It's been a while before I read a book cover to cover in one weekend. David and I went to the bookstore on Friday night since there wasn't much else to do on a cold and rainy night. I found the book, God's Middle Finger: Into the Lawless Heart of Sierra Madre. I finished it today. Here is my book review: 

God's Middle Finger is my kind of book. It's a blend of journalism and history, and it focuses on the culture and way-of-life for many people living in the Sierra Madre Occidental area of Mexico, an area known for its scenic beauty and drug-driven violence. The author, Richard Grant, travels through various cities and villages and focuses on how the narcotics industry influences the Sierra's environment, religion, and culture. Knowing nothing about the Sierra Madre region, or Mexican history for that matter, I thought the book was an interesting and easy read. Grant moves the book along and doesn't focus too much on one particular subject. Thus, it is the reader's responsibility to learn more about whatever subject intrigues him or her.

I don't want to spoil any short stories presented in the book. However, there are exciting tales about a dead man's diary telling the whereabouts of buried treasure; of Grant's experience getting drunk and snorting cocaine with Mexican police; and of an American race featuring some of the best long-distance runners in Mexico. Considering it's a book about lawlessness and drug cartels, there are obviously sad stories too.

My one problem with the book is the way the book ended. It was an abrupt ending, with Grant basically saying, "I got tired of Mexico so I drove back across the border. The End." The event leading up to his departure was rather frightening, so I don't blame the guy for leaving. However, he seemed to have forgotten most of his previous journeys when writing his conclusion.

There has been some negative reviews of the book, and I just don't understand them. I don't think Grant "stereotyped" Mexico or its people. While reading the book, I never got the impression that Grant described the general population as being violent. In fact, most of the individuals Grant came across in the book were friendly and overly generous. Also, I thought Grant did a great job at pointing out the similarities between Mesoamerican cultures and "Western" culture--good and bad.

After reading the book, I have a new interest and appreciation for that region of Mexico. Like I said before, I hardly knew anything about Mexico before reading it. Do I think the Sierra Madre region is dangerous? Hell yeah. In 2008, there were 350 reported drug-related murders in the state of Sinaloa (a popluation with 2.5 million). However, I also know common sense will probably keep you alive (as in most places). I enjoyed reading about the Sierra Madre region mainly because it was one of the few places that escaped being "conquered." Its inhabitants continue to remain free from a law that has tried to imprison them for centuries.