Rating: 
Summary: First rate overview of what makes Brazilians Brazilian
Review: This book effectively captures the spirit of "brazilianess" and presents it to the reader in an easy to understand format. Page openly admits that the analysis presented in the book is through his eyes, which is an honest admission that this is not necessarily a scholarly study of Brazilian culture. That said, the book does not lack for adequate research and Page obviously knows his Brazilian history and culture and spent years putting this book together. The fact that it is not a "scholarly study" is probably what makes it an interesting read. This is a great book to get a basic understanding of Brazil, its culture and its wonderful people. If you are traveling to Brazil I highly recommend reading this before you go or while you are there. It will help you understand a lot of what you encounter.
Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding, for the Academic or the Hedonist
Review: This book is marvelous. It offers plenty of keen insight into Brazil, and helps explains why Brazil is such an enthralling country. Page has the learned discipline of an academic, but covers interesting and serious topics in a style that is easily understood and digested. All English speakers will enjoy reading this book before they journey to Brazil, and you'll be able to appreciate and understand Brazil much better after reading this book. Furthermore, this book has no serious competition. There isn't another book that can so concisely give you a better understanding of modern day Brazil.
Rating:
Summary: Great research but a little outdated
Review: This is a great book if you are interest in the history and culture of Brazil. It's obvious that the author did extensive research on the subject and he does a very good job explaining how some of the cultural traits developed. However, the country has gone under a great deal of changes recently and so I though it was a little outdated. Also, the reading can get boring, as the chapters are long and too detailed sometimes. I gave it four stars because it's definitely a good book, if this is the kind of reading you are looking for.
Rating:
Summary: Great research but a little outdated
Review: This is a great book if you are interest in the history and culture of Brazil. It's obvious that the author did extensive research on the subject and he does a very good job explaining how some of the cultural traits developed. However, the country has gone under a great deal of changes recently and so I though it was a little outdated. Also, the reading can get boring, as the chapters are long and too detailed sometimes. I gave it four starts because it definitely a good book, if this is the kind of reading you are looking for.
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