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Books to read if you're planning a vacation in "Mexico", sorted by average review score:

The Mexican Gourmet: Authentic Ingredients and Traditional Recipes from the Kitchens of Mexico
Published in Hardcover by Thunder Bay Press (October, 1995)
Authors: Maria Dolores Torres Yzabal, Shelton Wiseman, Jose N. Iturriaga, Maria Dolores Torres Yzabel, and Jose N. Iturriaga De La Fuente
Average review score:

The Mexican Gourmet
This is the ultimate authentic Mexican food cookbook. Not only are the recipes easy to follow they also have wonderful, enticing pictures and a rich history of which part of Mexico the recipe comes from and how many dishes originated. It has recipes from sauces and snacks to drinks, deserts, and holiday specialties. This cookbook has wonderful hard to find recipes and includes many basic recipes in addition to the many specialty dishes. If you can only afford one Mexican cookbook or only have space for one - this is the cookbook to choose. I use it all year round and it is my favorite cookbook.

the best I've seen
Forget the Beautiful Cookbooks... this (much too-)short series from Thunder Bay publishers -- one Mexican, one Italian, and one Chinese book -- is the best of the genre. It is at least as attractive as the Beautiful Cookbook series, and comprises a far more serious study of ethnic cooking. It concedes not one inch to Western kitchens at the expense of its authenticity (and for that reason may not alway be practical, but I don't care), and includes many abundant and enlightening discussions of the customary use of ingredients and traditional recipes. I like cookbooks -- I own a lot, and I read them a lot. These three are my most prized. I suppose this is partially because they are now out of print, which is a great shame; the series ended after only three entries. It would have been great to see what they could do with some other venerable cuisines like, say, French and Indian. The ones that do exist, however, are real food-lovers books.

Fantastic collection of recipes and resources.
This is one of the very best cookbooks I have ever discovered! It is as much an enclycopedia as a cookbook - offering much information on unfamiliar ingredients, utensils and techniques. I have learned more about Mexican cooking with this book than with any other. The recipes are authentic - some seem exactly as I have tasted in Mexico. The photos and layout are very attractive and easy to read. Would recommend this cook book to anyone who really wants to learn about Mexican cooking.


Mexican Muralists: Orozco, Rivera, Siqueiros
Published in Paperback by Chronicle Books (March, 1998)
Author: Desmond Rochfort
Average review score:

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I OWN!!
This is definitely one of the best books out there for anyone interested in Mexican art. Few books can inspire as much as this one, especially for people from Zapotlanejo, Jalisco. It's loaded with many pictures and chronicles the lives of these three muralistas and has in depth coverage of specific murals, i especially enjoyed the coverage on "History of Mexico" mural by Diego Rivera. This book is definitely worth the price and a great addition to any collection. Orale!

A Masterpiece!!
Rarely have I been as moved and inspired by an art book.

The work of Orozco, Diego and Siqueiros is required study for art students and art enthusiasts.

Thank you Dr. Rochfort for presenting their magnificent work within your brilliant historical analysis.

best outlook on the murilists of mexico and their beliefs
Shows a great variety of each artists pieces and movements through out their career.


New Mexico Sunrise
Published in Paperback by Barbour & Co (April, 2001)
Author: Tracie Peterson
Average review score:

Love Stories & Exciting Action
I really enjoyed learning about the characters in this book, the first 3 really blend together as you get to know them. The last book was even more exciting and I could hardly put it down, it stayed within my thoughts until I could finish it!! Cant wait to read the Sunset series.

Historical, Romantic Compilation of Four Stories in one.
Four stories in one book and all are good! The first three deal with the same general cast but each features a different family. The last story is detached from the first three and actually sounds like a different author or certainly a different slant.

A Place to Belong features the life of Maggie, a wealthy young woman who refuses to be united with her estranged father. Only a threatened kidnapping changes her mind and subsequently her life. Perfect Love highlights the lives of Lillie and Dr. Daniel Monroe. Both have suffered horrible loss. Both are unbending when it comes to personal wants. The author does a fine job blending their complicated lives. Tender Journeys is Jenny's story. Actually, the reader may be a tad confused at the placement of this story in the book but finally one gets the connection. Jenny was orphaned by Apache Indians and hates them completely until she is forced to live with them. I was completely surprised in this one. Several excellent twists finally are evident even though the storyline moves somewhat slowly in places. The last story, The Willing Heart is the life of Zandy and Riley. He is the one character you can detest. Easily. Corrupt and wealthy from gambling and owning the whole town, he always gets what his money and power can buy. The one thing that is out of his reach is Zandy. Although she and her family suffer horribly for her moral standards, the outcome of the last book is definitely worth the whole thing.

