I am never found without a book nearby, for those quiet moments, in buses, planes etc. When on holiday I try to read novels set in the country I am visiting, as well as the travel guides. Can anyone make any suggestions of novels set in Mexico?

try Stones for Ybarra by, I think, Hariet Doer <BR>also maybe The Treasure of the Sierra Madre <BR>and maybe Rain of Gold (Lluvia de Oro)

There's an American author called David Lindsay who wrote a book in which most of it takes place in Mexico City. I can't remember the title! Most of his books take place in Houston, Texas. He also wrote a book called Mercy - they are all mystery, thriller type books. <BR> <BR>I always love to read when I'm on vacation. Often I'll take 5 or 6 books (usually from a second hand book store) and just leave them behind as I finish them. I can't imagine not having a book with me on vacation. What a good idea to take something along that's set in the country you're visiting!

Try "Like Water for Choclate" by Laura Esquivel. You could attempt Aztec (a huge book!!) to really know the history!

Get a copy at the library of; Distant Neighbors," A portrait of the Mexicans" by Alan Riding. <BR> <BR>adios!

Maria, take ALL the books you think you'll read while in Mexico as books in English are hard to find and very expensive when you find them.

How about Cormac McCarthy's border trilogy -- "All the Pretty Horses" is set in both Texas and Mexico.

Black Gold, Red Death by David Lindsey. Is that the one set in Mexico City?

AZTEC by Gary Jennings...It's one of the best books I've ever read...AN historial novel about the life of a very special Aztec....Amazon.Com has it!!

The Pearl, John Steinbeck. Classic set in Baja.

You could try Wild Steps of Heaven or Rain of Gold by Victor Villaseñor <BR>

I third the suggestion of Aztec by Gary Jennings. Gives a good look at what an exceptional place Mexico was before the Spanish arrived. It is both educational and entertaining. I have read it 3 times and still find it fascinating.

"The Lost World of Quintana Roo" by Michele Peissel if traveling in the Yucatan. Not a novel but a travelogue about a journey through the rough and tough Yucatan of 40 years ago.

I also recommend "Lost World of Quintana Roo". This book is out of print, but a few copies can be found and sent to you from a great bookstore, Alma Libre Libros,in Puerto Morelos, the next town south of Cancun. You can find more recommended reading and the link to the bookstore on this web site: <BR>http://CasaTropical.com <BR>

Maria: If you do read Aztec, Gary Jennings has written a sequel called Aztec Autumn. Between the two you should get a really good feel for Mexico. James Michener has written a novel called Mexico. <BR> <BR>Susan: I would like to follow in your footsteps on holiday, and borrow your books. You seem to have the same taste as I do!

Mexican Postcards, by Carlos Monsivais is an excellent book

Wonderful question, and I'm glad it was brought back to the top.<BR><BR>My # 1 suggestion is Under the Volcano by Malcolm Cowley.<BR><BR>--Lan Sluder

I agree with Lan Sluder that "Under the Volcano" is a must! Correction: the author is Malcolm Lowry. Another one I'ld recommend is D.H.Lawrence's "The Plumed Serpent".

Try this site for novels set in Mexico, or just about any topic:

www.goodreads.com

Easy to use and fairly honest reviews.

This is a VERY old thread. And some things have changed since 2001. Like it's not all that hard to find English paperback books in many towns/cities in Mexico especially those with a tourist influence.

As far as the original question... I recommend anything by Gil Gevins, one very funny author who lives in Puerto Vallarta and writes about it.