On the rim of Mexico : encounters of the rich and poor /

Ruiz (Univ. of California at San Diego) has written this book with his heart and his mind. He provides a trenchant analysis of the many problems that beset the frontier area of Mexico and the US, using both historical data and his own observations over a lifetime to personalize these "Encounters of the Rich and Poor." Part 1, "Mexicans and Their Neighbors," deals with economic asymmetries, cultural differences, "gringo" attitudes toward Mexicans (and vice versa), the global economy, and the question of identity. Part 2, "Binational Dimensions," addresses migration, US officialdom, drugs, ecology and, dependency. A mere recitation of subjects, however, does not even begin to reveal the poignant nature of this volume. In a real sense, the book is a plea to "gringos" to rethink their attitudes toward Mexico and Mexicans. Drugs, prostitution, shantytowns, corruption are not all the fault of Mexicans: both sides must take some of the blame and resolve to do something about these problems. Ruiz argues cogently that if no action is taken, we will ultimately all pay the piper for inaction and complacency. An outstanding book by a fine scholar. Recommended at all levels. E. A. Duff; emeritus, Randolph-Macon Woman's College

Most border studies deal primarily with current economic and political issues. Ruiz, a respected historian of Mexican history and professor emeritus of Latin American history at the University of California at San Diego, instead brings the current political and economic situation into historical perspective while focusing on the Mexican side of the border. Combining history and current events, the author provides an understanding and approach to the borderlands region not found in other volumes. Issues of current interest are examined, such as immigration, the economy (e.g., the effects of the recent NAFTA agreement), and ecology, among others. The book is academic but has a warmth and character resulting from the author's years of experience living in and studying the dual worlds along the border. Of value to academic libraries and public libraries in the Southwest.‘Mark L. Grover, Brigham Young Univ., Provo, UT (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.