Tiempo de caza

by Mirta Ojito

The true story of an immigrant's murder that turned a quaint village on the Long Island shore into ground zero in the war on immigration

In November of 2008, Marcelo Lucero, a thirty-seven-year-old undocumented Ecuadorean immigrant, was brutally attacked and murdered by a group of teenagers as he walked the streets of Patchogue, a quiet Long Island town. The teenaged attackers were out "hunting for beaners," their slur for Latinos, and Lucero was to become another victim of the anti-immigration fever spreading in the United States. But in death, Lucero's name became a symbol of everything that was wrong with our broken immigration system: porous borders, lax law enforcement, and the rise of bigotry.

With a strong commitment to telling all sides of the story, journalist Mirta Ojito unravels the engrossing narrative with objectivity and insight, providing an invaluable peephole into one of American's most pressing issues.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Crime, Politics, Race, New York, Adult

304 pages, Paperback

First published November 8, 2010

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book free from a Goodreads giveaway.

This was a fantastic book, but I think it is also an important book. On one hand it can be classified as "true crime", but that genre is often so exploitative. Here the true account of a crime is related, but the larger issues, sensitively but thoroughly explored by author Marta Ojito, might better classify it as a non-academic sociological study.

Her approach is to virtually dissect the conditions surrounding the murder of Marcelo Lucero, an Ecuadorian immigrant, in the suburban town of Patchogue, NY. While the murder received international coverage in 2008, I must admit I didn't remember hearing of it.

The author explores the history of the town and its experience with immigration, which had increased sharply in recent years in a way it was unprepared to handle. Ms. Ojito, I think, does a very good job is being objective to the situation, exploring the stresses on all the players. Even the people that I would characterize as the villains of the piece (and they aren't only the actual murderers) are put in a context. This leaves the reader to pass their own judgement on the parents and the politicians (I must admit, I judge harshly, but that is neither here nor there). There are some people to give one hope. The mayor, once he becomes belatedly aware of the hate in his town, acts to reach out to the immigrant community. The town librarian (librarians are often the heroes to a situation, I find) is even quicker on the take to see the situation at hand.

Not all the participants still living talked to Ojito, however, so the reader is left with some unanswered questions. One of Lucero's attackers was half Puerto Rican. I wish I knew more about his thought process. If not before or during the crime, he must have done some reflection of his situation afterwards. But, I guess once you dehumanize someone, it is all or nothing. Needless to say, the whole book asks as many questions as it might answer. I could see that making it a great choice for a book club!

This book made be think. What can be better?

[Lynn Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars From a psychological perspective, I often find true crime books fascinating and this one was a cut above the average. I had read bits and pieces of the underlying news story on ProPublica, but this book helped me understand it much better. Ojito doesn't just report on the actual murder of Marcelo Lucero by a group of mostly white teens in Patchogue, New York, she digs into the situation on a deeper level. The result is a book that explains what drives immigrants to come to this country, how they rebuild their lives here, and the effects on communities. It's much more nuanced that the "true crime" label would lead one to believe.

This book is at times a deeply uncomfortable read. Ojito makes readers feel like they know Marcelo Lucero and his family on a certain level before discussing the actual crime, a choice that makes his murder appear even more obscene and senseless, if such a thing is possible. The author also describes the community very well. I've read too many crime books where everything is reduced to a very basic good vs. evil. There's a lot more going on in this book. It's not easy to admit, but as a reader, I could see where something like this could happen in my own community and I could not help trying to read between the lines in Ojito's reporting to see what we could do in our own towns to try to prevent this type of hate and violence.

[Carissa Burks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me angry; it wasn't because of how it was written or anything of that sort, no, it was because I had heard nothing about this incident.

Granted, I don't watch the news as much, but certainly someone would have told me about such an event. However, nothing, I don't remember hearing anything of the sort about this event that is chronicled, fairly expertly, in this book.

I know that racism is still alive and kicking in our country and I know that many people are against immigrants coming into our country. I also know there is a lot of people against illegal immigrants. But to the extent that is talked about in this book is appalling and it's even more appalling that more incidents go unreported out of fear of the police or knowledge that the police will do nothing to help them.

