Mozos: A Decade Running with the Bulls of Spain

by Bill Hillmann

"One of the biggest, most memorable travel stories of the year."-CNN
"Hillmann is one of the last and most serious Hemingwayites."-Cuarto Poder (Spain)
"Colorful and evocative..."-Washington Post
"Hillmann is the best young runner from the United States."-LA Times
"A choose your own adventure story like no other."-Glenn Washington, NPR
"Bill Hillmann is courageous, I'm grateful there have been many aficionados in the United States like Hemingway and Hillmann."-Mario Vargas Llosa recipient of the 2010 Nobel Prize in Literature
"Bill Hillmann is one of the few who can articulate the chaotic scramble of runners, the icy chill of being gored, and the healing power of nearly bleeding to death on a filthy street in Spain."-Esquire
"Hillmann knows the streets, and he also knows how to tell stories--you might know his work from the Chicago Tribune , Salon.com, and NPR. So it's not surprising to see him deliver a big, sprawling, lacerating, steely-eyed account of one young man's coming of age in a mixed-race family in Chicago."-Barbara Hoffert, Library Journal , on The Old Neighborhood
With a journalist's ear for detail, renowned storyteller "Buffalo" Bill Hillmann narrates his decade-long journey of self-discovery, exploring his transformation from wasted ex-Golden Gloves champ lost in gang fights and cocaine deals on Chicago's streets to an award winning author and storyteller, running with a world-renowned crew of mozos --the masters of running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain.
Bill Hillmann is a Golden Glove Champion, union construction laborer, novelist, and bull-runner in Spain, gored last summer by a bull named "Brevito" in an incident covered by global news outlets. His first novel The Old Neighborhood was declared "Best Novel of 2014" by Chicago Sun-Times , selected by Library Journal as "Top Indie 30 Key Titles Beyond the Best-Sellers List for Spring/Summer 2014," and received rave reviews from Booklist , Chicago Tribune , Chicago Reader , and the Week . Hillmann's journalism has appeared in Playboy , the Washington Post ,  Chicago Tribune , Toronto Star , Salon.com, and NPR. He has run with the bulls for a decade, contributing coverage of the run to  Outside Magazine .

200 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2015

Reviews

[Tuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 stars for writing (style) 3-4 stars for subject. hillmann chicago-mean-street novel The Old Neighborhood: A Novel is fantastic and compared to a new hubert selby The Willow Tree
this book here, the mozos, is about running with the bulls in pamplona during san fermines, and running/participating in the encierros in other places in spain (madrid burbs, estella, etc) . but the style is practically journal entry, mixed with some slower more contemplative thoughts about why people do this, what it means in social and historical and personal levels, and personal anecdotes of runs. reads like a andrenal junkies diary of highs (and hospital stays).
i can't wait for him to make an epic novel of mozos. i think if could be a lot better than this report. no pictures, but does have many references for a reader to find specific clips and pictures online. also contains an appendix of sorts, explaining just how you too could go about running during san fermines. so if you are interested in that, this book a bit unique advice for you.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This straight-forward and well-written account of the author's ten-year span of running with the bulls greatly enhanced my knowledge and appreciation of this tradition and the famous fiesta de San Fermin which is its pinnacle event. I now have greater respect for courage and skill of the Mozos who lead the herd through the streets of Pamplona and into the arena. Why? Here are several reasons: First, running is highly strategic. Mozos have a deep knowledge of the Bulls and the course and use that knowledge to successfully deliver the herd. Second, the courage involved is unquestionable; an experienced Mozo will run within inches of a charging bull, a feat known as 'running on the horns.' This keeps the herd moving in the right direction and prevents the dissipation of the herd. Separated bulls known as 'sueltos' can become extremely dangerous. Mozos will put themselves at risk to bring a suelto back to the herd. Third, is the skill and grace required to execute a successful run. As with Matadors, Mozos gain esteem through years of demonstrated skill and grace. Though Mozos hardly gain the financial rewards of a successful Matador they are hardly lacking in status among those who are aficionados of this tradition. Fourth Mozos have almost a communal sense of one-ness with the bulls (toro bravo). In this sense Toro Bravo, the Matador and Mozo form the central trinity of a tradition spanning thousands of years, rooted in communal hunting, a key foundation of society.

Beyond San Fermin, the story of how the author struggled with his own demons is a heartfelt and compelling tale.

[Alex Braun · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book directly from the author, who was actually my Uber driver on a ride to Thalia Hall in Chicago. Two chapters in, I was so inspired by Hillmann's fearlessness of the unknown that I booked a solo trip to Colombia with five days to prepare (and only the most basic knowledge of Spanish).

Hillmann obviously emulates Ernest Hemingway's writing style throughout 'Mozos,' and his gritty, detailed descriptions of the chaos of the bull runs really is on par with his idol at times—you can tell which parts of the book he poured his heart and soul into. By contrast, there are also plenty of asides that seem poorly edited, repetitive and not very profound.

This book isn't a masterpiece, and the author isn't a hero. Accounts of Hillmann's struggle with bipolar disorder and violent threats towards friends and family (including women) are frequently disturbing. The honest narration exposes a deeply flawed character who can sometimes come off as unsympathetic meathead, but there are also some incredibly motivating takeaways for the risk-averse.

Despite its flaws, 'Mozos' is one of those rare, escapist books that can really change your life; a great read for when the world has lost its sense of wonder.

[Tony Millspaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea Bill has been running so long in Pamplona. I knew with his 2014 injury's vast publicity that he had to be important, but his modest nature really hid that. I wish he would have discussed the actual Catholic rites that are included. One got the religious nature of the run, but I wish I knew more about San Fermin.

[Victor Giron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Word

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the gritty, powerful, and fierce writing in "The Old Neighborhood," but it was only when I heard about Hillmann getting gored that I learned he was involved in any way with the running of the bulls. How could I not read this book? I won't lie that bullfighting troubles me, but "The Sun Also Rises" was my favorite Hemingway book. I wanted to know more, and Hillmann delivers. Bullfighting bothers me, but Hillmann reminded me that there is much to it that I don't understand and don't have any clue about. He gave me a picture of why it exists and where it comes from. Brutal as it is, upon reflection I'm not sure it is any more brutal than any part of the meat industry in this country, and certainly has more beauty and humanity in it. I doubt I'm even close to understanding it, and certainly never will without ever being there, but Hillmann gave me more of an idea than I've ever had. The writing is excellent. It's vivid and fascinating, a window into a captivating world where I will probably never set foot. I just marvel at it, attempting to broaden my tiny little world.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Goodreads giveaway review)

I really wanted to like this book.
It had all the elements I enjoy...travel, personal discovery, local integration, history, humor...but somehow, it just ended up seeming as though the author was trying too hard to make it everything and ended up falling short on all counts.

HOWEVER
I'd like to say that I will read it again and hopefully come away with a different take on the whole story! (If I do, I'll certainly update this review and rating.)
For those readers who enjoy all the aforementioned types of reads, do pick this book up and give it a go. It's not Hemingway (thankfully), but it's not bad.

[Nicholas]

Goodreads win. Will read and review once received.

[Tony Tran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visceral and captivating read. Great story detailing the highs and lows of the San Fermin festival. Read it if only for the rich and beautifully written descriptions of the run.