Mexico: Sunlight & Shadows: Short Stories & Essays by Mexico Writers

by Michael Hogan, Linton Robinson (Editor), Mikel Miller (Editor)

**2015 Gold Digital Award winner from Independent Book Publishers of America** This is one of the best books available about life for both expat residents and natives in villages and cities across Mexico. What sets it apart from most other books about living in Mexico is that it's a literary collection of short stories and essays, full of insights by contemporary authors who write and live full time in Mexico or who have spent a lot of time living in the country. The superb collection contains twenty two works, all but five from authors who live full time in the country. Their writing spans a variety of topics; many contributions extol life in Mexico's abundant sunlight while others examine what the shadows sometimes obscure. It's a sampler of sorts, with active hyperlinks for more information about the authors and their other writing. The anthology contains complete chapters from books and also single pieces from internationally-acclaimed authors and emerging Bruce Berger, E.G. Brady, Ann Hazard, Michael Hogan, Jim Johnston, William Kaliher, Janice Kimball, Judy King, Jeanine Kitchel, David Lida, C.M. Mayo, Carol M. Merchasin, Mikel Miller, Katie O'Grady, Antonio Rambles, Daniel Reveles, Robert Richter, Lin Robinson & Ana Maria Corona, John Scherber, Jennifer Stace, James Tipton, and Candelora Versace. Perhaps the best way to gain valuable insights about the day-to-day life of people in a foreign country is to read good books by authors living and/or writing in that country. The purpose of this book is to identify several writers who can help readers accomplish this for Mexico. Enjoy!

Genres: Travel

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2015

Reviews

[Penelope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology, with stories and essays written mainly by Americans living in Mexico, turned out to be an unexpected treat. As a long-time resident and a Mexican “insider”—someone who grew up in a Mexican family—I tend to be a bit judgmental about foreigners writing about Mexico. However, this book is filled with knowledgeable insights into life in Mexico, and its cultural, sensory, and somewhat convoluted facets. The stories will make readers laugh, relate, shiver, venture into mysterious waters, stroll through Mexico City, enjoy a typical Mexican celebration, listen to mariachis, discover the benefits of moving to Mexico, and woo them with beautiful language.

It rates among the best anthologies I’ve read in terms of quality of writing and content. Well worth the read.

[John Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A scintillating select sampling of revealing stories written by knowledgeable individualistic Mexico Writers. Glittering kaleidoscope of vibrant gems.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of essays and stories, some real-life, some fiction, by native-born Mexican authors and those who have adopted this fascinating and diverse country later in life. Since I've spent a full year in the country and visited several different areas and cities, I could relate much more than if I had never visited Mexico, but nevertheless, I'd recommend this for anyone interested in the country. Mexico has a special magic that casts its spell on so many of us, and many of these tales had me nodding in understanding, while others affected me emotionally even if they were far removed from my experiences. I read this for the "collection of essays" item in the 2016 Read Harder Challenge and recommend it for those looking for a book in this category.

[Alison]

kindle 226 stories of mexico