It is an eye-opening read. While many people are aware of the turmoil surrounding the issue or the fact some people have extreme reviews in regard to it, sometimes you don't think about it in terms of violence because you just hear the rhetoric. That and sometimes the news that is reported to different parts of the country doesn't acknowledge these kinds of happenings because it isn't what is bringing in the viewings or ratings.

I highly suggest that people read this book. It is well-researched and well-written. It doesn't just focus on the death of Lucero, but how immigrants came to be in that town, the background of others, his story, and how the news impacted the nation and how the nation impacted the event. It makes one think and it makes one want to be part of the solution that puts an end to the senseless violence that people face just based on how they look or are perceived.

(*Note: I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review from the author through Goodreads Giveaways.)

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un relato que ofrece no sólo una narrativa desgarradora de un crimen espantoso sino también una exploración de el sentimiento antinmigrante de los Estados Unidos y sus causas y consecuencias. Ojito narra la historia de el asesinato de Marcelo Lucero, un inmigrante ecuatoriano, en 2008 en la ciudad pequeña y aparentemente tranquila de Patchogue, Nueva York. El crimen se destacó y ganó atención nacional por varias razones, principalmente porque los asesinos eran estudiantes de la preparatoria, chicos que parecían típicos y equilibrados, y porque la comunidad se consideraba un lugar tranquilo y seguro. Pero para la comunidad inmigrante en la ciudad, el crimen sacó a la luz el odio que habían estado experimentando en sus vidas cotidianas. Bajo la superficie de la tranquilidad de la ciudad, resentimiento y racismo se enconaban, y los jóvenes habían deshumanizado a los inmigrantes tanto que participaban en una diversión macabra, saliendo en grupos para “cazarlos.” Ojito describe en detalle el crimen y sus consecuencias, pero va más allá del incidente mismo para examinar el racismo, la xenofobia, y el resentimiento y miedo hacia el “Otro.” Por medio de entrevistas con las familias de la víctima y los asesinos, evita crear un retrato sencillo de buenos y malos y explora como el racismo se aprende y crece, y como puede impregnar una comunidad poco a poco hasta explotar en violencia.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a strong start the author failed to find her footing and the book ends with a whimper.

Early on Ojito provides an overview of the crime and then introduces the reader to the prominent individuals in the story. Each get their own chapter and as a bonus the author sprinkles in relevant statistics or social science tidbits to give the story weight. As a storyteller she's very strong. The writing is clear and straightforward and the story is compelling.

As she wanders into the why of the crime the author abandons her earlier strengths. Steve Levy, the county executive at the time of the crime and before, is supposed to be the embodiment of the greater forces of the caustic anti-immigration movement but the author does little to nothing to support her case. Aside from a few quotes which are presented without context the author expects the reader to accept her insinuation on faith that the real culprit is Steve Levy. From there the author provides scant coverage of the trial other than to reduce the attorneys and defendants to near caricature status. The author closed with a weak and unmoving epilogue and at that point I was very disappointed in the downward trajectory of the book and just glad it was over.

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true crime book, but also a book about culture and ideas. In 2008, some suburbans boys were doing their usual hobby "hunting beaners". They regularly beat up Hispanics for fun, taking a note from their parents who saw them as changing their country. This time, the man fought back, and ended up dead. The murder brought international attention. Many in the town were more upset that they got a bad reputation than that someone was killed. These attackers were good boys after all, star athletes from good families, etc, etc etc. 11 years later it's clear than Trump didn't create the current attitude than caused last week's mass shooting aimed at Mexicans (although he's definitely riding the wave). The book looks at the incident and issue from different perspectives, from the mother of the victim in Ecuador anxiously waiting for him to come home after earning enough money to the father of the killer who is also sympathetic. A fine and troubling true story.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is very well written and the story it tells is heartbreaking. However, my reaction to this book is probably counter to the author's intention and different from what I myself believed I would think on reading the book summary.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Investigative Reporter Seeks the Truth of Racism Against Hispanics in U.S.