Book 2 is titled New Mexico Sunset which I have already purchased. Way to go Tracie, and thanks for some excellent Christian Fiction reading!

Four great stories
I picked up New Mexico Sunrise and took a chance on an author I had not read before. The four seperate novels were page turners and I ended up reading a novel a day. I had to keep reading to see how it would all end. The first three stories are about characters that show up in each, but with a different lead character. The last story is totally unrelated to the other three and doesn't even take place in New Mexico. The characters are appealing, with the exception of Riley in the last story, just keep reading for some surprises in that one. The romances are each unique and pleasing to read.


Our Word Is Our Weapon: Selected Writings
Published in Paperback by Seven Stories Press (May, 2002)
Authors: Subcommandante Marcos, Juana Ponce De Leon, Jose Saramago, Subcomandante Insurgente Marcos, and Ana Carrigan
Average review score:

A movement of Now.
Too often those of us who seek social justice for people who have been traditionally oppressed tend to just reminisce on the past.

However, this book proves that there is a great social movement that ordinary people CAN , RIGHT NOW make a diffrence about

The history of Mexico, like the history of Latin America, is a history of pain, struggle, and exploitation.

Marcos shows us a movement that seeks to right some of the wrong, and leads a movement of the oldest of the old, the oppressed of the oppressed: Indigenous campesinos (farmers) of Southern Mexico. Where pictures of Jesus Christ stand right there alongside of.....Che Guevara.

A people that have been traditionally been treated like dirt, for lack of a better word, now taking an inspirational and highly moving stand and demand an end to exploitation and a better way of life.

Through their charismatic and briliant leader, Marcos, he tells us the story of the people known as Zapatistas and their struggle for dignity.

The dignity of a people no longer willing to tolerate centuries of injustice.

What human being cannot be moved by such extroadinary courage?

A must to read!
How can anyone read el subcommandante and not be moved? How can anyone just look at the plight of these people in Mexico and not feel rage at the injustice?

this is what a best seller should contain!
I have sporadically read and been inspired by the writings of El Sup over the last few years - his poetic brilliance, his lyrical poignancy to strike a blow while planting seeds - and to see the collected works of this remarkable thinker and revolutionary is simply incredible. I encourage anyone who is involved in a struggle, anyone who seeks light in an increasingly dark world, and anyone who believes that a better world is still possible, to get this book. Not a cover to cover read, but an activist manual, a delicious serving brain food and heart food. Again, simply wonderful.


Palinuro of Mexico (World Literature Series)
Published in Paperback by Dalkey Archive Pr (October, 1996)
Authors: Fernando Del Paso, Elisabeth Plaister, Elizabeth Plaister, and Fernando Del Paso
Average review score:

Excellent book
Hey, i'm looking for some contact with Fernando del Paso, 'cos i wonder if he could give us a speech, or something in the Medicine School at Cuernavaca, Mexico, may you please helpe me?

Surealism as the actual reality
Palinuro of Mexico is a long surreal voyage throughout everything, full of obscure refrences, and quotations, Palinuro takes you on a trip were Mexico and all of its small surrealistic features come to light, were the abnormal is the commonplace and were Palinuro sets out on a journey of self-universal-discovery. Once you have read it you will be the same

drink it... in little gulps
so you think 100 years of solitude was the ultimate latinamerican novel? Not at all .Very well misbegotten, Palinuro de México has remained for a long time in the dark, almost surrepticiously. This is a very "natural" combo of baroque, enciclopedia and just mad characters . Of course it is political, but it is also very funny, almost overwhelmingly so. If you are looking for a taste of surrealism, a little of violence (just a little),a beguiling antihero (who happens to be a medical student and a"nice" member of mexican society) and anything else from ridiculous advertisements to a wonderful reflection on death -a-la-mexicana- involving bones and dead bodies(what do you know!) Palinuro of México is a must read for everyone who wants to taste life at its full , in all its fleshliness and with mundane curiosity, do drink it slowly for this is a book that really gets through you,it is a climax, sort of speak. And yes, it happens to be more compelling and more refined than any of Isabel Allende's novels.


