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God and Mr. Gomez
The joys and travails of building a home in Baja California.
264 pages, Perfect Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
2 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Jack Clifford Smith
18 books11 followersSmith was born in Long Beach on Aug. 27, 1916, grew up in Bakersfield and Los Angeles, and spent some time in the Civilian Conservation Corps before joining the merchant marines at age 21. He went into journalism, first for the Bakersfield Californian, then for the Honolulu Advertiser, United Press, the Sacramento Union, the San Diego Journal, the Daily News, Independent and Herald-Express, all in Los Angeles, before joining the Los Angeles Times in June 1953. He remained with the Times until his death.
He got to the Honolulu Advertiser by working his way there on a passenger ship. In World War II, he joined the Marine Corps and was a combat correspondent who took part in the assault on Iwo Jima, going ashore with his rifle but without his typewriter, which had been lost at sea.
At Belmont High School in Los Angeles, Smith served as editor of the student newspaper, the Belmont Sentinel. He said later that was the highest position he ever reached in his career.
Posthumously, some of his books are listed for sale using his middle name, Jack Clifford Smith.
For more details see:
Jack Smith's Obituaries
Jack Smith (columnist)
He got to the Honolulu Advertiser by working his way there on a passenger ship. In World War II, he joined the Marine Corps and was a combat correspondent who took part in the assault on Iwo Jima, going ashore with his rifle but without his typewriter, which had been lost at sea.
At Belmont High School in Los Angeles, Smith served as editor of the student newspaper, the Belmont Sentinel. He said later that was the highest position he ever reached in his career.
Posthumously, some of his books are listed for sale using his middle name, Jack Clifford Smith.
For more details see:
Jack Smith's Obituaries
Jack Smith (columnist)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 5, 2019
This book was not only interesting but very funny. Mr. Gomez is building a house for an American in Baja, and every time the American comes to check on the progress, the house is moved or something else has gone wrong.
November 2, 2018
Wonderful book!
I loved this story of Los Angeles journalist, Jack Smith, and his wife, Denny, having a vacation home built in the late 1960's in Baja California by Mr. Gomez. It was adventurous (the Mexican roads were terrible!), mysterious (was the house really theirs, should they trust Mr. Gomez with the deeds?), with a little danger (rattlesnake alert!), and a lot of Jack's dry humor thrown in (will they have water? will the refrigerator work? why does the fireplace smoke up the whole house? Mr. Gomez's response: "It will be fine. You will still be living here in five hundred years." ;)
I highly recommend this book, I enjoyed reading it every day, and am missing it already :)
I loved this story of Los Angeles journalist, Jack Smith, and his wife, Denny, having a vacation home built in the late 1960's in Baja California by Mr. Gomez. It was adventurous (the Mexican roads were terrible!), mysterious (was the house really theirs, should they trust Mr. Gomez with the deeds?), with a little danger (rattlesnake alert!), and a lot of Jack's dry humor thrown in (will they have water? will the refrigerator work? why does the fireplace smoke up the whole house? Mr. Gomez's response: "It will be fine. You will still be living here in five hundred years." ;)
I highly recommend this book, I enjoyed reading it every day, and am missing it already :)
September 26, 2011
I enjoyed this book for it's depiction of the Hispanic culture and the gentle telling of building one's dream home. I didn't find it "hilarious" or a "must read" as many readers did. I found it to be a calming, at times funny and sometimes a philosophical memoir that probably finds more favor with readers who already love Jack Smith from his LA column days. But, Mr. Gomez is a classic character. I would want to meet him.
May 5, 2014
This story was selected by my book club, a story I normally wouldn't have read on my own. I didn't particularly enjoy it, nor did I particularly dislike it. My feelings toward it were mostly neutral. I don't think that I would have missed anything, never having read this book, but I can't say I wasted my time reading it, either. I mostly think that it had potential that it never realized, which always makes me sad in the case of such books.