Ms. Ojito was born in Cuba and entered the U.S. when sixteen so she has a feel towards the ill will that may be displayed by those who are not Hispanic. In this, she does a good job of educating us in all of the differences that have caused so much trouble between Anglos and Hispanics, even calling out the fact that once a Hispanic family settles in the U.S., they often help others from their home town to settle there also. It is understandable that a town near New York City, which was considered by New Yorkers to be the ideal place to retire and get out of urban living, would resent settlement of a culture who didn’t understand this. According to Ms. Ojito, no one attempted to help these Ecuadorian Hispanics to adjust to the American culture until after the unfortunate death of a Hispanic man at the hands of a teenage white boy who with six other teenagers deliberately attacked two Hispanic men. This being a regular practice when teenage boys were bored. As is often the case, law enforcement can be just as prejudiced and refuse to protect these so-called “criminals,” according to this non-fiction book. (The criminals being the undocumented Hispanics.)

I presently live in a rural area of small towns in central western Arizona and I would bet that 40% of the population is Latino or Mexican. We get along great. Most of them have purchased older homes, which they keep up well, and some of them even live in subdivisions where all of us are subjected to HOA rules. They are excellent workers, although many of the women do not speak English, but understand it. They cause no more trouble than the Whites, which most of the time are crimes of passion (romance). Phoenix has many problems because the cartel has kidnapped some people and it is a doorway for the undocumented to enter. I lived in Salem, Oregon where there were about 30,000 Mexicans, mostly males, who worked in construction and agriculture. They were good workers and sent hundreds of dollars home weekly to their families. If they were undocumented, employers paid them much less and kept them in terrible working conditions. That was the weakness for which they could not be protected.

As the author called forth and most Hispanics and many of the rest of us are begging our Congress to enact decent immigration laws to protect both the documented Hispanics, the undocumented and the rest of us so that so much chaos will not occur. According to the author, after this manslaughter case, then over time laws and organizations were established to help defray some of the confusion that led to so much hostility. Although I do not find myself living in these type of conditions, she provided much information of which I was not aware. I recommend this book as a good cultural, educational tool.

[Skjam! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway on the premise that I would review it.

In 2008, an Ecuadorian immigrant, Marcelo Lucero, was murdered by a group of teenagers in Patchouge, New York. They had been looking for “Mexicans” to beat up in that suburb of New York City. This shocking crime made headlines, and exposed a lot of raw nerves about immigration issues in America.

Mirta Ojito is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, and briefly talks about her own experience as a Cuban refugee.

Much of the book is taken up by short biographies of the people involved in the case one way or another, from the victim to the killers to the mayor of Patchouge. (None of the people convicted of the murder consented to be interviewed for the book, and only two of their parents, so some biographies are very short.)

There’s a look at the various circumstances that combined to make the incident happen: demographic shifts, a changed pattern of immigration that brought unassimilated migrants straight to suburbia instead of the inner city, racism, economic woes, portrayal in the media of immigrants as “invaders”, small town boredom, and a poisonous political atmosphere.

The mayor of Patchouge, Paul Pontieri, comes off pretty well. He was late realizing that there was a problem with anti-immigrant violence in his town, but actually had plans for dealing with it just before the killing took place. The tragedy accelerated those plans.

By comparison, Steve Levy, county executive of Suffolk County, comes off pretty badly. He campaigned on fairly heavy anti-immigration policies, even co-founding a group called Mayors and Executives for Immigration Reform that seeks local ordinances to restrict undocumented immigrants further than they already are. But he never specifically called for violence.

As well as the effect on Patchouge of immigration issues and the murder, the book looks at the effect these have had on Lucero’s home town of Gualaceo. The money sent home by migrants has allowed the town to become prosperous again after years of economic depression, but at the cost of its hardest-working and most ambitious citizens

As the book points out, this was neither the first or last time an immigrant was killed by Americans for the sin of not being “one of us”, but perhaps we can learn lessons here to lessen future violence, and find new ways of incorporating immigrants into our society.

Recommended for true crime readers, and those interested in immigration issues. Check it out at your library.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thoroughly researched, Hunting Season reveals the plight of immigrants in the United States by highlighting a specific, horrific incident: the murder of Marcero Lucero. An Ecuadorean immigrant, Lucero was taking a late-night walk with a friend when a group of suburban high school boys on the search for "beaners" to attack, stabbed him to death in Patchogue, a Long Island suburb.