People of the Peyote: Huichol Indian History, Religion, & Survival
Published in Paperback by University of New Mexico Press (January, 1998)
Authors: Stacy B. Schaefer and Peter T. Furst
Average review score:

A beautiful book
Be sure to purchase the hardback edition. This is the complete volume works of the Huichol People of western coastal Mexico, written by two of the foremost authorities of Huichol customs outside of Huichol society. Many of Castaneda's fiction stories come from Huichol culture and religion, and most probably Don Juan was based on a Huichol indian, so the story goes. But don't let Carlos's bad anthropology sway your idea. If you are interested in Mesoamerican culture I am sure you will be pleased with this outstanding work of ethnology.

A beautiful book
This text explores the society of Huichol people of west-central Mexico. It was written by two of the leading authorities on the topic and will remain a standard for a long time. Chapter topics include Huichol origins and ethnohistory, the perception and meaning of peyote use among Huichols, traditional Huichol medical thought, interspecies communication (wolf power), the religious peyote "hunt", the idea of Huichol soul - travels to the land of the dead, and the relationship of Huichol spirituality and the Mexican state. One of the finest books written on the subject.

People of Peyote: personal review
I have lived and worked among the Huichol Indians of Mexico for the past 14 years of my life. I find this book to give accurate, in depth information on the people and their culture. It is extremely well researched. I rate it among the best on this subject. Both Stacey and Peter are very knowledgeable sources on this subject.


Plants for Dry Climates
Published in Paperback by H.P. Books (May, 1992)
Authors: Mary Rose Duffield and Warren D. Jones
Average review score:

excellent selection
I borrowed 3 books related to xeriscaping from the library. This was an absolute find, well-organized, full color pictures, with water, soil and sun requirements listed. I chose it as my one MUST have book.

An informative, "user friendly" book
Southwest gardeners who live in very dry areas will benefit from Mary Rose Duffield and Warren Jones' Plants For Dry Climates, an informative, "user friendly" book which tells how to build and maintain a landscape on very little water. Plants For Dry Climates and a focus on organizing a planting area based on usage makes for a title which tells how plants can improve the climate around one's house.

Wonderfull plant directory with great color photos
The plant dictionary is very thorough, and helpful.The color photos are an excellent tool for someone who is unfamiliar with plants for dry regions. Information is easy to find, and to the point.


Man's Guide to Mexico and Central America
Published in Paperback by Centurion Pr (December, 1997)
Authors: Senor Cordova and Sr. Cordova
Average review score:

It's Absolutely Wonderful
I loved it. It's written and laid out just like those all-inclusive travel guides made for "straight" people, but of course this one is written with us in mind. It's so much better than the others. It's about time. Do check it out you'll really enjoy it.

Hey, It got me a Mexican BF !
What can I say. Life can really be odd. I was looking for a quick vacation destination just to get away from my stressful job. While reading the guide, I got interested in Puerto Vallarta. It described P.V's nightclubs and boy haunts with amusing detail. It didn't take much before I was there. My week in Puerto Vallarta was more then I expected because by the third day I had met a wonderful local artisan. We quickly became an item. I can't promise you'll find a "Jorge" in you trip, but I did and it was the guide that motivated me to take my trip. I can almost say it was God sent !

It¿s Right On Target.
I agree. I used the guide on my trip to Costa Rica. I had the chance to browse others, but this guide had more listings. Not only does it help you meet locals, but it even has listings on local male escort services besides the usual club hangouts! I was impressed because no one else did. I can't wait for his other guides.


The Many Faces of Mata Ortiz
Published in Paperback by Treasure Chest Publications (November, 1999)
Authors: Susan Lowell, James Hills, Michael Wisner, Jorge Quintana, Walter Parks, W. Ross Humphreys, Walter P. Parks, Jorge Quintana Rodriguez, and Robin Stancliff
Average review score:

The Next Best Thing To Owning A Pot
Almost 40 years ago Juan Quesada from the village of Mata Ortiz in Chihuahua singlehandedly revived Casa Grande style pottery. This book is a beautifully illustrated account of his success, along with the other artists of the village who learned from him. Becoming familiar with these artists should lay to rest the notion held by many Americans that Mexican imports are second class. These paper-thin pots are as beautiful as any you will ever see. This book has color photographs of many of the potters from Mata Ortiz as well as pictures of their pots. There is information on how the pots are made-- they are all built by hand from native materials, painted with brushes made from the artists' children's hair and fired over cow dung.