It was the true story of how Los Angeles columnist Jack Smith and his wife, Denise, built a house just south of the Mexican Border, in the late 1960's, with more faith than money to spare. I don't know what the laws are presently, but back then, non citizens of Mexico were not allowed to own the land, only the houses built upon it, which might have proven too much of a risk for some people. But Smith and his wife had Mr. Gomez on their side. Mr. Gomez owned the land, and not only did he build their house upon it, but he designed it, though not necessarily to the Smiths' specifications. He was always improving upon their vision of things. But to compensate for any additional worry he caused them, he held their hands throughout their venture which became more like an adventure for them than anything. Gomez was a master at taking setbacks in stride, and by doing so, he helped them fulfill their dream of a nice getaway from their harried life in the States.
The less than wonderful things about this book were this: It was extremely dated with Mr. Smith showing distressing signs of male chauvinism toward, not only his wife, but every female he encountered in the story. It was more annoying than anything, as was his assumption that he was more knowledgable and advanced a person than the Hispanic people he was employing to help him, even though he was rather incompetent himself, half the time. His attitude made me wince on more than several occasions, his brand of humor not exactly softening his attitude to make it more palatable. I guess he was simply a product of the times, but he was a difficult guy for me to take, at times.
What I wish that Smith would have done with this story was focus less on the details of building and furnishing his dream house in favor of him focusing on the extraordinary, yet elusive, Mr. Gomez who seemed to have no limits to his knowledge, and who had a very interesting philosophy that he lived by. For example, if a road was in the middle of where he wanted to build a house, why move the site of the house? Just move the road. I wanted more of these little gems instead of Smith's shopping lists and mild epiphanies. But seeing as how this is such a short book, if you decide to read it, take what you can from it, especially the opportunity to know just the tip of the warmest iceberg, Mr. Gomez.
It was the true story of how Los Angeles columnist Jack Smith and his wife, Denise, built a house just south of the Mexican Border, in the late 1960's, with more faith than money to spare. I don't know what the laws are presently, but back then, non citizens of Mexico were not allowed to own the land, only the houses built upon it, which might have proven too much of a risk for some people. But Smith and his wife had Mr. Gomez on their side. Mr. Gomez owned the land, and not only did he build their house upon it, but he designed it, though not necessarily to the Smiths' specifications. He was always improving upon their vision of things. But to compensate for any additional worry he caused them, he held their hands throughout their venture which became more like an adventure for them than anything. Gomez was a master at taking setbacks in stride, and by doing so, he helped them fulfill their dream of a nice getaway from their harried life in the States.
The less than wonderful things about this book were this: It was extremely dated with Mr. Smith showing distressing signs of male chauvinism toward, not only his wife, but every female he encountered in the story. It was more annoying than anything, as was his assumption that he was more knowledgable and advanced a person than the Hispanic people he was employing to help him, even though he was rather incompetent himself, half the time. His attitude made me wince on more than several occasions, his brand of humor not exactly softening his attitude to make it more palatable. I guess he was simply a product of the times, but he was a difficult guy for me to take, at times.
What I wish that Smith would have done with this story was focus less on the details of building and furnishing his dream house in favor of him focusing on the extraordinary, yet elusive, Mr. Gomez who seemed to have no limits to his knowledge, and who had a very interesting philosophy that he lived by. For example, if a road was in the middle of where he wanted to build a house, why move the site of the house? Just move the road. I wanted more of these little gems instead of Smith's shopping lists and mild epiphanies. But seeing as how this is such a short book, if you decide to read it, take what you can from it, especially the opportunity to know just the tip of the warmest iceberg, Mr. Gomez.
April 16, 2022
I read this year's ago. I have also been on hiatus from reading far too long.
Now I am ready to read again and this was a nice reminiscent of what I have been missing.
I say read but actually in reality I am being read to by very talented experts.
Now I am ready to read again and this was a nice reminiscent of what I have been missing.
I say read but actually in reality I am being read to by very talented experts.
May 22, 2023
I actually listened to the audio book from Audible, and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the narration. My only issue was with the pronunciation of some of the names, however, I knew everyone mentioned in the book since the house in question was built next to ours.