Author Mirta Ojito presents a clear, engaging narrative laying the backdrop for this hate crime, and unraveling its consequences, from the political rhetoric amping up white hatred towards Latinos in the area to the individual family histories of each character in the narrative. A long-time journalist, Ojito extracts her facts primarily from personal interviews, and it's clear she's spent months immersed in their stories. Though the book is nonfiction, its narrative is as compelling as fiction — and all the more disturbing because it's not. Tying the tragic murder of Lucero to a wider crisis in immigration policy, and a growing anti-immigrant fervor, Hunting Season speaks with a urgent relevance.

For all its strength, why the missing star? When delving into the stories of Lucero's killer(s), Ojito tries, it seems, to partially absolve them of responsibility, placing the blame instead on the state governor, whose inflammatory xenophobic words and policies heightened tensions in the state. I was troubled by this move, because, as much as the governor deserves to be held accountable for his speech and actions, the boy who drove a knife into Lucero's chest can blame no one but himself. This aspect of the book weakens its anti-racist critique, but even so I hope Hunting Season serves as an important wakeup call to American society.

Note: I received a free copy of the book through the First Reads program.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Jeff and his friends must have felt that their entertainment of hunting 'beaners' had the tacit and implicit approval of the adults in their world" (Ojito). These kids had a history of "hunting" immigrants. They admitted so to the police. One of the Patchogue 7 said, "I don't go out doing this very often, maybe only once a week." Another said, "I have been involved in beatings like this before but no one ever used a knife. We would just beat people up." The kid who did the stabbing, and ultimately killed Marcelo Lujero asked, "Is this going to be a problem for [my] wrestling season?"

Mirta's story is a memoir of a town, however, not just the murder of Marcelo Lujero. Of a history that created these killers, boys really, and of a town that is segregated. Mirta interviews the librarian, the pastor, the survivors, the family members, and local politicians. And while laws can now punish hate crimes, the harder nut to crack is the way in which mentalities have to change. Laws can't change hatred. Members of the community attempt to change that hatred, but generations go by, and the hatred lingers.

Do I feel hopeful that someone is pointing out the cancer that others were unaware of? Or do I feel deflated that the toxic and poisonous conditions that created the cancer still exist? If bitter sweet is not a flavor palatable to you, this book is not for you. But if your heart is coated in valerian steel, this will be open your eyes and make you aware. I hope it also provokes change in your heart.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sad but well written report of the murder of a 37 year old Ecuadorean immigrant who lived in a quiet Long Island town of Patchogue in 2008. What I found to be interesting is that many Ecuadorean people had immigrated to this same town and were hard working, productive members of the community but other members of the white portion of town, especially teenage boys, did not appreciate the "beaners" (as they called them) and would go out in groups at night looking for 1 or 2 of the immigrants to harass. The local library had started classes in the evening to help these new members of the town to become acclimated, especially to the language. When attendance started falling off and the librarians were informed that the harassment was the cause, they were surprised because no one seemed to be aware of the tension between the groups. At that time, even the mayor of the town was unaware of the cultural differences that were causing trouble until the murder occurred. Overall, I found this to be an interesting and enlightening read.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in a Good Reads giveaway from the publisher.

Hunting Season chronicles the events surrounding the death of Marcelo Lucero, an Ecuadorean immigrant who was murdered in Patchogue, Long Island in 2008. The author does a good job of exploring the heated issue of immigration from all sides, examining not only the origins of the attitudes held by residents and local politicians who resent the Latino immigrants, but also those who are dedicated to helping these men adjust to life in a new place. I especially appreciated the sections that described Gualaceo, the town in Ecuador where Lucero and many of Patchogue's Latinos have come from. It humanized the story in a way that a simple reporting of the attack and Lucero's death could not have. The author introduces us to his family, reminding us of the more basic tragedy wrapped up in this larger immigration debate: a mother lost her son.

[Roberto Cantos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subject matter of the book made this an amazingly frustrating read for me. It was, however, an artfully written, unflinchingly accurate account of the events that led to the brutal, racist murder of undocumented Ecuadorian immigrant Marcelo Lucero. In (what I assume is) a journalistic attempt to be more unbiased, the author provides accounts from several different perspectives. While I felt this information was valuable, I also feel like it allows for some readers of this book to uncritically accept arguments from low-key racists.

