Amexica

by Ed Vulliamy
Amexica cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Investigative Journalism
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  • ID: 2847
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781407074917
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2010-10-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Amexica delves into the heart of the borderland between the United States and Mexico, a region teeming with migrants, factory workers, and narcos. This terrain, both porous and harsh, is a warzone where drug cartels and state forces clash in a tragedy of unfathomable violence. The book explores the cartels' reach into daily life, from migrant camps to rehab centers and sweatshop factories, painting a vivid portrait of a country under siege. Updated with new material a decade later, it stands as a testament to the people who continue to carry on despite the chaos. The narrative is a stark and essential look at the globalized economy's grotesque pastiche playing out in this borderland. It's a journey through the lives of those who inhabit this volatile region, highlighting the resilience and heroism amidst the violence and despair. Amexica is a must-read for understanding the ruthlessness and impact of modern global criminals.

Reviews
Penguin Books · 2020-09-17
fascinating 4.00

The book is described as fascinating, infuriating, and inspiring, offering a vivid social reportage of the narco-wars in Mexico. It is a harrowing read that sheds light on the economic and social impacts of the drug trade.

Penguin Books presents 'Amexica' as a compelling and harrowing exploration of the narco-wars along the US-Mexico border. The book is praised for its vivid social reportage, providing a deep dive into the daily lives affected by the cartels. The narrative is both fascinating and infuriating, highlighting the economic and social impacts of the drug trade on the border communities. The reviewer emphasizes the book's ability to inspire a sense of urgency and empathy for the people caught in the middle of this ongoing crisis. The harrowing accounts and detailed reporting make it a must-read for those interested in understanding the complexities of the border region.

Quick quotes

    Amexica is fascinating, infuriating and inspiring.

    A work of vivid social reportage.

    A harrowing read about the narcowars in Mexico, economic and social impacts.

The Guardian · Ed Vulliamy · 2019-12-08
harrowing 4.50

The book provides a harrowing account of the violence and chaos along the US-Mexico border, highlighting the deep-rooted issues that persist a decade later. It is a powerful reminder of the ongoing crisis and the human cost of the narco-wars.

Ed Vulliamy returns to the US-Mexico border a decade after his initial reporting to provide a stark and unsettling update on the region's struggles. The book delves into the lives of those affected by the narco-wars, offering a vivid and often harrowing portrayal of the violence and despair that permeate the area. Vulliamy's firsthand accounts and interviews with locals, migrants, and law enforcement officials paint a bleak picture of a region caught in the crossfire of cartels and corrupt institutions. The narrative is both infuriating and inspiring, showcasing the resilience of the people who call this borderland home. Vulliamy's work is a call to action, urging readers to recognize the ongoing crisis and the urgent need for change.

Quick quotes

    The border is a place of extraordinary terror and resilience.

    The narco-wars have left a trail of destruction that is impossible to ignore.

    Vulliamy's reporting is a powerful reminder of the human cost of the conflict.

Goodreads · 2010-10-07
informative 3.75

Readers find the book both fascinating and easy to read, with mixed feedback on the research quality and writing style. The book is highly rated by the community, indicating a generally positive reception.

Goodreads users have shared their thoughts on 'Amexica,' with many praising its engaging and easy-to-read style. The book has received a high average rating, suggesting that readers find it both informative and compelling. However, there is some mixed feedback on the quality of the research and writing style, with some readers finding it well-documented and others feeling it could be more thorough. Overall, the community seems to appreciate the book's exploration of the US-Mexico border and the issues surrounding the narco-wars. The positive ratings and reviews indicate that the book has resonated with many readers, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in the subject matter.

Quick quotes

    Customers find the book fascinating and easy to read.

    The research quality and writing style receive mixed feedback.

    Highly rated by the community, indicating a generally positive reception.

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