This is a pithy little publication on what is an immensely important subject. That is, the growth of Latin American populations in the U.S. and the ever changing socio-economic conditions for this broad racial-ethnic group, often generalized as "Latino". Mike Davis' descriptive language (liberal adjective use) renders the statistics and data heavy material highly palatable for lazy readers such as myself. But it comes at a price and that price is clearly marked on the cover: "Magical Urbanism". After reading the book, I'm still not clear on the reason for this seemingly sexy title. It appears to be a reference to magical realism, which is an aesthetic style that that has been popularized by Latin American authors. I'm hoping that he is not implying that there is a magical or surreal aspect to the conditions he describes.

The information that Davis provides however, is significant and critical. His writing on "transnational suburbs" and the chapter that deals with bilingual education are compelling. In the former one, he describes the continuing cultural and economic connections between immigrant suburbs that are origin-specific and their home towns across the border (watch the documentary The Sixth Section). This nine year old publication often portrays Latinos in a victimized role rather than an empowered one and it leaves me wondering what is going on now, what has been left out. I'd recommend that you read this with a critical eye and continue with the subject after you are done with the book. Davis is known for his popular appeal so this shouldn't be the final destination, just the beginning.

p.s. If anyone out there reads the book and interprets the following line as anything other than an overt racial slur against another diverse group, let me know! I'm hypersensitive :)

New York's burgeoning but profoundly underdog Mexican population, as we have seen, struggles to survive in the benthic layer of the economy: working as busboys in Greek restaurants, risking their lives in gypsy construction, illegally selling candy in subway stops, or hustling flowers at street corners.

This book seemed like it had a more clever title than the contents. Still it chronicles the way in which the US urban landscape was altered by the influx of Latinos. It seemed to take the view that Latino influx into the US was largely economic. There certainly was that component but the political atmosphere post-Vietnam also contributed with Leonard Chapman's activities.

There was no mention of that kind of beefing up of the border patrol. Instead, the book takes a side of Latinos as portrayed by the US media, state and population... the racist implications in policy and culture and how this is against a background of increasing Latino populations in the USA.

So this is largely descriptive with very little analysis even though the writer is very much using adjectives to push forward a political agenda as to who lacks agency in this relationship. We know that many people, especially poor Latinos lack agency. So this is an okay book. It is more informational than analysis, but there is some tie economics... even though it is largely descriptive. It is okay, what you would expect of it, although from the title I was expecting something more "magical" as in futurism or other kinds of world building.

i miraculously read this in the car without getting motion sick, but some of the things i have learned about the experiences of latino immigrants in the US did the job of making me queasy... it's been a quicker read than 'city of quartz' but also feels a little bit more dry and mainstream. all in all, highly recommended. the hardcover version i picked up has really great dustjacket design too.

Typical Mike Davis provides inflammatory view of immigration into Southern California from Latin America, and taunts the American public with visions of a Latinized U.S. and unstoppable encroachement on the U.S. by the Latin South. I liked this book, but think that Davis can go over the top with some descriptions and biases, which tends to alienate some readers from hearing his messages about the need to adapat and change to accomodate more immigrants into our melting pot.

This is a great view of where America is headed and what the Latino population of the U.S. is doing to slowly change the black-and-white binary much too common in this country.

A great look into how Latinos are changing the culture of the U.S.

Reading it in 2013 is a decade past it's relevance. Loads of good data on Latino/Chicano/Hispanic migration. However, it didn't hold my interest as the information it shares doesn't tell a fluid story. I read the first half and skimmed the rest.

good stats and soundbites but too scattered, broad, and brief to dig into this subject

where's the mike davis for NYC?

this is davis in full liberal/extremist form. but, i have to say, this book provides some startling (and rather tragic) stats regarding latinos in the USA. makes me want to go home and represent! ;)

Mike Davis on LA, or on anything for that matter, is a beast. This little pocket book of urban wonder is worth the read without a doubt.

I really enjoy Mike Davis' writing style. This book is a great examination of the "browning" of the U.S. and the massive growth of Latino populations in U.S. cities. Davis has an easy prose style combined with insightful critical analysis of American racism and urban culture.