Good practical guide to Costa Rica, its great for the traveler too. Gives a nut and bolts of living in CR by someone who has done it. He's lived in the central valley and the beaches so its a good overview of most of the country. Much better than the book by Moon. Would like to see it updated more often but extremely useful still. What's not covered can be picked up in the references. Christopher Howard book is good too. Both give you realistic how to cope views not just the travel brochures which is important if you're really thinking about moving there.