Review of BAD KARMA: The True Story of a Mexico Trip from Hell
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[Following is a volunteer review of "BAD KARMA: The True Story of a Mexico Trip from Hell" by Paul Adam Wilson.]
Paul Wilson’s Bad Karma is a non-fiction memoir that proves a bad idea can get much worse. This book is about a 1978 surf trip that Wilson took to Mexico. It reads more like a survival thriller than a true story.
The trip starts with a ridiculous crime: Wilson robs a supermarket to pay for his share of the gas and food for the trip. He wanted to fit in with two older surfers, but he quickly realizes his companions are troubled. One is a convicted killer skipping bail, and the other is just an enormous jerk. With those companions and that initial crime, the “bad karma” starts right away.
The book is a relentless list of problems. The van breaks down constantly. The three men face huge storms and floods. They suffer from food poisoning and have to deal with dangerous wildlife, including a shark. Their main goal of surfing is quickly forgotten by the simple need to survive and avoid getting arrested or killed.
The most crazy and absolutely mind-blowing part of this true story is his unplanned run-in with Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, years before he became the world’s most feared and infamous drug lord. It’s an insane moment that shows just how far outside the normal world this trip takes them.
This is a 5/5-star book. Absolutely incredible. This book was edited beautifully. I mean, flawless editing. What makes Bad Karma work is Wilson’s simple and fast-paced writing style. He uses his authentic 1970s surfer voice to make the story feel immediate and real. It all seems untrue until you see the actual photographs Wilson includes, which prove that these crazy events really happened. If you enjoy chaotic true stories and reckless adventure, this book is a solid, thrilling read. I could not put it down. Enjoy the ride.
******
BAD KARMA: The True Story of a Mexico Trip from Hell
View: on Bookshelves |
Paul Wilson’s Bad Karma is a non-fiction memoir that proves a bad idea can get much worse. This book is about a 1978 surf trip that Wilson took to Mexico. It reads more like a survival thriller than a true story.
The trip starts with a ridiculous crime: Wilson robs a supermarket to pay for his share of the gas and food for the trip. He wanted to fit in with two older surfers, but he quickly realizes his companions are troubled. One is a convicted killer skipping bail, and the other is just an enormous jerk. With those companions and that initial crime, the “bad karma” starts right away.
The book is a relentless list of problems. The van breaks down constantly. The three men face huge storms and floods. They suffer from food poisoning and have to deal with dangerous wildlife, including a shark. Their main goal of surfing is quickly forgotten by the simple need to survive and avoid getting arrested or killed.
The most crazy and absolutely mind-blowing part of this true story is his unplanned run-in with Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, years before he became the world’s most feared and infamous drug lord. It’s an insane moment that shows just how far outside the normal world this trip takes them.
This is a 5/5-star book. Absolutely incredible. This book was edited beautifully. I mean, flawless editing. What makes Bad Karma work is Wilson’s simple and fast-paced writing style. He uses his authentic 1970s surfer voice to make the story feel immediate and real. It all seems untrue until you see the actual photographs Wilson includes, which prove that these crazy events really happened. If you enjoy chaotic true stories and reckless adventure, this book is a solid, thrilling read. I could not put it down. Enjoy the ride.
******
BAD KARMA: The True Story of a Mexico Trip from Hell
View: on Bookshelves |
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