September 10, 2025
This book, about Jack Smith's experience having a house built in Baja Clifford, was fun at times and exasperating at others. It is definitely interesting as a cultural study of The Ugly American. Born in 1916, Jack is very much a man of his time. He is kind, respectful, law-abiding, honorable, trusting, and very invested in complying with his time-bound understanding of being a proper man and good husband. He is also, lazy, incurious, ignorant, superficial, ethnocentric, and sexist.
Let's think about it. Jack pays thousands of dollars to have a house built, much grander than he intended, on a land that is not his, on a verbal promise that the 10-year lease will be renewed forever. He continually doubts Mr Gómez, but never bothers to determine if Mr Gómez actually owns the land. He allows Gómez to switch the chosen plot twice, change the house plans, and make numerous decisions on the construction and outfitting of the house. All the while, footing the bill without knowing in anticipation what it might total. He is somewhat dismayed by the presence of mice and rattlesnakes in the wilderness after having believed that "rattlesnakes don't cross the road". He is forever telling Gómez that he is not a rich American but his actions contradict his statement at every other turn. In LA he buys a Mexican-built dining set at LA prices which, of course, includes the cost of duties and transportation, and then has Gómez pick it up in Mexico. No wonder that Gómez treats him like a very rich, not-particularly-smart child. No wonder that Gómez anticipates Jack's wants and needs so much better than Jack himself.
I will not go into his assumptions of his wife's abilities and limitations, borne out of love and a sense of responsibility as a husband. To the modern reader these look blatantly sexist. I also will bypass the shallowness of his understanding of the Gómez family and how they see him and the world.
Let's give Jack the best of intentions, after all, he is a columnist who must tell his tale in an appealing manner for his 1960's -1970's readership. So, he models himself after "Father Knows Best," often making himself the butt of jokes. And, he must keep his readership in suspense as to whether or not he is to keep the house he pays for. Also, let's assume that the very shallow treatment he gives Gómez and his family is out of respect for their privacy. Nonetheless, today's readers will not have answers to the most compelling questions raised by this tale. Why did Jack have such blind trust in Gómez? What was the history, the world, the understanding, of the Gómez family? Oh, how I wish Gómez had written his own book!
Let's think about it. Jack pays thousands of dollars to have a house built, much grander than he intended, on a land that is not his, on a verbal promise that the 10-year lease will be renewed forever. He continually doubts Mr Gómez, but never bothers to determine if Mr Gómez actually owns the land. He allows Gómez to switch the chosen plot twice, change the house plans, and make numerous decisions on the construction and outfitting of the house. All the while, footing the bill without knowing in anticipation what it might total. He is somewhat dismayed by the presence of mice and rattlesnakes in the wilderness after having believed that "rattlesnakes don't cross the road". He is forever telling Gómez that he is not a rich American but his actions contradict his statement at every other turn. In LA he buys a Mexican-built dining set at LA prices which, of course, includes the cost of duties and transportation, and then has Gómez pick it up in Mexico. No wonder that Gómez treats him like a very rich, not-particularly-smart child. No wonder that Gómez anticipates Jack's wants and needs so much better than Jack himself.
I will not go into his assumptions of his wife's abilities and limitations, borne out of love and a sense of responsibility as a husband. To the modern reader these look blatantly sexist. I also will bypass the shallowness of his understanding of the Gómez family and how they see him and the world.
Let's give Jack the best of intentions, after all, he is a columnist who must tell his tale in an appealing manner for his 1960's -1970's readership. So, he models himself after "Father Knows Best," often making himself the butt of jokes. And, he must keep his readership in suspense as to whether or not he is to keep the house he pays for. Also, let's assume that the very shallow treatment he gives Gómez and his family is out of respect for their privacy. Nonetheless, today's readers will not have answers to the most compelling questions raised by this tale. Why did Jack have such blind trust in Gómez? What was the history, the world, the understanding, of the Gómez family? Oh, how I wish Gómez had written his own book!
