The People's Guide to Mexico

Sometimes a book can go beyond the limitations of the genre, much as a comedy can reveal deeper truths or music can inspire you to reflect on your life. "The People's Guide to Mexico" transcends the normal limitations of the travel guide to offer deeper truths about life itself to those who wish to experience them. Few books are so meaningful that one can read them several times and always remain entertained, challenged, and inspired. The cooking section alone is worth the price of the book. I refer to it frequently when cooking Mexican food dishes. But the author's perspective on life, experiences, and advice continue to provide new truths every time I read it. Some of you are probably thinking I must be nuts to rant and rave about how brilliant a travel guide to Mexico is. I can hear you thinking, "Dude, it's not the Bible. Chill." Just read it. Seriously, give it a shot. I think at worst you will find it a series of entertaining stories about some hippies who lived in Mexico. But I think if you open your mind to the deeper truths it offers, it will be worth it. I try when I write reviews to give readers the positive and negatives of whatever I'm reviewing to make the review as helpful, accurate, and balanced as possible. Of this particular book, I can't think of any criticism of it at all. That says a lot.

I have now bought five copies of this book over thirty years. I never get tired of reading this wonderful blessing of a book. Each reader can concentrate on the sections that do pertain to him or her and should just skip the sections that don't. In this way, you will actually read it. Perfect for reading in bite-sized portions. Great knack for telling funny stories. I LOVE this book, and the people who keep writing it. P.S.: Now thoroughly up-to-date; get the 2006 edition...websites, use of net, etc., all thoroughly presented.

This isn't a traditional guidebook. It contains no information on specific hotels, sites to see, or things to do. It has no maps and only a few rudimentary itineraries. What it does have is a lifetime's accumulation of information, insight, and wisdom regarding the culture of Mexico. The People's Guide explains Mexicans' habits, customs, and attitudes. It also provides information and advice (specific to Mexico) about driving and other modes of travel, accommodations, health and safety strategies, shopping, and other important travel topics. While much of the information presented is targeted to the "hippies-traveling-for-months-at-a-time-out-of-the-back-of-a-van" contingent, most of it is probably invaluable to the business, or resort traveler as well. Franz's happy-go-lucky personality and heavy use of stories, anecdotes, and examples lends to both the enjoyment and understanding of the material.

The People's Guide to Mexico continues to be THE guidebook for learning about Mexico, its people, culture and places, from an insightful author(s) who have been traveling and living in Mexico for over 30 years. A Caveat: if you are looking for a humorless, factual guide to four and five star resorts, and only like to travel first class or stay at global chain hotels, THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR YOU. If you enjoy irreverence, humor, colorful stories, personal experience and gaining real insight- rare in the tourist guidebook genre- about the very different, yet welcoming, culture next door, then this IS your book. (I was raised in Mexico and live in the USA, exactly opposite of Carl, Lorena et al- but I love these guys, and used to carry a battered old edition- wish I still had it!- in my VW bus when I traveled throughout Mexico and Central America in it after military service and Vietnam. I re-read it many a time, and it was my #1 book... ¡Muchas gracias! Carl y amigos...)

This book is a joy for people who: · Have been to Mexico· Have never been to Mexico· Are planning to go to Mexico· Want to say home and read about Mexico· Want to learn about a Mexico that is not defined by the major tourist areas · But most importantly, people who want to hear about Mexico from someone who has had many enjoyable trips to Mexico and loved every minute of those trips. The author imparts his love of the people, culture, food, and country through stories that are not connected so you can pick up the book and begin reading where you please. The book is filled with stories that are make-you-laugh-out-loud thigh slappers. Through the years I continue to enjoy this book, and often pick it up looking for favorite stories. Each time it brings back fond memories of the Mexico I know from my own trips and the wonderful picture Carl has weaved for me. Buy, read, and enjoy!