I just could not get past the first chapter. I think my expectations were already set, and it didn't meet my expectations. I'm going to wait a while and come back to this when I don't feel so vigilant. ( )

I just could not get past the first chapter. I think my expectations were already set, and it didn't meet my expectations. I'm going to wait a while and come back to this when I don't feel so vigilant. ( )

While well written, Griest's memoir/travelogue should really be called "Mexican Enough?" She prefaces her book with her attitudes towards her Mexican and Anglo heritage. By starting the book as such, you'd think that the book would mainly focus on her and her attempts to reconcile what it means to be a third-generation Mexican through her travels. Instead, Griest takes a more analytical approach, which really speaks to her journalistic background. Griest mainly writes about her time with fringe groups in Mexico - the gay community, native indians and protesting teachers. Between her vignettes, she includes figures relating to the on-going narco violence and immigration issues. Taken by itself, this book presents a very fearful, narrow and Americanized view of Mexico.

Outside of the first chapter and small references sprinkled throughout, Griest does not focus much on herself. It makes it difficult to think of this book as largely a memoir. Outside of that, "Mexican Enough" is an interesting read for those looking for a perspective of Mexico from someone who is on the border of two cultures. The descriptions of her interactions with Mexicans are very colorful and interesting. ( )

Fantastic read. Please read my review at http://amusedbybooks.blogspot.com/2009/11/viva-la-mexico.html ( )