A walk in different shoes . . .

What do I really know about modern-day life in Mexico? I have vacationed in a couple of resort towns -- I have read headlines about the effect of NAFTA and other USA economic policies on business, agriculture, and so on, and about how "they" all want to come to the United States for jobs -- and "they" take unfair advantage of our social services and education, but refuse to learn English. All the usual prejudicial statements. This novel immersed me into the realities of daily life in a small southern Mexican coastal town -- one which has been abandoned by most of the men (who have gone north to find work), leaving the women, children, and old men to be harrassed by banditos. These thugs have invaded the town, taking over the home of the wealthiest resident, eating food without paying, and generally creating an unsafe living environment. Nayeli, who works at a diner and also runs the projector at the local movie theater, is inspired by The Magnificent Seven, and she decides to go north to Los Angeles to recruit seven "soldiers" to come back and protect the town. And, by the way, she plans to take a side trip to Kankakee, Illinois, to find her father and bring him back home. Two of her girl friends and Tacho, the gay owner of the diner, come along.

The novel provides a look into life at the border -- the poverty and crime among the hopeful border-crossers, who are victimized by those charging large amounts for minimal service -- the garbage dump in which many unsuccessful crossers and other homeless people have settled -- the wealth and privilege of others -- the nightlife peopled with both Mexicans and Americanos who have no trouble returning back to their homes in the United States . . .

This is a book of adventure and humor, as well as an immersion into a culture both foreign and familiar. A lot of Spanish dialogue is scattered throughout -- some of which I could figure out in context, while some passages went right over my head (but Spanish readers would no doubt love these parts!) Although not one of my favorite books of the year, I AM glad I read it, and recommend it to the extent of 3 out of 4 stars.

What's scarier - terrorists or politicians?

This 3rd book in the Gallagher Girls series was just as much fun -- and as well-written -- as the first one. Cammy Morgan, 16-year-old daughter of two spies and a student at the exclusive Gallagher Academy just outside Washington D.C., is the central character in this series. After her father's death in some foreign country about four years ago, her mother "retired" from active service and became the headmistress at the Gallagher Academy, ostensibly a snooty school for spoiled rich girls, but actually a training ground to prepare girls for a future as a spy, researcher, or some other illicit government service. Cammy is now in her junior year, and has moved on from basic language study, history, and "the best ways to evade a pursuer" to more advanced study of "Covert Ops." This year they're getting into disguises -- which comes in very handy when Cammy, Bex, and Liz need to escape the school to protect Macey. Since her father is running to be America's next Vice President, Macey is out on the campaign trail helping with the "family image" so important to candidates today. But someone is out to kill Macey. Cammy just happened to be on hand in Boston when someone made the first attempt, and she and Macey barely escaped, though with serious injuries. Cammy's long-lost Aunt Abby (also a spy) shows up to serve as Macey's personal security guard, but she's only one person, and doesn't know everything that Cammy and her friends have found out -- so they know they just have to chip in when Macey has a command appearance at the next stop on the campaign trail. But other considerations are complicating the whole story -- why does Zach, the romantic but mysterious boy from the OTHER spy school, keep showing up when things go wrong? And is Macey seriously interested in that dorky son of the presidential candidate? Is there really a secret society whose mission is to destroy anyone connected with the Gallagher Academy? There is definitely more here than meets the eye!

For its clever dialogue and writing style, for the romance, adventure, and suspense, and definitely for its unexpected twist at the end, I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. Can't wait for the next book in the series!