The book has some slow parts, but most of it has some good humor. Maybe because I am Latino (but not Mexican; I am Puerto Rican), I was able to appreciate some of the humor more. There are some things that Latinos, no matter which part of Latin American, say and do universally. The best part of the book were the short question and answer questions. I could read through those pretty quickly. Some of the longer essay segments were hit and miss. Some were interesting; others were a little on the slow side.

Yes, the book deals with stereotypes. That is part of the humor. If you are easily offended or sensitive, this may not be for you. But if you can laugh, sometimes at the author and his stories, other times with the author and his stories, then you will probably like this book. The real strength of the book lies in the fact that in addition to using humor and jokes, he actually teaches you something. Arellano is knowledgeable and well-read when it comes to his culture, and he shares that in the book along with the jokes. From discussing spiritual beliefs of mother goddesses to La Raza Cosmica, you get a small preview of Mexican culture and history along with the humor. You do learn something while you laugh. ( )

¡Ask a Mexican! – Gustavo Arellano
2**

This is a collection of columns written by Arellano in California’s OC Weekly news magazine. It was originally suggested by his editor, and Arellano had been answering his “Why do Mexicans…..?” questions for five years. He didn’t mind being the source of cultural information, and figured “why not?” so the column was born. It’s become wildly popular and has now been syndicated in several other newspapers across the country.

Like most such satirical / humorous columns, they are best taken once a week. Reading all of them at once was a bit much. Yes, he does impart some history of Mexico and Mexican culture, and even I (the daughter and granddaughter of Mexican immigrants) learned a few curse words. However, on the whole I was bored and didn’t find his “humor” very funny. I did like the descriptions of food … especially how his mother would buy three kinds of tripa for her menudo (same as my Aunt Pepa).

And, why can’t Goodreads and LibraryThing manage to include the appropriate punctuation in the official title? ( )

Great way to research slang language for your novel with a Hispanic cast.. pinche cabrone will not show up in Google translate! ( )

Great way to research slang language for your novel with a Hispanic cast.. pinche cabrone will not show up in Google translate! ( )

Great way to research slang language for your novel with a Hispanic cast.. pinche cabrone will not show up in Google translate! ( )