Very informative book about the Mexican drug war. Written by a journalist, it has the feel of an extremely long (but interesting) magazine article on the history and evolution of the Drug Trade in the Americas. Would not describe as a book that couldn't be put down, as the narrative does not include characters you follow/get attached to. The book sets up nicely for sporadic reading though as each chapter has a unique angle that does not require you to have read/retain the prior chapter. Like I said at the start, it feels like an anthology of in-depth reporting. Brilliant but shocking. I think this gave me a much better understanding of the problems related to the drug trade in Mexico and other Central/South American countries. The author, if you haven't read his bio, is a British national who has been reporting from Mexico for over 10 years, has an excellent grasp on the situation, and is not afraid to talk with the criminal element he writes about.There's been a lot of attention lately on the throngs of immigrants (many of them children) arriving at the Texas border; this book was written before the latest wave but does highlight the dangers these people go through to make it that far, as well as the fates of those not as lucky.The author gives some possible solutions to combat the drug violence and its collateral effects (decriminalization being a major one) which, although controversial, are more realistic (and less costly) than what I hear from the likes of Bill O'Reilly.
What do You think about El Narco: Inside Mexico's Criminal Insurgency (2011)?
After reading this book I really never want to travel to mexico again.
—Tiffany
The best book on the topic of cartels and drug wars I have read.
—brittany
Reall good book showing just how evil the cartels really are.
—rye
