Adam
Adam asked:

I loved this book. I am biased as I am enamored by the bohemian lifestyle. But any book can win over an audience with exotic destinations, adventures and surfing. The real pleasure was the author's prose, insight and reflection on himself, the individuals he met along the way, and the political situations/customs of the places he visited along the way. Does anyone have recommendations similar to this novel?

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Margob99 AA Gill "Pour me a life". A different topic in that the author is focusing on his addiction issues, but as you mention "the real pleasure was the author's prose, insight and reflection on himself ..." I too loved "Barbarian Days" and AA Gill's memoir came in a close second. I couldn't finish Keruoac's "On the Road", I read "Shantaram" and while it made for a rollicking read I couldn't help feeling the author had glamourised some of his more criminal activities. Another memoir I did thoroughly enjoy was "Fire Season" by Philip Connors. Absolutely stunning. In it, he mentions "The Dharma Bums" also by Kerouac, and I'm still searching for a hard copy of that one!
Kristin Check out Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.
Sayer Tindall I would say the closest thing I can think of would be "On the Road" by Jack Keruoac. But I am sure you have probably already read that..
EddieP Get the Gerry Lopez book, it's excellent and also about surfing
Margery It's not a novel, but maybe you simply misspoke. It is important, however, to know that it is a memoir.
Amanda Travels in a Thin Country: A Journey Through Chile by Sara Wheeler is pretty good.
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