herself to an office every day and adjusting the spines of whiny tourists, I doubt she'd have time to wax lyrical about sunsets. They're even building a home on the beach, so they definitely have money.
In the first book, her snarky asides and fun at other people's expense was quite funny, but as she recounts that book getting published and how she had to immediately apologize to everyone, it brought home the fact that the people she's making fun of are real. I'd be so afraid to do anything around her, lest it end up as a big laugh in her next book. Even the negative reviews she received are mocked in this book, complete with her father insulting each reviewer. Cringe. Another thing authors shouldn't do. I can understand mentioning how much the first bad reviews hurt, but publishing them in your next book and making fun of the reviewers? Ouch.
The other drawback was her husband. Rob is ridiculously controlling in this one, but I don't remember him being that way in the first book. In the sequel, he's so obsessed with turning their rented house into a fortress that I'm wondering why they moved there if it's that unsafe.
Overall, this was a cute, fun read, but I really hope this couple starts learning Spanish!
February 7, 2013
I read the first book as well, and enjoyed it, and I really enjoyed this sequel. I'm quite intrigued by the subject matter as my family and I are considering such a move sometime down the road. Nadine has fun sense of humor, I thoroughly enjoyed her hilarious insights and their escapades. I did learn some valuable things about life in Costa Rica as an expat, and have a better idea of what to expect. It's helpful to get their personal point of view through what she shares of their experiences. I would have liked even more information about those experiences, a bit more detail around those events and their personal motivations for the changes they've made and are making. I certainly get a sense of how much they love their life there. Their journey to find happiness is inspiring, it inspires me to find my version of that happiness as well with my family.
March 21, 2015
Pura Vida!
This was such a fun and endearing book. I loved Nadine's humor and willingness to share her adventures in such a personal way. My family is from Costa Rica, and I felt as if I had just met my beautiful Costa Rica for the first time with each new chapter. Thank you Nadine for all the great laughs!
This was such a fun and endearing book. I loved Nadine's humor and willingness to share her adventures in such a personal way. My family is from Costa Rica, and I felt as if I had just met my beautiful Costa Rica for the first time with each new chapter. Thank you Nadine for all the great laughs!
August 21, 2018
Reading backwards
I am reading Nadine Hays Pisani's books from most recent to first written. I am starting Happier than a billionaire now so that will be her third book on my my phone from Kindle. I love this womans writing style and her journey with her husband who i have a man crush on. I can totally relate to both of them and after visiting Tamarindo i get what she is writing about. The thing that amazes me about her are the American cultural references. She is way to young to have watched or listened to many of the things she refers to. I attribute that to her being an old soul so if you are a Boomer with a dream of changing your life she is your guru and your guide. I will definitely be staying at Nadine and Robs Happy House in the near future. Cheers Dale
stuntschool.ca
I am reading Nadine Hays Pisani's books from most recent to first written. I am starting Happier than a billionaire now so that will be her third book on my my phone from Kindle. I love this womans writing style and her journey with her husband who i have a man crush on. I can totally relate to both of them and after visiting Tamarindo i get what she is writing about. The thing that amazes me about her are the American cultural references. She is way to young to have watched or listened to many of the things she refers to. I attribute that to her being an old soul so if you are a Boomer with a dream of changing your life she is your guru and your guide. I will definitely be staying at Nadine and Robs Happy House in the near future. Cheers Dale
stuntschool.ca
March 9, 2018
LOVE Nadine’s writing!
Okay, so- hubby & I are moving to Grecia in a year, I’m reading everything ever written on the subject... good, not-so-good etc etc. All styles & stories & I’m not done yet! That said, when I started her first “Happier” I was looking more for info than entertainment- and thought “wth is this! a comedian book (sorry Nadine!). So I kept reading and Fell In Love with her writing, wit, silliness, Rob etc etc! Thank you so very much Nadine... you’ve convinced this California girl to take the leap w/her hero.... I hope someday we will meet so I can give you a big hug, as we are now old friends... On to the next one !!
Okay, so- hubby & I are moving to Grecia in a year, I’m reading everything ever written on the subject... good, not-so-good etc etc. All styles & stories & I’m not done yet! That said, when I started her first “Happier” I was looking more for info than entertainment- and thought “wth is this! a comedian book (sorry Nadine!). So I kept reading and Fell In Love with her writing, wit, silliness, Rob etc etc! Thank you so very much Nadine... you’ve convinced this California girl to take the leap w/her hero.... I hope someday we will meet so I can give you a big hug, as we are now old friends... On to the next one !!
January 13, 2021
A feel good tale of life in a new place.
I first watched your YouTube video and enjoyed it. Then I bought your sequel book. Every chapter was a warm telling of your life experiences in Costa Rica. Every chapter left me smiling. I’ve dreamed and researched about moving there for over ten years. Through your story, I was able to live vicariously for just a brief time and envy you. Your writing style is very easy and flows naturally as if you were relating the events in person.
Thank you. I look forward to seeing your next saga!
I first watched your YouTube video and enjoyed it. Then I bought your sequel book. Every chapter was a warm telling of your life experiences in Costa Rica. Every chapter left me smiling. I’ve dreamed and researched about moving there for over ten years. Through your story, I was able to live vicariously for just a brief time and envy you. Your writing style is very easy and flows naturally as if you were relating the events in person.
Thank you. I look forward to seeing your next saga!
May 27, 2018
Candid and refreshing
This is not meant to be a tourist guide of course but there are some pointers in there. It is very uplifting and inspiring to see that some people do actually leave everything behind and start a new life...and without being perfect it all works out in the end.
This is not meant to be a tourist guide of course but there are some pointers in there. It is very uplifting and inspiring to see that some people do actually leave everything behind and start a new life...and without being perfect it all works out in the end.
March 1, 2019
Very fun and easy read. I really enjoyed this book and all the vignettes. I love Costa Rica and this was really in line with my mood at the time. I enjoyed the story about getting stung by the bullet ant! It was interesting to see the snags, and ups and downs of living in Costa Rica. Overall, Pura Vida!!
July 26, 2020
Wonderful book, laugh out loud kinda book
Loved this book, it makes you stop and think about things in life that aren't as important as we make them out to be.
Also, Nadine, you made me laugh out loud at unexpected places, i.e. the doctors office, hospital waiting room , the nail salon. Going to start you ne t book now.
Loved this book, it makes you stop and think about things in life that aren't as important as we make them out to be.
Also, Nadine, you made me laugh out loud at unexpected places, i.e. the doctors office, hospital waiting room , the nail salon. Going to start you ne t book now.
October 24, 2016
I throughly enjoyed this book. It was light hearted, funny, and a little dramatic at times. Reading this book makes you want to move to a third world country. It seems like a much simpler life. I can see my wife and I doing this one day when we are not quite as dependent on a normal job.
December 10, 2017
An enjoyable read about a young couple that quits their day jobs and moves to Costa Rica. The health care stories are enough to convince me that's it's not for me . . . but Pisani does make some good points about not giving up on your dreams. Living more simply is something I would like to do.
October 5, 2019
Changed my life!
After reading this book my husband and I have began selling off everything went out including two businesses. We are a couple of years away from leaving what we call the rat race. They are so excited for the next chapter in our lives!
After reading this book my husband and I have began selling off everything went out including two businesses. We are a couple of years away from leaving what we call the rat race. They are so excited for the next chapter in our lives!
March 22, 2024
She is hilarious!
Yes, I dream of retiring someplace without a winter. I have no real interest in beach towns, but think that the central valley sounds perfect for me--eternal spring.
Yes, I dream of retiring someplace without a winter. I have no real interest in beach towns, but think that the central valley sounds perfect for me--eternal spring.
May 23, 2018
Keep me smiling
This book took me away from my daily life and allowed me to experience a different life though the author's experiences.
This book took me away from my daily life and allowed me to experience a different life though the author's experiences.
February 28, 2019
This one couldn't keep me. I never finished. :-(
June 16, 2020
Lovely story, Nadine. I laughed, I cringed, I rode along for your highs and lows. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
November 4, 2021
Hilarious, crazy and informative book! We moved to Costa Rica after reading this series!
July 14, 2022
I loved both of Nadine’s books. I’ve never been to Costa Rica but reading her books makes me feel like I’m there. I love the sense of humor she adds to every story.