November 22, 2018
God and Mr. Gomez was a rather romantic read for me as it called up the good times I had when young and crossing the border back and forth from Southern California into that barren coastal plain known as Baja California during the same decade that Jack Smith encountered Mr. Gomez who built his Baja home for him and his wife. Smith, one of the most well-known newspaper columnists of the last century, was the first journalist (whom I know of) who had his personal opinion column on the front page of the Los Angels Times or any well-known professional USA newspaper, for that matter.
His style was folky but not corny, and he had a talent for poetic imagery that drew the reader in and made her feel as if she knew him. In this book, Smith uses much of that same easy-going style and subtly humorous and sometimes philosophical tone he was famous for in his LA Times column to show us Mr. Gomez: "Seeing him in the flesh was enough. I was reassured. He was our indispensable man. He was our strength our fire and our water. He was our very earth. He was not, of course, the sun, moon, and tide. For those, we still must look to God (p108)."
I found Smith's prose simultaneously reassuring and smile-producing with lines like: "The wind came up, blowing through the open doors and down the unfinished fireplace and playing tunes in the new roof tiles. Gomez had built us an organ. (p138)."
He was philosophical in lines like: "Random Chance, the omnipotent and heartless force that runs our universe, and those beyond it, has dealt a cruel blow to our friend Romulo Gomez (255)." And, as stated in my opening, this book left me with that warm fuzzy feeling of my bygone youth when we could so easily cross the Baja border without a passport and both USA and most Mexican citizens flowed back and forth with a certain ease that is impossible today.
His style was folky but not corny, and he had a talent for poetic imagery that drew the reader in and made her feel as if she knew him. In this book, Smith uses much of that same easy-going style and subtly humorous and sometimes philosophical tone he was famous for in his LA Times column to show us Mr. Gomez: "Seeing him in the flesh was enough. I was reassured. He was our indispensable man. He was our strength our fire and our water. He was our very earth. He was not, of course, the sun, moon, and tide. For those, we still must look to God (p108)."
I found Smith's prose simultaneously reassuring and smile-producing with lines like: "The wind came up, blowing through the open doors and down the unfinished fireplace and playing tunes in the new roof tiles. Gomez had built us an organ. (p138)."
He was philosophical in lines like: "Random Chance, the omnipotent and heartless force that runs our universe, and those beyond it, has dealt a cruel blow to our friend Romulo Gomez (255)." And, as stated in my opening, this book left me with that warm fuzzy feeling of my bygone youth when we could so easily cross the Baja border without a passport and both USA and most Mexican citizens flowed back and forth with a certain ease that is impossible today.
March 15, 2018
Re-read this wonderful book about a couple from L.A. who decide to build a house in Baja and found it even more delightful the second time around because I've visited Mexico and have a better understanding of the culture and the people, plus my husband and I have lived through numerous home improvement projects gone hilariously awry.
If the house the Smiths and Senor Gomez built still exists I'd love to know its value.
If the house the Smiths and Senor Gomez built still exists I'd love to know its value.
December 26, 2025
As much as I like the guy, Jack Smith’s writing can be treacly and dull. When he’s writing about LA, the sheer novelty of the subject matter makes up for this. But this book doesn’t really feel worthy of publication ultimately. Mr. Gomez is a moderately interesting character, but Smith doesn’t go deep enough to sufficiently bring him out. His insights on Baja are also most surface level.
January 15, 2024
Any easy read about building a house in Baja, which I hope to do soon. It was a generally happy and enjoyable story, but the book didn’t age well since 1974. It was tough to get past the chauvinistic undertones.
July 10, 2024
This is a fun, well-written book of culture clash. The author tells his story of buying land from Mr. Gomez who will then build his house on that land. The experience becomes a maze filled with obstacles. Written with good humor, you’ll like all of the characters in this book.
June 13, 2018
Not a masterwork by any means but a peaceful, easy read about adventurous empty-nesters and an interesting look back at travel prior to the digital age.
May 31, 2019
Charming memoir about building a home on the Baja Peninsula decades ago when prices were a lot lower! It's an amusing story that reveals how very differently things are done in this culture.
