Pura Vida
Discover the magic of Costa Rica. One man’s journey from Cuba in search of the wisdom that was inside him all along.
True wisdom is obtained from within.
Pura Vida is the story of the quest of Santino Garcia Reyes, an ordinary customs worker who leaves the island of Cuba to seek spiritual fulfillment and wisdom in Costa Rica.
On his journey, Santino encounters a chess master who schools him in the lessons of patience, a migrant coffee worker who teaches him how to enjoy the simple things in life, a successful coffee merchant who instructs him in the art of making money, and, most importantly, a woman who shows him how to live a heart-centered life.
Traveling among these people and experiencing life’s vital passages (love, work, friendship, and becoming a father to the entire country of Costa Rica), Santino discovers that true wisdom is obtained from within.
The Teachers Santino Meets
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Pura vida: pure life.
Costa Rica
Why I Wrote Pura Vida
About the Book
What is Pura Vida about?
It follows Santino Garcia Reyes, a Cuban customs worker who leaves his island to seek wisdom in Costa Rica, learning from a chess master, a coffee worker, a coffee merchant, and the woman who teaches him to live from the heart.
What kind of book is Pura Vida?
An inspirational novel and spiritual journey, in the tradition of parable-like stories about finding what matters most.
What does “pura vida” mean?
It is Spanish for “pure life,” a phrase Costa Ricans use as a greeting, a thank-you, and a whole philosophy of living simply and well.
Where can I buy Pura Vida?
On Amazon, or buy the eBook directly from David through BookFunnel.
Who is David Ahearn?
David Ahearn is a comedian, speaker, and the author of twelve books, including Quietude: The Wisdom of Rumi, 12 Universal Laws, and the novel I’Eternal, arriving November 25, 2026. He co-founded the improv comedy show Four Day Weekend and hosted it for 23 years. More about David.
More Books by David
Quietude
I’Eternal
We’ll Always Have ParisFollow David
Stories, reflections, and behind-the-scenes moments from the writing life, on Instagram and YouTube.