August 11, 2023
Great story and told with a wonderful, authentic voice.
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Hoping for another part sometime in the future.
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Hoping for another part sometime in the future.
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July 17, 2025Don't ever listen to the haters, Nadine. I think your clever, hilarious, self-deprecating stories are snort-on-a-bus funny. I want more, more, more.
April 1, 2016
Everything about Nadine's writing style fits me. I love her humor, her story-telling, & how her book flows. I have never laughed so much while reading a book, as I have with her two books. Before leaving for my trip to Costa Rica, I read her first one. On the flight home from that trip, I began reading her second. Her passion for CR is wonderful. It truly is a beautiful country, & reading her books has made me miss it. I wouldn't trade my Minnesota life for anything, but I'm so happy she found her home. I highly recommend this book to anyone visiting Costa Rica, anyone who loves books about travel, any ex-pats or ex-pat wannabes, or anyone who just loves to laugh.
June 10, 2013
The first book was lovely and chatty and charming. This one is more introspective yet still full of charm and wit.
Nadine has great insight and a good sense of humor. Stories of Rob only complete the picture.
I'm not brave enough to venture to Costa Rica as Nadine and Rob did. I wish I were. Courageous or not you will love the stories.
You might even want to go see a crocodile. Just probably not with Rob (no offense big guy).
Buy the book. Travel in your mind the paths of someone else's dream, if only for a few pages. You won't regret it.
Nadine has great insight and a good sense of humor. Stories of Rob only complete the picture.
I'm not brave enough to venture to Costa Rica as Nadine and Rob did. I wish I were. Courageous or not you will love the stories.
You might even want to go see a crocodile. Just probably not with Rob (no offense big guy).
Buy the book. Travel in your mind the paths of someone else's dream, if only for a few pages. You won't regret it.
January 13, 2013
Once again, not great literature, but the amusing sequel to the first book, in the same genre as Happier # 1. I was interested enough by the books to "google" Nadine, and there she has posted delightful pictures of Costa Rica and some of her adventures. Now I am a little sure that for the sake of interest, some of the adventures in both book 1 & 2 are a little exaggerated, but I enjoyed both books, and they were very economical too!
November 24, 2016
Love this book!
Read the first book and immediately ordered the next one on my iPad. Forget binge tv watching - I'm binge reading Nadine's books! Love her witty humor and the stories about her and husbands adventures. Love her attitude and how positive she is. What a great pick -me- up this book has been! Just imagine what a waste her talent would have been had she never quit her job and moved to Costa Rica! Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Read the first book and immediately ordered the next one on my iPad. Forget binge tv watching - I'm binge reading Nadine's books! Love her witty humor and the stories about her and husbands adventures. Love her attitude and how positive she is. What a great pick -me- up this book has been! Just imagine what a waste her talent would have been had she never quit her job and moved to Costa Rica! Thank you for sharing your life with us!
May 12, 2013
4 stars for entertainment value, not necessarily for excellence of writing. Liked this because it is a really fun read about life in Costa Rica. The author has a great voice, and although there are some errors, I enjoyed reading more about what she's done while living in Guanacaste. Definitely recommended for anyone who is considering a move to Costa Rica.
May 17, 2014
The author is more philosophical in this, the sequel, about following your dreams and not listening to naysayers. While it isn't as funny as the first, I appreciated her portrayal of her own fears and her refusal to let them sidetrack her. The funniest portions were her interactions with her parents.
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December 29, 2013Lovely and delightful
Nadine's further struggles and triumphs are chronicled in this sequel. I loved that she continues to complain and highlight how she shifts from anxious to tranquil as she explores her new home with her husband Rob and a cast of characters that delight. Enjoy!
Nadine's further struggles and triumphs are chronicled in this sequel. I loved that she continues to complain and highlight how she shifts from anxious to tranquil as she explores her new home with her husband Rob and a cast of characters that delight. Enjoy!
March 10, 2013
Belongs on a shelf with 'Sex Lives of Cannibals' and 'Mai Pen Rai means nevermind'. Hilarious accounts of being an expat in paradise. Read for escape, read it for it's top notch writing but most of all read it for the basic message of in mindfullness is joy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews