PDF Across the Wire: Life and Hard Times on the Mexican Border by Luis Urrea in History

Review

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Should be required reading for everyone north of the borderBy Ernie's girlEvery US citizen needs to read this book. Any meaningful discussion of immigration and/or the relationship between the USA and Mexico (and other Central American countries) must be put in the context of the human face it wears. This book does that. I firmly believe in the law; but we must not lose our humanity. Urrea knows how to paint a picture with words. Less is more in his story-telling. I thank him for this book. I've read several books in an effort to better understand our neighbor Mexico and what is happening at our southern border. This book taught me more than several other books combined.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An unexpectedly good readBy Diane T. QuinnUrrea gives the reader vital; unexpected insight into the lives of poor Mexicans; a poverty the depth of which most readers could not have known. He is an excellent writer who brings to life individuals who somehow find hope in the face of an extraordinary absence of options. It is this look; this introduction to Urrea's individuals that make "Across the Wire" a page-turner.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Across the Wire. The Gripping Tales of those in the BorderlandsBy danielleaimeeAcross the Wire: Life and Hard Times on the Mexican Border; by Luis Alberto Urrea; is a compelling "book of fragments" about the author's time spent crossing the border of Mexico bringing help to those in need (Urrea 2). Urrea composed the book in pieces that each tells a specific tale. There are characters you meet once; and characters that follow you throughout the book; on your journey across the border. From this book I learned to appreciate all that I have. I have a roof; a bed; a closet full of clothes; a kitchen full of food; clean water; and health care. I also have an education and freedom. I live in a safe community where I am surrounded by all of my friends. This book opened my eyes to the way some people are forced to live. I loved the mixture of Mexican slang; or border-speak; and how the author explained the origin of each word.For example; Urrea tells the story of cementeros; which are glue addicts. He explains that it is derived from the word glue but is the same as the word cemento; which means cement. Urrea explains that these boys are followers of the glue; and use it to get high; and points out that the word cementero is oddly close to the word that means cemetery. That simple explanation gives the reader so much insight into the lives of those characters and how they are viewed by their own societies. There was little that was left to the imagination in this book. Urrea does an amazing job of describing the scene and the smell.Urrea holds nothing back and he details the fear he feels when he enters some towns and deals with la chota; the police. He explains the disgusting things he sees and the sad sights; such as children with diseases. I believe that Urrea did an excellent job in writing this book. It is compelling and compassionate; and I feel like a more rounded person for knowing these stories. I believe Urrea accomplished his task. If you are looking for a captivating story; then Across the Wire is definitely for you. It takes you on a whirlwind of emotions leaving out no detail into the grizzly lives the impoverished lead in the borderlands. This book is inspiring; filled with inspiring people who face so much in their daily lives. As a reader I am inspired to become a missionary and help those who have less than I do. It is amazing to think that when Urrea was helping these people; he didn't have much more than they did; but he was dedicated to the cause; and an unbelievable man.