Title: Silly and Biased
Product review: I recently purchased this book with the idea that it would hopefully provide an introduction to aspects of Mexican culture. Unfortunately, it seems to me to be a re-hash of usual stereotypes about Mexico and Mexicans, perhaps written from a more high-brow level than usual, but no more illuminating for all that.It is true that writing about another culture in an attempt to "explain" it is perennially popular as well as politically suspect in some circles. Personally, I do believe that it is possible to write a book about another culture that can be illuminating, but this book probably says more about gringos and their lack of perspective than it does about Mexico. If you must read a book about Mexico written by a norteamericano, try Carl Franz' "People's Guide to Mexico." When you get past the hippie falderal it is an extremely good book and the only one that ever taught me anything about Mexico that I found useful on the ground there.
Would you say this review depicts the product in a flattering or unflattering light?
