What Side Are You On?: A Tohono O'odham Life across Borders

by Michael Steven Wilson, José Antonio Lucero

Renowned human rights activist Michael "Mike" Wilson has borne witness to the profound human costs of poverty, racism, border policing, and the legacies of colonialism. From a childhood in the mining town of Ajo, Arizona, Wilson's life journey led him to US military service in Central America, seminary education, and religious and human rights activism against the abuses of US immigration policies. With increased militarization of the US-Mexico border, migration across the Tohono O'odham Nation surged, as did migrant deaths and violent encounters between tribal citizens and US Border Patrol agents. When Wilson's religious and ethical commitments led him to set up water stations for migrants on the Nation's lands, it brought him into conflict not only with the US government but also with his own tribal and religious communities.

This richly textured and collaboratively written memoir brings Wilson's experiences to life. Joining Wilson as coauthor, Jose Antonio Lucero adds political and historical context to Wilson's personal narrative. Together they offer a highly original portrait of an O'odham life across borders that sheds light on the struggles and resilience of Native peoples across the Americas.

Genres: Indigenous, Nonfiction, Memoir

214 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2024

Reviews

[Booknblues · Rating 3 out of 5]

What Side Are You On?: A Tohono O'odham Life across Borders a collaboration by Michael Steven Wilson and Jose Antonio Lucero was not quite what I expected or wanted. It is part memoir and part academic paper tying the various parts of Wilson's life together.

For me it was an interesting life and I would have appreciated a full and uninterrupted version of it. While I may appreciate the historic and academic background, I found that the way it was done greatly detracted from my enjoyment.

Wilson is a Native American who served in the special forces of the military in El Salvador who later in life became a pastor and finally defied both church and tribe by leaving bottles of water for refugees to drink to prevent them from dying of thirst.

I would have appreciated if he delve into that part of his life in a bit more detail.

[Laurie Parsons Cantillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Mike Wilson, for writing this book. It’s a fascinating read about Wilson’s journey from Ajo, Arizona to working in military special forces to delivering water to prevent migrant deaths in the desert—his version of “church” as a lay pastor in the Tohono O’odham nation. Mike’s journey is a winding road with the choices he makes guided by his moral compass rather than what’s normal” or expected.

[Ted Prezelski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, first person account mixed with a great deal of context.

[Joley Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite reads of the year. Full of important stories and historical context

[Cailinn Chavez · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like all memoirs in this form going forward, please.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A healthy read for those interested in border, humanitarian, justice issues, and conflicts between church doctrine and morality.

[Gus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very helpful in revealing the dynamic nature of the borderlands. Putting a name and story to such an oversimplified controversy was refreshing.