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BAD KARMA: The True Story of a Mexico Trip from Hell Paperback – December 26, 2019

by Paul Wilson (Author), Barbara Noe Kennedy (Editor)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 6,282 ratings
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In the summer of 1978, twenty-one-year-old Paul Wilson jumps at the chance to join two local icons on a dream surf trip to mainland Mexico, unaware their ultimate destination lies in the heart of drug cartel country. Having no earthly idea of where he’ll get the money to pay his share, and determined to prove his mettle, he does the only thing he can think of: He robs a supermarket. And, if karma didn’t already have enough reason to doom the trip, he soon learns one of his companions is a convicted killer on the run, and the other an unscrupulous cad. Mishap and misfortune rule the days, and mere survival takes precedence over surfing.

Original photographs (including pre-kingpin El Chapo), and Wilson’s strong narrative style, combine to make this true story personal—in the tradition of Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer, and Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto "Che" Guevara—except this tale had to wait for the statute of limitations to expire before it could be told.


“I adore Wilson's style of writing. It uses snappy humor and dialogue to draw you into the scenes he describes.
…it feels like Wilson captured lightning in a bottle! This gets an easy 5 out of 5 stars from me!” – OnlineBookclub.org

"So painfully true you wish it was fiction! A laugh-out-loud (to keep from crying) romp about what not to do bridging the gap into adulthood." – Discovery

“Could Not Put It Down. Loved it!! Descriptive, heartfelt and funny. So good!” – Wanda B. Weaver

“Bad Karma has instantly joined the pantheon of great adventure writing!”– Elizabeth Howard

“One of the funniest true stories I've ever read.”– Penny Pennell

"Fear and Loathing goes to Mexico"– Neil P. Reid

“This book should be a movie!” “…truth is often stranger than fiction.”– Lori

"Exhilarating, raw, PURE...A Story we all wish we'd lived through! The style of writing only adds to the epic tale here.” “…an important, succinct and easy read"– Kathleen S. Gray

“Inspiring and Authentic Story.”– Audra Krell

“Rockin’ good time!”– Donna Ellen

“Haven’t read a book this fun in 30 years.”– Tracy
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    268 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    December 26, 2019
  4. Dimensions
    5.25 x 0.67 x 8 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0578579065
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0578579061
  7. See all details
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Popular Highlights in this book
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Previous page
  1. It was sobering to think of how much of me I had squandered, in vain pursuit of being accepted, instead of putting that same energy into living a life that was worth something.
    Highlighted by 180 Kindle readers
  2. He believed, because most of the people had so little in the way of material possessions they could call their own, their wealth rested in their intangibles: honor, family, faith, and generosity. To err with any of these, meant losing it. And for many, these were all they had.
    Highlighted by 126 Kindle readers
  3. Message received. You’re but a speck of dust in a cosmic wind. Get over yourselves already.
    Highlighted by 68 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul is a lifelong resident of coastal San Diego, attending high school at a time when Independent surfing was an option for Phys. Ed., and Rock Poetry was passed off as advanced English. It didn't take much for him to become disenchanted with formal education and drop out of The University of Southern California to embrace his entrepreneurial side. Paul is a multi-patented inventor, a photographer (oceanfrontphotos.com), and has built several successful businesses. Embracing his love of baseball and the ocean, he attends every San Diego Padres home game, and lives in Mission Beach, California.

Barbara worked for 23 years at National Geographic as Senior Editor of Travel Publishing, where she managed the creation of illustrated travel books, including the award-winning National Geographic Traveler guidebook series. She was involved in every step, including ideation, marketing, covers, photo selection, and the actual writing and editing. In 2015, Barbara left her longtime position at National Geographic to go freelance full-time. She has published hundreds of travel stories and blogs, plus four books. She's accompanied National Geographic Expedition tours to Italy and France as the NatGeo Expert and teaches travel writing both in person and online.

Derek is from Portland, Oregon originally, but has lived abroad for most of his life in S. America, Europe and Asia. He studied philosophy in Malta, classical oil painting in Italy, finished his PhD in Comparative Literature in Taiwan. 

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ocean Front Publishing (December 26, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 268 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0578579065
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0578579061
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.67 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 6,282 ratings

About the author

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Paul Wilson

Paul Wilson

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Paul is a lifelong resident of coastal San Diego, attending high school at a time when Independent surfing was an option for Phys. Ed., and Rock Poetry was passed off as an advanced English course. It didn’t take much for him to become disenchanted with formal education and drop out of The University of Southern California to embrace his entrepreneurial side. Paul is a multi-patented inventor, a photographer (oceanfrontphotos.com), and has built several successful businesses. Embracing his love of baseball and the ocean, he attends every San Diego Padres home game, and lives in Mission Beach, California.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
6,282 global ratings
Entertaining and insightful read
4 Stars
Entertaining and insightful read
I found the book easy to read and finished it in a couple of days. I appreciated the writer's perspectives on his fellow travelers and friends, and the Mexican people. On the latter, he got to the core of family, faith, and honor. He and his friends could have learned from the positives and the author in the epilogue evidently did. This was a story of adventure, almost fictional in character and reminded me that truth can be stranger than fiction. The one concern I have with it is the author recounts conversations that took place in Spanish, even though he readily admits he only knew a few words at the time. How can you recall detailed comments if you and others (except Perro, who was with him in Mexico only for the last part) do not speak Spanish?
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Top reviews from the United States

Pamdiana Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars "Animal House" hilarious surf adventure🏝🤩
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2024
Verified Purchase
This book was epic. Paul shows all, and I mean ALL, of his selfish flaws, as he and his pals escape the real world into what's got to be the darkest, most unbelievably outrageous adventure of his life. From evil bats, broken WNDRbus, stealing, rudeness, sarcasm, floods, hurricanes, losing everything including everyone's lunch-if you get my meaning-even drug lords and dodging death daily, I couldn't recommend this hilarious read any higher-5 STARS!
To anyone who admits they miss their wild youth, and to those just starting out into adulthood, it's a Must Read if you'd like to laugh your a$$ off... and pray that your own life becomes as interesting as these pals.
As a travel adventure author myself, I beg you: Please write more Paul, I'll be first in line to buy the copy🙉🙊🙈🤩🏝🏄‍♂️
2 people found this helpful
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Homer J.
4.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly well-written for a surf book.
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2020
Verified Purchase
As a surfer, I enjoy most surf stories, especially those that involve travel to exotic/tropical locales.

However, one thing I've noticed is that most surfers don't tend to be very good (or very interesting) writers. Even "Barbarian Days", which was written by an actual journalist, was not particularly engrossing, despite the source material. I also felt that "In Search of Captain Zero", while more interesting, was also not that compelling from a writing standpoint. Or even Dogs of Winter, etc.

This book stood out to me because the writing was actually very solid, and often very funny. It's hard to believe it wasn't written by an experienced author. (Maybe the editor played a large role, maybe not.) It's still a little rough around the edges, but I read the entire book within a few days, because I didn't really get bored with it at any point.

The book was partly interesting to me because I've personally visited the primary destination in the book (Michoacan, La Ticla, and El Faro) and have also been to Mexico generally many times. And because I'm interested in driving through Baja, and down the Mexican coast, at some point. But I think for any surfer with any interest in surf travel, this book will have some appeal.

I'm only giving the book 4 stars because 1) I'm not an easy grader with books; 2) the book is still a little rough around the edges; and 3) the book could use more maps, graphics and photos, and larger versions of the photos that *are* included. The last issue could be due to the fact I bought the Kindle edition, and could not adjust the size of the photos at all.

Ultimately, the fact this is a true story obviously makes it a bit more compelling than a novel would be. And it's hard to believe that so much stuff happened to one person on one surf trip. Possibly, a bit was exaggerated. But most of it has the ring of truth. We've all known people like Moose. The dishonesty and poor decisions shown by the author at the time in question are fairly distasteful (there was an easy solution to one of his initial ethical dilemmas), but we've all done some stupid stuff when young.

I think if this book was republished with more maps, photos, etc., it could potentially merit 4 and a half stars, and I can see why some would give it 5 stars already. (Again, maybe the published version already has more graphics.) I could also see this being made into a decent Hollywood film. They wouldn't have to add/change too much, aside from maybe a love interest at some point. They could have fun with the 70's setting in terms of music, fashion, etc.

All in all, definitely one of the better non-fiction surf books out there. The author deserves credit. I hope he's enjoyed his life, and is still getting out in the water.
39 people found this helpful
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Laura Brown-Daves
5.0 out of 5 stars Blast from the past.
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2024
Verified Purchase
A friend recommended this book. I got it before my vacation and decided to wait and read it after. Best book ever. It really describes the era perfectly. I had a trip to Mexico during that time. Boy! So different.
Kept me page turning til the end. Great story. Good pictures.
Can hardly wait for the movie!
2 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars This was a good read but poor quality printing
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2023
Verified Purchase
Book was poorly printed and several pages missing first and second lines
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Kindle Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars This was a good read but poor quality printing
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2023
Book was poorly printed and several pages missing first and second lines
Images in this review
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Strongman53
4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and insightful read
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
Verified Purchase
I found the book easy to read and finished it in a couple of days. I appreciated the writer's perspectives on his fellow travelers and friends, and the Mexican people. On the latter, he got to the core of family, faith, and honor. He and his friends could have learned from the positives and the author in the epilogue evidently did. This was a story of adventure, almost fictional in character and reminded me that truth can be stranger than fiction. The one concern I have with it is the author recounts conversations that took place in Spanish, even though he readily admits he only knew a few words at the time. How can you recall detailed comments if you and others (except Perro, who was with him in Mexico only for the last part) do not speak Spanish?
Customer image
Strongman53
4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and insightful read
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
I found the book easy to read and finished it in a couple of days. I appreciated the writer's perspectives on his fellow travelers and friends, and the Mexican people. On the latter, he got to the core of family, faith, and honor. He and his friends could have learned from the positives and the author in the epilogue evidently did. This was a story of adventure, almost fictional in character and reminded me that truth can be stranger than fiction. The one concern I have with it is the author recounts conversations that took place in Spanish, even though he readily admits he only knew a few words at the time. How can you recall detailed comments if you and others (except Perro, who was with him in Mexico only for the last part) do not speak Spanish?
Images in this review
Customer image Customer image
Customer imageCustomer image
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B. Wallace
5.0 out of 5 stars No Need to Be a Surfer to Enjoy This Tale
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
I was wondering whether this would be too surf-centric, or hippy-happy, whatever. Several of the other reviews gave me that impression, but that's not the case at all.

I won't rehash the story or the "lessons". This is simply a ultra-easy, fast and addictive read that kept pulling you back. It's well-written, and the teasers (beers with El Chapo, etc.) are not cheap. The craziest parts of the story have relevance to the chain of events, and it's a thrilling read.

If you came here for easy adventure, a good story, and that strange satisfaction of seeing someone else mess up and get the "I told you so" treatment, this book will not disappoint.
4 people found this helpful
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Jessica Parmenter
5.0 out of 5 stars What a story
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2024
Verified Purchase
I got this book for my husband for Valentines Day. This is his review. Awesome book what a story. I just got into reading and this book was perfect to spark the reading flame. This is one crazy story what a RIDE!! You will be hooked right out the gate.
2 people found this helpful
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Kali
4.0 out of 5 stars super entertaining and real account of Mexico
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
I read this for surfing. Surfing is kinda the backdrop. But the true story is so good. I was laughing and then nervous people would die. Highly recomended read for anyone who likes Mexico or thinks about going
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!
Reviewed in Canada on March 25, 2023
Verified Purchase
Incredible read. Highly recommend. I love how the author did not leave anything out - this really brought the story to life.
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Joao T.
2.0 out of 5 stars Fraco
Reviewed in Brazil on November 9, 2021
Verified Purchase
Razoavelmente bem escrito, porém nada além de uma viagem de adolescentes de vinte e poucos anos, fazendo m**** pelo México. Não vale o preço.
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gypsy
5.0 out of 5 stars astounding
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 5, 2023
Verified Purchase
Really glad Paul shared his story. It’s fascinating, incredibly well written and very VERY funny. Thanks for the insight, really enjoyed this book.
One person found this helpful
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Karen Allen
5.0 out of 5 stars Survived & Grew By the Skin of Our Teeth
Reviewed in Mexico on March 30, 2020
Verified Purchase
A tale of travel, survival and ultimately bonding by late 1970’s surfers in Mexico. I laughed and lived it with them. I actually live in Mexico and so find it easier to relate to Mexican culture & the surfing culture. I didn’t want the book to end and frequently had tears of laughter pouring down my face - especially at the end with the bonding with a young El Chapo! Wonderful - thank you.
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Callum Murray
5.0 out of 5 stars Honest and true
Reviewed in Australia on October 6, 2023
Verified Purchase
One of the best books I have ever read. I would compare this to as good as if not better than marching powder
One person found this helpful
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