BOOK REVIEW ASSIGNMENT

Dilemmas of Modern Mexico
NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS ACCEPTED, NO EXCEPTIONS
This assignment is worth 15.0 points (15%) toward your final grade in ID 406. You are to
choose from one of the two readings below, read the book, then respond to the prompt that
corresponds to that book in an argumentative essay. The paper you submit should be 4 pages
(approximately 1000 words), typed, double-spaced, using a 12-point font, with 1-inch margins.
Though not required, use of other assigned and outside readings, relevant to your response to the
prompt, can certainly work in your favor. Regardless, cite all sources, including the book you
have chosen for this assignment, using endnotes or footnotes. Include a works cited page as well.
Upload your essay to Cougar Courses, or bring a paper copy to class on Tuesday, May 3rd.
Books from which to choose:
* Sada, Daniel. Almost Never. Katherine Silver, translator. Minneapolis: Graywolf, 2012.
* Urrea, Luis Alberto. The Devil’s Highway: A True Story. New York: Little, Brown, and
Company, 2005.
1) Almost Never
Modernity and machismo are two of the themes dealt with in Daniel Sada’s story. In
terms of modernity, discuss how Sada weaves Mexico’s 20th century problems into the
story of Demetrio Sordo. Do you think this is an effective way to merge fiction with the
realities of modern Mexico? With machismo, what does Sada try to tell us about this
phenomenon in Mexican culture and society through the story of Demetrio and his many
romantic pursuits? Is he critical of machismo, or does he ask his reader to accept it for
what it is? Finally, Sada’s work has been lauded as some of the most important fiction to
come from Mexico over the last few decades. Do you agree with the positive reviews?
What is it about Sada’s style, and his descriptions of Mexico, that you find worthy of
praise or scorn?
2) The Devil’s Highway
Luis Alberto Urrea’s book is a nightmarish account of attempts to cross into the United
States from Mexico through harsh desert lands. What do you think the author wants his
readers to do with the information he shares in this book? Drawing from examples from
The Devil’s Highway, identify and describe three factors that have led to the creation of
the U.S.-Mexico border we have today? Does Urrea push for policy changes, whether by
the U.S. or Mexican governments, or by both? If so, what are those changes? What
about your views on policy at the border? What can the Mexican and American
governments do to change what we have now? Or, do you think the status quo is fine?
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