At times, I wish the author would've commented on how sharply the criminalization of (Latinx) immigrants contrasted with the white privilege of the actual criminals (the murderers). Are they white supremacists? gang members? I feel the book fails to hold the racists and white saviors accountable. I learned a whole heck of a lot though, and for that I am grateful.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este fue un muy buen trabajo de periodismo que contó la historia del asesinato de un hombre y la división de un país. Mirta Ojito confió mucho en el trabajo de otros periodistas, pero también hizo su propio trabajo, incluyendo viajar a Ecuador para visitar a la familia de Mercelo Lucero y ver su ciudad natal.

Esta es una historia triste y un comentario triste sobre nuestro país, cuando los adolescentes se sienten tan llenos de odio que atacarían y apuñalarían a alguien debido a su origen étnico. No se trataba de ser legal o ilegal; el joven que apuñaló a Lucero no tenía conocimiento de su estado.

Ojito reunió información significativa sobre la ciudad de Patchogue, la gente, el liderazgo, los cambios a través del tiempo y cómo afectó la actitud de la comunidad. Este es un libro que vale la pena leer por su exhaustiva perspectiva.

[marcus miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well documented, well told story of a changing America. Ojito uses the murder of an Ecuadorian immigrant by seven teenagers to write about immigration, the negative responses of many Americans to changes in their neighborhoods and the necessity of opening our eyes to those changes. Ojito lays some of the blame for the teenagers actions at the feet of politicians and pundits (Lou Dobbs, Bill O'Reilly) and others who spout anti-immigration rhetoric creating a climate of fear and hatred which seemingly makes it okay for some to act on their rage. Ojito provides some hope as she describes the actions of the town librarian, a local pastor, the mayor and a few others who work to bridge the chasm between long time residents and those who arrived more recently.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it hard reading this book because of the subject matter, but continued reading and find that the book addresses fears (real and imagined) that could grown when people in charge or have influence can cause this situation. One of the things I compared was how half truths can make people look at a group of people and make assumptions that they are less than human. I love how the book talked in depth about the key person making him real and his aspirations and desired to help his family and willing to separate from them for a period of time to make their dreams come true. This book could be about any group where negative comments are made and allowed to grow.

[Gloria Lenoir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunting Season is artfully written from different vantage points. That gives it a wealth of seeing the same event from different personal frameworks.

The complete background on immigrant issues, pros and cons as seen from the persons in the community it was written about, hate crimes, and other related issues, helps one better understand the people in the small community in Long Island. While a sad murder of an immigrant occurred, one gets hope that there are people who want to work on making communities safer for all individuals, whatever their legal status.

[Annette Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

I loved this book, not about the story but just about the work that went in to it. I would love to have seen pictures to give these people a face. A face that looks like me. As a minority myself and a mother of black Hispanic boys I feel that these stories are not rare. It’s sad. Most of these boys got these ideas from their families although I did feel badly for Jeff’s father. I hope that these boys will honestly make a difference. They will be out soon and will need to live in a society where we are all living together.

[LibraryReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ojito, a former New York Times reporter, chronicles the events leading up to the 2008 murder of an undocumented Ecuadorian immigrant on Long Island, detailing the reactions of family and community members, government officials, civic leaders and public library staff. A nuanced and in-depth look at hate crimes, and a powerful story that deserves to be told.”

Anne Lee, Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good expose on xenophobia and racism. In St Louis, where I live, we don't experience much prejudice against those of Hispanic origin--mainly because they don't live here in the same numbers as south Texas, south Florida, south California or New York. I'm sure that xenophobia as outlined in this book occurs here but I'm not aware of it. This book illustrates how these feelings can lie under the surface so that even community leaders are unaware of it.

