EXPAT READS

There are many resources for those interested in starting their search for "getting away from it all." You'll find there are a variety of books, websites, blogs, even magazines dedicated to providing help for potential expatriats. Here is a starter list from Sport Diver staff members.

"In Search of Captain Zero" is Alan Weisbecker's personal account of searching for a missing surfing buddy as he travels from Mexico to Costa Rica. Read it if you identify with soul surfers — as in those who pick up boards for the Zen experience of connecting with the ocean.

And if you like Weisbecker, you have to check out his cult classic, "Cosmic Banditos." This trippy tale stretches the limits of what exploits — including drug smuggling — one could stumble upon overseas. It's also a totally readable intro lesson in quantum physics.

Paul Theroux is the definitive narrative travel author, but I actually prefer his fictional work, like "Hotel Honolulu," which interweaves a series of related tales that together, paint a colorful picture of the Waikiki beach scene. — Brooke Morton, Assoociate Editor

For those who don't want to go entirely expat, a good read is "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. A New York Times bestseller, "Eat, Pray, Love" chronicles the author's adventures through Italy, India and Indonesia during her yearlong quest to find true happiness.

While visiting each location she focused on an important life principle. In Italy she immersed herself in pleasure by indulging in the Italian cuisine – so much so that she gained 23 pounds. While in India, a guru helped her gain spiritual awareness and learn the power of devotion.

And finally, in Bali — a favorite diving destination of Sport Diver featured in our June 2008 issue — Gilbert learned how to find a comfortable balance in life, despite an otherwise fast-paced society back home in the U.S. Even though it was only for a year, going expat allowed Gilbert the chance to venture on a journey of self discovery and find more than one love of life along the way. — Johanna Moavero, Editorial Assistant

"The London Embassy," by Paul Theroux, may not be tropical, but he's the classic American expat writer of the 20th century — as well as, arguably, America's best travel writer. And a great thing about "The London Embassy" is that it is a book of short stories — perfect for surface intervals or meals when you're traveling alone; my favorite is "A Tomb with a View," which centers around the tomb of Sir Richard Burton (the explorer, not the actor).

And then there's the original English-language expat novel — actually, the original English-language novel, period — "Robinson Crusoe," by Daniel Defoe, which (although the island is never actually named) is set on Tobago. — Tom Morrisey, Editor-At-Large