Between the Lines

Surf’s Up!

Who hasn’t fantasized about leaving their responsibilities behind and chasing some wild dream? We all have our inner “wild child,” but few of us give in to its call.

The World’s Richest Busboy ( Sundaze publishing, 2010, $14.95), by J. J. Brito, is a personal narration of one boy’s journey to manhood. Growing up in southern California, it was only natural that J. J. would give surfing a try, but a growing disillusionment with the consumerism that surrounded him pushed him toward a life focused on surfing, where work was simply a way to support his quest for the perfect wave.

Working as a busboy and delivering pizza turned out to be perfect jobs for J. J., as the hours were flexible and allowed him freedom to get out on his board most mornings. As time passed, though, his passion for surfing led him to more exotic beaches in less civilized countries. These stories are the real substance of his book, as he hitchhiked through Australia, lived out of a station wagon in South Africa, and rode a motorcycle from California to Costa Rica. This is the tale of life lived in passionate pursuit of a dream.

J. J. tells his story honestly, and it’s the detail that makes this book so entertaining. His journey took him to places most of us only dream about, and the dangers that he encountered only made the reward that much greater. And perhaps his greatest discovery was that everywhere he traveled he found generous people and new friends, which is, perhaps, worth trading a “safe” life for.

J. J. Brito has lived around the world, but most recently in St. Augustine Beach, Florida, with his wife and daughter. The World’s Richest Busboy is available for download on amazon.com and his website, jjbrito.com.