Great Reading to Escape Winter or Enjoy in Summer at Poolside.Kathrin, a foodie writer stuck in a corporate job, bonds with John through a mutual hatred of the cold. They discover paradise in a small town in Mexico and after three days naively buy a house there... or did they? After months of foul ups, they struggle to survive as a couple, while falling for the charm and characters of the town. In process, Kathrin accidentally starts a "Mecca" for writers and they both learn what had been missing in their lives. Their adventures and misadventures include: - Lost in the outback hills of Mexico after taking the wrong bus- A Christmas (Navidad) miracle or two- A competition with neighbors over siesta sex- Close encounters with tropical insects- Shopping for a Mexican wedding dress in a small town (very funny)- A brush with the queen of the Dead (Day of the Dead)- Unexpected friends and unexpected villains...and inadvertently becoming part of a Mexican circus act, to name some of the trouble that Kathrin and her man, John live through as they laugh, love and learn in Mexico. Based on a true story.SOME RAVE REVIEWS:5.0 out of 5 starsPage 284 sums up my love for Mexico
Reviewed in Canada on April 18, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVED THIS BOOK! I do know the town, well! Was able to ID the real names of the bars and restaurants and loved the writers perspective of the town. I was lucky enough to do a writing course with this brilliant writer and I loved what she taught me in 1 week. Page 284 spoke from my heart. Brilliant book. It brought me home!! The Happy Hammock is a story that entertains and delights
Reviewed in Canada on May 15, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Happy Hammock is a story that entertains and delights about the misadventures of a couple who impulsively sign some papers thinking they had bought a house in Mexico. It's a charming story of cross-cultural misunderstanding, beautiful descriptions of a Mexican fishing town, and the challenges of continuing a romantic relationship while trying to figure out the practicalities of house ownership in a foreign country. I received an advance copy of this book and was thoroughly entertained by the story. A humorous book about odd & loving intricacies of small town Mexico
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars
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A fun book to read. Kathrin Lake and her husband's personal experiences in 'The Happy Hammock' are some of the odd and loving intricacies of small town Mexico and of local characters. She illustrates the humor that often arises from those situations. This would make the basis for a new successful sit-com that shows the lighter side of Mexico, the country's people and their hospitality to those that visit from up north. A great bridge bringing both cultures together with a warm camaraderie that could melt any border wall. A delightful slice of life
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2018
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I enjoyed this book. The author paints a delightful picture of the little Mexican town and its culture. Plus, she tells all sorts of funny stories about herself as a Canadian trying to fit in. This is a relaxing read that transports you away from the daily grind into a slice of life that sounds fun, educational, and amusing. A great escape indeed. Find many more 5 star reviews online!