The People's Guide to Mexico [Paperback]

Carl Franz (Author), Lorena Havens (Editor), Steve Rogers (Editor)

Book Description

Series: People's Guide to Mexico | Publication Date: July 23, 2002

This cult classic is a trip to Mexico in and of itself, complete with the flavour of the country, and its sights, sounds, and people. In addition to the basic information necessary, Carl Franz and Lorena Havens have packed the book with amusing stories and friendly guidance. Hundreds of thousands of people who have read The People's Guide to Mexico over the past 30 years say they wouldn't travel without it. And there are lots of people who read it for sheer pleasure--with no intention of travelling at all!

Product Details

• Paperback: 600 pages
• Publisher: Avalon Travel Publishing; 30th Anniversary Edition edition (July 23, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566914345
• ISBN-13: 978-1566914345
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #859,670 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect title for a perfect book... ¡vamonos!, June 13, 2003

By 

JDiver "You haven't lived until you've dived." (Roseville, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The People's Guide to Mexico (Paperback)

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...)

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE Best, May 1, 2003

By 

Charles McVey "macvolant" (Huntington Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The People's Guide to Mexico (Paperback)

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!

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars essential starter guidebook, December 17, 2004

By 

Mark Mills (Glen Rose, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The People's Guide to Mexico (Paperback)

Before reading this book, I'd heard it was a cult classic. It lived up to the billing. It isn't a guidebook to 'tourist highlights', it is a guide to 'going Mexican'. There isn't anything on the 'sights' of Mexico City, but there are tips on backroad bus trips, Mexican hand gestures, learning Spanish and surviving customs inspections. Rather than the 'tour', the book proposes the 'flow': get up in the morning and go with the first idea that comes into your head. Don't plan a 'return', there is only the 'next adventure'.