Mexico, A Love Story: Women Write About the Mexican Experience

by Camille Cusumano (Editor)

Mexico has long cast a spell over its neighbor — and alter ego — to the north. Americans share its history, exalt its food, and honor its artistic luminaries. They cross the border in droves, heading to warm waters, busy city centers, open-air mercados, language classrooms, cousins’ living rooms, and majestic temples. Mexico inspires passion and adventure — and love. In this eloquent collection, women share firsthand experiences with the people, history, and landscape of this rich country. Transcending the ordinary travelogue, these articles capture the ways in which Mexico has shaped lives or influenced decisions, how it has affected each woman in profound ways. In expressing their love for the country, these diverse writers share intimate stories as visceral as they are poignant, as entertaining as they are endearing. This compelling collection offers a new way for seasoned visitors, armchair travelers, and anyone interested in Mexico to appreciate an old friend.

Genres: Travel, Memoir, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 2006

About the author

Camille Cusumano is the author of Tango, an Argentine Love Story, a memoir of a woman who loved, lost, got mad, and decided to dance. She was an editor at VIA Magazine, the West’s award-winning travel publication, for 17 years. Her work has appeared in publications such as National Geographic Traveler, Islands, Country Living, the San Francisco Chronicle, North American Review, Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, the New York Times, Yoga Journal, Vegetarian Times, and the Washington Post. Her cookbook credits include The New Foods (Henry Holt), America Loves Salads (Literary Guild), Rodale’s Basic Natural Foods Cookbook (co-written with Carol Munson, Editor Charles Gerras), and Tofu, Tempeh, and Other Soy Delights (Rodale). Her novel, The Last Cannoli (Legas), first published in 2000, was inspired by her growing up in a rather large Sicilian American family. She is the editor of the literary anthology series (above): France, a Love Story, Italy, a Love Story, Mexico, a Love Story, and Greece, a Love Story, all published by Seal Press, a division of Perseus Books, Berkeley, California. The Last Cannoli, second edition will soon be available as an eBook. See her blogs for updates on the writing life and her tango wanderings. www.camillecusumano.com
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001IXQ1OM?...

Reviews

[Jeanette (Ms. Feisty) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of twenty-two stories written by women about their experiences in Mexico. Each piece is about 10 or 15 pages long, so this is a nice book to have around and just read one or two when you have a little time or can't sleep at night.
The chief strength of this collection is the variety of experiences represented. These aren't all romantic gushy travel stories about vacations in Mexico. One woman spent a year teaching in a prison, another went as a volunteer and lived on an old bus in what basically amounted to a junkyard.
The pieces take place anywhere from the late 1950's up to present day, and are written by women of all ages and backgrounds. One is by a 14-year-old high school freshman, and she writes beautifully for one so young!
As with any collection, some of the people write better than others, but I thought these pieces were well-chosen. And of course, I like to support Seal Press because they champion women writers!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delight for me. Having traveled to Mexico for the first time last May, I loved reading about the travel experiences other women have had in Mexico. Many of these short stories brought back to me images and feelings of my 9 days in Mexico. There were many wonderful reminders of the richness, warmth and diversity of Mexican culture.Very enjoyable collection of stories.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of short stories about women's experiences in Mexico. Great insight into Mexican culture, traditions, and geography. I read this before and while travelling in Mexico and found that it really illuminated the cultural landscape of the country and helped me embrace the idiosyncrasies of the country.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book while staying at Casa Holly in San Miguel de Allende. It is a lovely collection of short stories written by women and their experiences living and traveling in Mexico. All the stories were wonderfully written, some funny, sad & even profane. Some reminded me of my own adventures traveling in Mexico. I loved this book so much I found a copy in the San Miguel bookstore as a gift for my traveling companion, Barbara.

[heartful · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read while travelling through Mexico, loved it.

[Nancy Leigh]

A lovely collection of love stories that occur in Mexico. This book is a great read while traveling in Mexico or preparing to go.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great stories, some poor ones. Skip the ones you don't like. Gives a tiny taste of Mexico and made me want to visit. Could have used a more ruthless editor.

[Laureen Vonnegut · Rating 2 out of 5]

enjoyed reading most of the stories. even recognized one of the men in the puerto escondido story.