February 21, 2020
Decades old, but still a fun and valid read if you've built (or are building) a house in Baja. A light, quick read.
December 7, 2020
Really interesting story of a LA couple in 1974 who decide to build a home in an undeveloped coastal section of Baja, having to rely on trust alone.
April 4, 2022
An enjoyable read.
July 15, 2023
Good book about the trials and tribulations of building a house in Baja in the 70s. Humorous and light, and much of it holds true today.
October 8, 2015
When I travel, I like to read a book that is about the area or by someone who lives there or somehow connected to the history of the place. To be in Baja and listening to the audiobook "God and Mr. Gomez" has fit that intention perfectly. Glad I chose to listen to the book because it attuned my ear to the music of the Spanish that is all around. Terrific to listen to the story of Smith building a house south of Ensenada in the late 50s while I walked through Las Brisas in Todos Santos to the beach every day. Much of the landscape he described, as well as the dogs, roosters, and rattletrap trucks were part of my walk. God was with me too, not just in Mr. Gomez, but in scattered chance encounters and sightings, the incessant bobos, the cumulous clouds, and the inspiration that came from walking and listening to a journalist tell his story about a time, a place, and a man.
April 29, 2013
A reread while on vacation. Enjoyed this book as much the second time around. Smith was a columnist for the LA Times and his humour infused most articles he wrote as well as this account of his adventures while building a holiday home in Baja California. Quite an enduring/endearing friendship developed between the two families as work progressed on the house. I especially enjoyed the Gomez rationale as the building site changed from month to month.
March 22, 2016
For someone living in Baja this is an intriguing look at the northern Baja of nearly 50 years ago - through the eyes and culture of a Southern Californian yearning for untrammeled spaces. The culture of middle aged adults in 1960s California itself is interesting enough, but the gentle comparison with the Baja culture of that time is intriguing. Smith treats his Mexican neighbors with great respect.
Well written and funny, too.
Well written and funny, too.
May 11, 2009
This book was a quick, fun read. It is about a man and his experience building a vacation home in Mexico. He develops a relationship with the man "Gomez," who builds his home for him. It reminded me so much of the time I lived in Mexico. The people there are so sweet. But, they truly have a different timetable and attitude on life. . . sometimes for the better. Definitely worth the read.
March 21, 2010
This is a very funny account of the author's adventures (and misadventures) building a vacation home in Mexico. It was first published in 1974, so some of the references are a bit dated. But the story is surprisingly compelling, and it leaves you dreaming of building your own Mexican hideaway.
October 31, 2014
Smith's third book and most popular, probably because it hangs together as one story rather than as a collection of newspaper columns, and also because the idea of building a getaway home, and entrusting your money to a lovable but elusive character to do so, appeals to the dreamer. I liked it, but no more than his previous two books.
August 4, 2009
A classic case of a book read as relevant background. My husband and I are thinking of buying property in Baja California Mexico, so I read a book about building a house in Baja California Mexico. Mildly amusing but dated, so read only if it is relevant to your own life.
March 24, 2011
Library2Go Audiobook. I enjoyed this true story, even though it was somewhat dated by today's standards. It made me smile and laugh at times. Written by an LA Times column writer about he and his wifes'experiences building a house on the Baja peninsula.
August 28, 2015
I utterly enjoyed this charming book. Of course the fact that we, too, had a house built in Baja made it extra special for me to read.
It was a wonderful glimpse into Baja from about 40 years ago...and some things are different, while many seem the same.
It was a wonderful glimpse into Baja from about 40 years ago...and some things are different, while many seem the same.
April 7, 2016
RDC-M V 2 1975, 9/75. Nonfiction memoirs about a family dreaming about, then building their dream house with the help of Mr. Gomez, a Mexican builder who always has the solutions to the problems that arise. Good.
May 10, 2007
Very cute. Makes me want to move to Mexico.
May 9, 2008
Funny account of dealing with Mexicans and building a house in Baja. Many things to think about for anyone planning to build on leased land in Baja.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews