The World's Richest Busboy

by J.J. Brito

Southern California native J.J. Brito takes an exciting ride of freedom in this fun, cleverly written and inspiring account of youthful discovery. Starting at age seventeen, J.J. saves his modest tips from delivering pizzas and bussing tables so he could travel to find the perfect waves he once doodled on his high school notebooks. Stretching every dollar to its limit, he lives out of a station wagon in South Africa, island hops through Indonesia, hitches across Australia, sails the Caribbean, and rides an old motorcycle (rigged with surfboard racks) from California to Costa Rica. Throughout his travels he endures tricky border crossings, a desert sandstorm, punishing surf, and being thrown into a Central American jail. However, the perks of paradise are never far away, J.J. finds himself gliding through a glass-like tunnel inside an emerald green wave in Nicaragua, sharing an incredible session with thousands of dolphins churning the waters in the Indian Ocean, and being welcomed into the homes of people on every corner of the earth. Through his diverse experiences he learns about the overwhelming beauty of nature, the generosity of the human spirit, and the unpredictability of life on the road. Along the way he realizes he is indeed "The World's Richest Busboy."

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

286 pages, Paperback

First published July 9, 2010

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

This book put a smile on my face from the first word to the last. Makes me want to surf more and spend more time in Central America. The characters in the book feel like wonderful friends I met along the way.

[Stacey Kavert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic road trip journey, with heart & soul

JJ's travel adventures make for an epic road trip journey tale, and perfectly sum up the phrase "the journey is not always about reaching the destination". You get the sense that the ride is savored and appreciated, and fueled by heart & soul. I enjoyed seeing the world through his wide eyes, and my lack of surfing knowledge did not hinder the experience. In fact, I now better understand the allure of the ocean and the thrill of catching the perfect wave. And he's proof that it doesn't take a ton of money to live a rich life! It's a swift & easy read, and leaves me wondering where the road leads next?

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal and inspiring read. Brito relates the stories so vividly, you are every bit in the adventure with him in the ups, downs, wonders, hilarity, and insights in life along the way. The stories are based on Brito’s adventures that occurred while exploring the world in his quests for excellent surfing (on a surfer’s frugal finances). The surfing is related brilliantly but is a fraction of the inspirational stories that truly make you want to get up and fulfill those adventuring dreams of your own. Highly recommend.

[Anne Vandenbrink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, not the richest in money. J.J. does odd jobs to travel to the world's prime surf spots. As soon as he graduated from high school his saved money takes him to Australia and South Africa by plane. Coming back home to make more money, he buys a street legal dirt bike and rides to Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras among other places. Living on the beach or cheap places and meeting traveling companions, he describes his life of being a beach bum.

[lefty magoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gringo scores perfect uncrowded Playa Negra? And then leaves .Hoh boy....

While his was an interesting project, it was one very hard to swallow “strange brew”.They say fortune favors the brave but in the back of my mind I am thinking “this guy is EITHER the luckiest m$%fu$+* in the world OR he is taking some generous artistic license with his story “ What do U think?

[Doug Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic journey of man, machine and waves. A well written, great read!

Highly recommend for any surfer, or simply for those who have the stamp of DNA wanderlust in their genetic soul. 🌴👍👍🌴🌊🏄‍♂️🌊🌴👊🤙🌴

[Deborah L. Foltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, great story

Thanks for sharing your adventure. There is something to be said for the young and free spirited. Great book to chill with on a hot summer day!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a great book! I read it in about 5 hours and it was one that I just did not want to put down. The book reads like a series of lessons in life the author discovers as he travels around the world on a shoe string budget and lives like a prince! He discovers that true value is held in time and authentic experiences and most of all friendship and not material possessions that tend to imprison you.

His adventure into Mexico on motorcycle was my favorite part of the book. You feel as if you are there on the dusty highway looking over the horizon as dawn as he rides in the next surf spot. You can feel his anticipation as he sets off on his journey, the adrenaline-high from learning how to ride in the barrel of a wave and the satisfaction and peace he feels when he lives out his dream of biking through Central America. His stories are real, frightening, funny and are a testament to human kindness.

I highly recommend this book! ! Pick it up online at http://sundazepublishing.com/

[Ralph Brito · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Worlds Richest Busboy is an awesome read It doesn,t matter if you surf or not. This book is a great example of what determination, and desire and the willingness to sacrefice to attain your dreams.
Filled with humor,true adventure,drama and compassion for all living things keeps you rivited. I have never been an avid reader but this book has convinced me that reading is not only educational but also extremely enjoyable. Thanks J for writting this book and I hope you write another.

[Erin Goodrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book several years ago now and loved it. What I especially still love about it is how often I still find myself telling people stories from the book. I really am still hoping they make it a movie. What an amazing adventure.

[Susan Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure travel memoir..my favorite one actually. Fun and exciting from cover to cover and very inspiring.