Suzanne Van Atten fell in love with Puerto Rico when she moved there as an impressionable teenager. Compared to the sedate suburbs of the South where she spent her childhood, living in Puerto Rico was like waking up in the world of technicolor after a steady diet of black-and-white static. The rich Spanish culture, the postcard-perfect beaches, the lush tropical jungle, the cobblestone streets, the pastel colors, the lively music—it all colluded to seduce her, getting under her skin like no other place she’s ever been. This book is an expression of her deep respect and appreciation for the island, its people and its culture.

Suzanne has been a journalist in Atlanta, GA, for 20 years, specializing in travel, arts and entertainment. Her travel writing has taken her to destinations throughout the United States, Mexico, South America, the Caribbean and Europe. She has snorkeled a shipwreck in Aruba, gone ballroom dancing in Rio de Janiero, barhopped in Barcelona, crewed a hot-air balloon in New Mexico, slept in a Jesuit monastery in Sorrento, gone whitewater rafting in Tennessee and gotten lost too many times to count.

Currently an editor at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Suzanne was formerly A&E editor for the alternative weekly Creative Loafing and the Marietta Daily Journal.