The War with Mexico

by Irving Werstein

167 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

Irving Werstein was born in Brooklyn, graduated from high school in Richmond Hill, Long Island, and attended New York University. His early career was colorful and varied. It range from working in a radio factory to repairing dolls in a doll hospital. He was a summer comedian in the Catskills, a salesman, a camp counsellor, a straight actor.

But ever since he helped edit his high school newspaper, Irving Werstein wanted to write. He sold his first story in 1938. While serving in an infantry regiment from 1941-1945, he also worked as staff correspondent for Yank. His published work includes numerous magazine stories, television and radio scripts, and an impressive list of books for young adults.

Irving lived abroad in England, Mexico, and Italy until settling in New York City with his wife Goldie and his son Jack, adopted from Belgium. Irving died in 1971.

Reviews

[Jacob P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book called The war with Mexico by Irving Werstein I rate it a five out of five, I was very impressed how the story really gave so many details how precious life can be. This book explores the political and military struggles that arose between the U.S and Mexico. The Mexican American war was viewed as an opportunity for the U.S to assert power and to overcome other nations with ease. A quote that stood out to me that relates to this is” The march of the American People was irresistible nothing could stand in their way, not even the armed resistance of Mexico.” (Irving 25) Another key factor in this story was the crisis that occurred between the U.S and Mexico This quote explains how James k. Polk would have lot’s of tests through out this war.” Polk knew that the road to war would be difficult, but he believed that it was the only path to securing the future of the United States”( Irving 46) Next a quote that represents foreshadowing as well as some conflict is “ The storm clouds of war were gathering on the horizon, and there seemed little that could stop them .” ( Irving 57) I really liked how the author used the word dark clouds to represent the dark times during the war. I was really impressed how the author used characterization in the story to portray personalities of key people in the war and their roles, Here is a quote used by General Zachary Taylor as he was a great leader in the War. “ General Taylor was quiet, steady leader who rarely spoke of his ambitions, but his victories spoke louder than his words.” ( Irving 86) Last was the style the author used in this story, me personally I really enjoyed how descriptive it was and how he used lot’s of metaphors in this novel as well as key background facts about the characters and settings. For example ( The thunder of cannon fire rolled across the battlefield filling the air with a sense of inevitable clash. As the men on both sides braced for the storm that was coming.”(Irving 124) .

Vocab words- Belligerent, Exacerbate, Pugilistic, Aiduous, Cavalcade

[Matvei · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to describe the book from the perspective of the topic. Many people forget, and even more, people do not even know how America got all these territories and formed as a state. This book covers an often overlooked topic how residents of the state that only recently gained its independence were ready to defend its rights in the new world. This topic is undeservedly deprived of attention, although it is fundamental to the concept of all subsequent conflicts that stem from its roots. Especially the issue of slaves and division of north and south, who, although they are on the same side in this conflict, in just ten years will hate each other to such an extent that the blood of former brothers will be shed, but already on their land, under their star-striped flag. This theme shows how immoral and, at the same time, compassionate acts can coexist together. How their even seemingly insignificant actions, done out of emotions, had long-term consequences for the entire course of topic/history. The author managed to show this topic from all sides.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

short, to the point, easy to follow history of the Mexican American war.