Told through the life story of a young man who perished in the California desert, Dying to Live is a compelling account of US immigration/border enforcement and the rapidly growing death toll among migrants. Stunning photos by Mizue Aizeki complement the text.
Joseph Nevins authored Operation Gatekeeper: The Rise of the Illegal Alien and the Making of the U.S.-Mexico Boundary (Routledge, 2002), and A Not-So-Distant Horror (Cornell, 2005). His writings have appeared in the Boston Review, The Christian Science Monitor, and the International Herald Tribune.
Very informative book and gives personal insight into the experience of Mexican immigrants
I've read a few of this author's books, and so far I'd say this one was my favorite. The book is very well put together, with chapters on the discovery of Julio Gallegos' body after he'd tried to cross the border into the U.S.; then a history of the Imperial Valley; a history of the border buildup; a vivid description of what life has been and is like in Juchipila, Mexico (where Gallegos was born); and a final chapter that shows the connection between the border and the continued needless suffering of those trying to escape poverty and find a better life elsewhere.
Throughout the book we learn of personal details of Gallegos' life, and that of his family who remain behind. After reading this book, it would be hard for anyone to hear of stories of immigrant deaths (while attempting to cross the U.S./Mexico border), and not feel like they may "know" these people a bit better...that they aren't so different from you and I.
The outstanding photos by Mizue Aizeki were a perfect complement to the text, and felt very personal and intimate.
I highly recommend this book!!!
Important, powerful book I was quite impressed by the thorough piece of work that is Joe Nevins's earlier "Operation Gatekeeper." This book, however, provides a more concrete human connection by complementing the meticulously documented history of Mexican immigration to the U.S. and racist legal and extra-legal harassment of same(which calls to mind the Latino power slogan "I didn't cross the border, the border crossed me") with the tragic story of one hard-working family man who died in the California desert trying to reach his loved ones.
The powerful text is complemented by heart-wrenching photos by Mizue Aizeki. This book is the perfect antidote to the disgusting scapegoating of immigrants which predominates on US hate radio. It artfully shows the importance of solidarity with the poor populations who are paying the price for corporate profiteering in the age of NAFTA.
Compelling and important With the recent debates about immigration in the news, I felt compelled to get a good handle on the topic. This book is well-written, and also features amazing photography to illustrate the points. I got a comprehensive overview of the history of immigration enforcement (including the build up of the U.S.-Mexico boundary, and the struggle of those who risk their lives to cross). Not heavy-handed, but touching ... a great read.
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