Antonio's Gun And Delfino's Dream: True Tales of Mexican Migration

I really liked the large portion about South Gate CA. because our History has been brought down with near bankruptcy teetering on the edge and then we were triumphant with our recall of the 3 majority Council Members robbing our Community in 2003. The Author L.A. Times; Sam Quinones had lived through this with us. Another Times writer Rich Marosi was also here and helped during these turbulent times.We are now back from the brink with millions in reserve because of the brave Council, Staff and Elected Members who took the reins and worked day and night "during" that time until we dug ourselves out of that hole.

I really love Sam Quinones' books on Mexico and his stories. It is hard for me to move away from superlatives: each story is a true gem. I feel that the cover, which is a painting, takes so many stories from Mexican life, whether lived in Mexico or here in the U.S., and turns them into the Mexican versions of Norman Rockwell paintings, transformed into words. The story of Delfino, from peasant to breakdancer to builder, is worthy of its own feature film and would transform the immigrant story to that of pioneer. It's an American success story for Mexico, the kind of story that Americans would enjoy seeing and identifying with his courage.

Excellent book by an excellent author.

I was reluctant to read this book, thinking that it would be very distressing. However, I was amazed at the variety of people about whom the author wrote. It was overall very interesting. The writing itself was in the style of a newspaper reporter, as expected by the background of the author. I feel that I have a better understanding of the variety of motives behind the northern migration, and the difficulties behind the lack of assimilation of long term Mexican residents in the US. The last story was a real thriller.

I could not put the book down once I started reading it,this book is for anyone who enjoys real life drama, passion,courage,lawlessness,hard work and the simple desire to eat and improve ones life. True tales not only tells the story but takes you deep into the mind of the characters and provides answers to WHY they do it, why they risk everything, what they hope to achieve and what they actually end up achieving.5 stars.

This is a great collection of stories. Very well written. This is a must read for everyone living in the US today. This book gets to the very heart of the whole immigration issue.Reading this book will make you proud to be an American,and it will show you how much we influence our neighbors.It will also show you where urgent changes in US policy are desperately needed.

Trying to understand others from your own perspective can be both offensive and useless. Sam Quinones is the answer to understanding why others do and don't do. It's not that simple but it is paramount if we are to treat each other with humility and dignity.

A well written, informitive look at Mexican Migration. Mr. Quinones knows the implications, economic, political and social, of migration on both sides of the border. He also knows his subjects and follows them on each side of the border and back and forth.