Still Standing
Liliana Valenzuela | May 01, 2009 | Review
New contributor Liliana Valenzuela considers Mexico Unconquered, by former Austinite John Gibler.
I thoroughly enjoyed this review by Liliana, a well written and intelligent representation of a deserved author. I look forward to reading the book! In my travels to Oaxaca, I watched people being stopped and searched by the military. A statement by them to us -- reminding both citizens and visitors of their dark and continued ruling presence. By reading this book, I will have a far greater understanding of my Mexican neighbors. I grew up in the rural midwest; I have watched the small farmer die off or migrate to the city or 'buy' into corporate farming. Hearing of the Mexican community fleeing their own countrysides is a remarkable and sad state of affairs. We, Americans, for consumer and religious reasons, can be rather attached to ignorance! Thank you Liliana for making us, especially Texasn, aware of John Gibler's book. All the best!
Posted by Sonora Lee on May 03, 2009
I loved the review by Valenzuela, and I'll look for the book at BookPeople. I've visited D.F., spent some time in southern Mexico and Central America, and I hope people like Gibler and Valenzuela will keep on communicating the actual circumstances of the place. When we build walls, we are trying to keep out people who could teach us a lot about how to live.
Posted by Elzy Cogswell on May 02, 2009
What a treat to read a review by the intelligent and multi talented Liliana Valenzuela. Her opinions and unique views of the world are always welcome. I look forward to diving into the pages of this book
Tom Robinson
Posted by Tom Robinson on May 01, 2009
Thank you for Including Liliana Valenzuela. She is a gifted,
fantastic, extraordinary poet, writer, translator. Her work is always first-rate.
John Saunders, College Station, TX
Posted by John Saunders (subscriber to Texas Observer) on April 30, 2009
I lived in Mexico City, 7 yrs. in rural Oaxaca, in land, but near the
Pacific coast. I lived & saw the proud, yet sometimes desparate , lives
of the poor & indiginous people. My husband & I saw the changes in Oaxaca
state, soldiers stopped & searched our truck on the highway. Their eyes
seemed cold, as if they were devoid of human emotions. It made me wonder
at the time what they had to do to become that way in the line of duty.
We saw the political corruption so out there in our faces, at all levels.
We experienced a real warmth of the people, although we were both
outsiders. I was very saddened to come to the realization that I
could make very little difference in helping my neighbors as I saw
their poverty & lack of education. I am anxious to read this man's
book, & I wonder if he addresses the fear that many live in now in
Mexico, as the drug cartels have taken over in some places.
Posted by carol compean on April 30, 2009
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