[Connie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sad story of immigrants chased and killed by boys/men, has happened in many places, I'm sure, but in this book Mirta Ojito delves into this incident, helping us get to know all the people and the town involved. Ojito starts at the beginning, the first Ecuadorean immigrant arriving in Patchogue, Long Island, and ends with what happens immigrant-wise in Patchogue in the years following the crime.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with an abundance of research

I gave 4 stars instead of 5 for only one reason. In a book such as this, it is difficult to write without an opinion. But in the very beginning of the book there was a slight unbiased opinion in the matter. However, that quickly changed and turned out to be a good book.

[B Lauffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enlightening account of an incomprehensible horror.

The telling of the tragedy, along with biographies of the major characters woven in, was as engrossing as a well-thought-out novel. But then I was always jerked back to the reality that the story was not fiction.

[Hana Fadness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely moving. I read this for my Latin American history class and wrote a book report on it. Highly recommended novel---for EVERYONE.

[Leslie Hutchings · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story that needed to be told. Reads like a textbook

[S.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book provides an in-depth recount of the 2008 murder of Lucero. A necessary read for anyone who shifts the blame of racism to the South or working class whites. Only complaint would be I wish it went more in-depth with the larger systematic issues, though it does touch on them, and that's not really what the book is trying to do.

[Taryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 2008, an undocumented Ecuadorian immigrant named Marcelo Lucero was out walking with a friend on Long Island when he was attacked and ultimately stabbed to death by a group of teen boys. The attackers admitted they chose Lucero and his friend as victims because they were Hispanic. The town, Patchogue, had seen a large influx of Hispanic immigrants in recent years, and some residents were not happy about the changing culture of the area. Anti-immigrant sentiment from parents and political leaders eventually resulted in the teenagers feeling not only entitled but empowered to attack random strangers, simply based on their perceived ethnicity.

This book is an important one, I think, especially for those of us who don’t have a firsthand grasp of what it’s like to be an immigrant, legal or not, in the US in the current political climate. The level of racism and hatred in a place so close to New York City, a city of immigrants if ever there was one, is shocking. The things people were willing to say to Ojito, on the record, to be published in a book, are pretty unbelievable as well. Unfortunately, it’s a daily reality for many ethnic minorities in the US today.

I’ve seen some blurbs that claim Ojito is committed to telling a balanced story (she even claims it herself in the first few pages), but I have to take issue with that. It’s true that Ojito interviewed the parents of the teens who were involved, or at least those few who agreed to talk to her. However, it’s clear from her narration that she has a strong bias in favor of immigrants, legal and illegal, and she has an agenda in writing the book. I don’t have a problem with that, and any discerning reader would be able to recognize when Ojito is shading facts with her personal perspective, but I want to point out that the claim of “unbiased reporting” is dubious in this case. As with any nonfiction selection about a hot-button issue, make sure you’re analyzing and evaluating the author’s claims. This isn’t the kind of book where you want to just nod along to the beat and soak in everything without question.

More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book describes the murder in 2008, by a gang of teenagers, of an Ecuadorian immigrant in Patchogue, Long Island, a town whose composition has changed quickly because of an influx of immigrants. The book was effective in communicating the factors driving emigration, and the nature of immigrants' lives when they get to "the States", and did a good job, for me, in portraying the roles of the politicians who try to exploit the fear and insecurity of the "natives".

It failed, however, to explain the bases of hate crime, what actually occurs in the minds and souls of the criminals. Ojito makes scant references to the history of hate crime in our "great" nation, and when she reviews that history in chapter 5 there is no mention of the lynching and other abuses of blacks, no reference to gay-bashing, to the treatment of native-Americans, etc. Somewhat oddly, We do learn about Protestants burning down a Catholic church in Boston in 1818.

So,if you're interested in the details of this particular hate crime, the book is worth reading. Otherwise, not.

[Bob Schnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of the murder of a Guatamalan immigrant in Suffolk County, NY by some bored teen-agers who thought it would be fun to beat up somne "beaners". The book got my attention because I grew up in Suffolk County, not too far from where the crime occurred. It is straight forward story-telling, a bit too dull in the background, a bit too sensationalist up front. While the story has actually been the focus of several documentaries and even a play, I believe this is the first book encompassing the crime from beginning to now (there is really no end). The author wavers between optimism for improving the lot of undocumented workers and pessimism regarding the state of racism and xenophobia in the USA today. Altogether an average true crime book with a socio-political point.