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Distant Neighbors: A Portrait of the Mexicans
by
Alan Riding
A study of Mexico - political, social, cultural, economic - by a journalist who was for the past 6 years the NYT bureau chief in Mexico City. With portraits of Mexico's top leaders, about a nation whose stability is vital to our national well-being.
Paperback, 432 pages
Published
October 23rd 1989
by Vintage
(first published 1984)
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Jan 10, 2013
Centli Garcés Buendia
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
política
Como lo dijo Carlos Fuentes, estamos ante un libro clásico sobre México, lo que me gustó en especial de esta obra es la manera en que Alan Riding describe a México y a los mexicanos, ya que de una manera completamente objetiva se mete en las entrañas de nuestra historia (incluso antes de que el país naciera) para poder entender nuestro presente y así cambiar el futuro para algo mejor, en específico, como mexicano que soy me ayudó a entender algunos sentimientos que me han sido transmitidos de ma...more
I am probably, sadly, typically American in knowing more about Mexican food than Mexican politics. This book did a very good job of rectifying that and making me want to read more about the country. Riding goes very far in explaining the misunderstandings between our two countries.
Opening Mexico is more recent a tad better, but this is well worth reading for anyone wanting to understand Mexico.
My edition lists this book as from 1984. Even so, it gives a good "outsider's" perspective and understanding of Mexican culture and history, managing to mostly avoid taking sides. Chapters start strong, extracting the symbolism behind how a political party "institutionized" a "revolution" to help avoid the violent transfers of power that often plague Latin America. But towards the end of chapters, the author, a NYT reporter in Mexico during the time of print, makes the common journalist-writing-...more
Back in the 1980 this book was a must for those who love all things Mexico.
I still find it useful for anyone who is going to do business and deal with the Mexican culture.
There are good chapters about language and customs.
The society has changed a lot since the 80's but by all means it provides a good frame to understand the "magical realism" of the Mexican people.
I still find it useful for anyone who is going to do business and deal with the Mexican culture.
There are good chapters about language and customs.
The society has changed a lot since the 80's but by all means it provides a good frame to understand the "magical realism" of the Mexican people.
Apr 04, 2008
Susie
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
all students interested in U.S.-Mexican relations
Recommended to Susie by:
profesor Claro Hisamo Motomoch
Even though this book is somewhat old, in terms of current events, it is still an excellent reference and history of cultural differences between the United States and Mexico. The author, a journalist who spent years in Mexico, describes and explains the causes for misunderstandings between our nations.
this is actually a book i had to read before i left to live in mexico, but it had a huge impact on me. i think it would do america good to learn a little bit mroe about mexico. we are so ignorant.
Seems a fair-minded gringo's view of Mexico. Suits me.
Apr 15, 2013
Katie
marked it as to-read
Mar 03, 2013
Martha Gina
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Feb 27, 2013
Scott Bischke
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Jan 02, 2013
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Dec 14, 2012
Ramón Ramírez
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