The book has a lot of interesting details-- for instance, when the Pope visited Mexico a few years ago, he was given three of these magnificent pots. Another fascinating tidbit is that one of every seven citizens of this village makes these pots. They have gone from doing manual labor to creating works of art.

Owning this book is the next best thing to owning a Mata Ortiz pot.

The Many Faces Of Mata Ortiz
This is the best pottery book I have ever found! It is layed out in an informative, and beautiful manner. Not only is the pottery exquisite, but the photographs represent the pieces at their best. It is easy to understand, and gets one passionate about an art movement, that we can actually be a part of, in this twenty-first century. It is highly unsual to be living during a time when a new art movement is going on, and still striving for it's pinnacle. We see this with the unequalled workmanship of the Matiz Ortiz people in their Casas Grandes/Matiz Ortiz pottery. I really enjoyed getting to know each potter by name and photo, coupled with seeing their work, and feeling a part of their extended family. Juan Quesada, the founder of this artistic movement, is a highly spiritual individual, generous and gifted beyond belief. He is the reason that this wonderful pottery is being shown to the world. I am an artist that does pottery, and a retired teacher. I would recommend this book to all art teachers, and anyone who appreciates great art.

BeauBeautiful photography of sublime pottery and artisans
This book was my introduction to the world of the artisans of Mata Ortiz, Mexico, and their amazing ceramic creations. While the decorative motifs and other aspects of the pottery were familiar to me, I found that the photography, which I suspect was done with specialized "light painting" techniques, brought out the form, texture, and pattern of the pieces with wonderfully rich detail and nuance. The images were clearly created by a photographer who was very intent on rendering a physical, tactile sense of the objects she was recording. Coupled with other photographs of the artisans at work, and the surrounding Mexican landscape, the book is a compelling portrait of both the people who create the works of art and the art itself.


Oaxacan Ceramics: Traditional Folk Art by Oaxacan Women
Published in Paperback by Chronicle Books (15 May, 2000)
Authors: Lois Wasserspring, Vicki Ragan, Eliot Porter, and Ellen Auerbach
Average review score:

A Beautiful Book
I love this book. I have been to Oaxaca several times and have visited most of the potters in the book. On my last trip, I asked each of the women to sign my book near her picture. This is now one of my most treasured posessions along with my memories of Oaxaca. The photographs are great and the stories are beautiful.

Great guide to Atzompa and Octolán ceramics...
Born and raised in México and having a deep appreciation of its diverse and rich folk arts traditions, and guided by the reviews, I bought this book. What others say is true- this softbound book is lavishly illustrated and is a wonderful introduction to the contemporary ceramics covered, as well as the six women potters dealt with. Thise with a love of Oaxacan ceramics will likely love this book as well.

There is but one, very significant problem: the title is, to me, completely misleading. The book actually covers two villages- Octolán de Morelos, and the reigning family of potters, as well as Santa María Atzompa and two of the many potters who work there. San Bartolo Coyotepec and the creator of world-renown black pottery, Doña Rosa Real de Nieto, and her descendants, for example, have no coverage in this book, nor do older more traditional forms.

Oaxaca is an incredibly beutiful state, with many traditions and crafts. This book covers a small fraction of them- and in my opinion misleads with a title implying it covers all the ceramics of Oaxaca. With that caveat, I highly recommend (and give a restrained five stars to) this book, within the scope of its limitations.

A truly outstanding presentation of Oaxacan folk ceramics
Having been to Oaxaca approximately ten times in the past 20 years, I can appreciate the quality and beauty of this fine book. The reasonable price of this "paperback" belies its perfect format/size and its gorgeous photography, text and printing quality.

I've rarely been satisfied with "crafts" books, but this one has been so perfectly written and executed, that it makes me want to jump on a plane and immediately fly to Oaxaca, to find and meet the fantastic artists presented here.

I met one of these women several years ago (Angelica Vasquez), and this glorious book will create an urge in many of its readers to meet her and the other artists that are included here.


Related Vacation Book Subjects: Maine
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