Gringo charts two journeys, both of which began a decade ago. The first is the sweeping transformation of Latin American politics that star...
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reviews
Jul 10, 2009
sdw
rated it: 
After reading a review of this book on The Tenured Radical, I was excited to receive it as a graduation gift from family friends. The book offers a rundown on the contemporary politics of Latin America in the guise of a travel narrative.
There is an earnest tone to this book. The author is willing to admit his faults, and be upfront about the contradictions about his privileged traveling through Latin America where he happened to be just about every place that made headlines in the U More...
There is an earnest tone to this book. The author is willing to admit his faults, and be upfront about the contradictions about his privileged traveling through Latin America where he happened to be just about every place that made headlines in the U More...
Mar 18, 2010
Heidi
rated it:
This was a very interesting book about a young man's travels in Latin America (beginning as a foreign exchange student in high school), and how his worldview changed as he lived outside the United States. Chesa becomes interested in politics, and as he graduates from high school and then college, he takes different jobs in Latin American countries that help him understand the politics and culture. Like most Americans, I'm fairly ignorant about what goes on outside my country's borders (serious
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Sep 25, 2009
Ruth
rated it: 
Boudin is truly fascinated with Latin America, & it was fun to accompany him on his journeys by reading this book.
As an editor, I would have liked not having to notice quite so many dangling modifiers--they became more common toward the end of the book. And there were a few errors of fact that I noticed in the chapter on Colombia. The most glaring one: regarding "the people of Cacarica," "many of their ancestors had settled the Chocó well before the arrival of the Span More...
As an editor, I would have liked not having to notice quite so many dangling modifiers--they became more common toward the end of the book. And there were a few errors of fact that I noticed in the chapter on Colombia. The most glaring one: regarding "the people of Cacarica," "many of their ancestors had settled the Chocó well before the arrival of the Span More...
Feb 04, 2012
Lindsey
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Sep 08, 2009
Johari
rated it: 
I give it a 2.5.
Chesa came of age with a backdrop of Latina America to guide him but I don't think he tells a story very well.
I thought his attempt to engage indigenous people about the government and their educating him on what aspect of politics they know and what they feel actually affects their livelihood was the most interesting part but he didn't explore that enough. He also didn't give enough credit to the history of all of his parents, their views and the privileg More...
Chesa came of age with a backdrop of Latina America to guide him but I don't think he tells a story very well.
I thought his attempt to engage indigenous people about the government and their educating him on what aspect of politics they know and what they feel actually affects their livelihood was the most interesting part but he didn't explore that enough. He also didn't give enough credit to the history of all of his parents, their views and the privileg More...
Dec 16, 2009
Mary
rated it:
Boudin is a pretty good writer and this book went faster than I expected. From the description I read of the book before picking it up, I thought it would be a more personal account -- although the whole thing is indeed personal, it's very heavy on the politics. This book will probably fascinate those already interested in human rights politics in Latin America, and maybe bore those who were looking for more of a travel story. I expect Boudin will continue writing through out his life, and it wi
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Jan 29, 2010
Gabriela
rated it: 
this is an extraordinary book because it allows you to see and feel that other world that is latinamerica. Chesa Boudin's clear language and keen observation are a window into an inspiring time in south america. As a latinamerican I have tried to explain my culture to my US friends and know I wasn't getting through, here is someone who explains it wonderfully.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
Jul 07, 2009
Erin
rated it:
Boudin had my ear for the first couple chapters...I love food, chicken buses, and language faux pas. I even wanted to meet this author and swap stories. However, when Boudin tried to get serious about the struggles of life and politics in Latin America, he came out sounding repetitive at best, disingenuous at worst. He did not delve deep enough into the root issues; rather, he followed the party line and spouted leftist political theory with few words used for reflection. Latin America is far to
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Jun 13, 2009
Alice
rated it:
Chesa's a buddy of mine, so I was excited to read his book - a travelogue / coming of age story about his many trips throughout South/Central America. The book was easy to read, and the stories were unique and filled with interesting personal details. The writing is thoughtful, and you can feel the author's love of his subject(s). Chesa clearly knows a lot about the history and politics of the region, and has thought a lot about his [very radical:] views on U.S.-Latin American relations. And whi
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Mar 07, 2010
Miriam
rated it:
Chesa Boudin is very reflexive. He thinks deeply about his actions and their consequences. Very interesting book to get a sense of how recent events have shaped Latin America.
Apr 23, 2009
Based on a review from the Tenured Radical: http://tenured-radical.blogspot.com/2009...
Aug 05, 2009
Lauren
rated it:
From the cover and the blurbs I had no idea this was going to be a political essay. The history on the Latin American countries was useful and sometimes interesting, but the politics were far too slanted for my tastes.
Feb 08, 2010
Bilingual Librarian
rated it:
I picked up this book because of the title; I’m a big fan of the word “Gringo”.
Read more at;
http://www.bilinguallibrarian.com/2010/0...
Read more at;
http://www.bilinguallibrarian.com/2010/0...
Mar 06, 2010
Alicia
rated it:
Not very well written, this guy thinks he's the first one to notice the nuances of Latin America. Overly leftist and cannot see that everything is not black and white.
Apr 08, 2010
Meredith
rated it:
if you are into latin american politics or want to lear more about L.A./S.A. politics......some juicy travel stories.
May 12, 2009
Emma
rated it: 
Stay away from this mundanely written snoozefest.
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