"Cities of the Plain" is the conclusion to a trilogy set in the post-World War II American West. The story follows two cowboys, John Grady Cole and Billy Parham, who work on a ranch in New Mexico near the Texas border. Cole falls in love with a Mexican prostitute, which leads to a tragic confrontation with her pimp. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and the fading of the old West.

"The Ruins" is a gripping horror novel about a group of friends who, while vacationing in Mexico, decide to embark on a journey into the jungle to find a missing brother. The group soon stumbles upon an ancient Mayan ruin, and quickly realize they are trapped by a malevolent, sentient plant that begins to slowly pick them off one by one. As their situation grows increasingly dire, the friends struggle to maintain their sanity and survive in the face of a seemingly impossible escape.

"Born to Run" is an exploration of the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico's Copper Canyons, known for their ability to run long distances without injury or fatigue. The author, intrigued by their ability, delves into the secrets of their endurance and the science behind it. The book also features a narrative of an ultramarathon event involving the Tarahumara runners, American ultrarunners, and the author himself. It challenges modern running practices and footwear, advocating for a more natural, minimalist approach to running.

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of U.S. immigration policy and its impact on both American society and the people who migrate. It critically examines the historical development of immigration laws and enforcement, debunking common myths and misconceptions with empirical evidence. The author argues that current policies are ineffective, often exacerbating the problems they aim to solve, and proposes a more humane and rational approach to immigration. By exploring the economic, social, and legal aspects of the issue, the book offers a clear-eyed view of the complex realities behind the rhetoric, advocating for policies that reflect the values of fairness and opportunity.

"The Lacuna" is a captivating historical novel that follows the life of Harrison Shepherd, a young man with a Mexican-American heritage. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous events of the early 20th century, including the Mexican Revolution and the McCarthy era in the United States, the story explores themes of identity, politics, and art. Through Shepherd's unique perspective as a writer and his encounters with iconic figures such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, the novel delves into the complexities of personal and national history, while also shedding light on the power of storytelling and the search for belonging.

This book provides an in-depth historical account of the Rio Grande, one of North America's significant rivers. The narrative is divided into four parts, each representing a different era in the river's history. The author meticulously explores the indigenous cultures that first inhabited its banks, the Spanish conquest, the Mexican-American War, and the modern development of the river. The book is not just about the river itself, but also about the people, cultures, and events that have shaped its course and the region surrounding it.

This book provides a compelling biography of Norman Borlaug, an agronomist whose pioneering work in developing high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties played a crucial role in averting widespread hunger and famine in the mid-20th century. Dubbed the father of the Green Revolution, Borlaug's innovations transformed agriculture, particularly in Mexico, India, and Pakistan, dramatically increasing food production and saving billions of lives from starvation. Through his story, the narrative explores the challenges of food security, the impact of scientific innovation on global hunger, and the enduring legacy of a man whose work reshaped the world's approach to farming and food distribution.

This book is a detailed and intriguing exploration of the Yucatan Peninsula, capturing the author's journey through the region in the 19th century. The narrative provides a comprehensive account of the local Mayan culture, architecture, and archaeological sites, including the ruins of ancient civilizations. The author's keen observations and descriptions bring to life the landscape, flora, fauna, and the everyday life of the people, offering a vivid historical perspective of the Yucatan.

"A Manual For Cleaning Women: Selected Stories" is a collection of short stories by author Lucia Berlin. The stories are autobiographical in nature and cover a range of topics, from poverty and addiction to love and loss. Berlin's writing is raw and honest, drawing on her own experiences as a cleaning woman, nurse, and alcoholic. The stories offer a glimpse into the lives of those on the fringes of society and explore the complexities of human relationships. Overall, the book is a powerful and moving testament to Berlin's talent as a writer and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience.

This book provides a detailed historical account of the Spanish conquest of Mexico, primarily focusing on the period from 1519 to 1521. It narrates the dramatic encounters between the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and Aztec emperor Montezuma, set against the backdrop of the complex political and social structures of the Aztec empire. The narrative is enriched with descriptions of the military strategies, pivotal battles, and the eventual downfall of one of the most powerful civilizations in the Americas. Through comprehensive research and vivid storytelling, the book explores the profound impact of European colonization on indigenous cultures and the course of Mexican history.

"Grant" is a comprehensive biography of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow, the book explores Grant's early life, military career, presidency, and post-presidential years. Chernow portrays Grant as a complex and often misunderstood figure, highlighting his military genius and leadership during the Civil War, as well as his struggles with alcoholism and financial ruin later in life. The book also delves into Grant's relationships with his wife, Julia, and political figures such as Abraham Lincoln and William Tecumseh Sherman. Overall, "Grant" offers a detailed and nuanced portrait of one of America's most significant historical figures.

"The Line Becomes a River" is a memoir that delves into the complex and often harsh realities of the U.S.-Mexico border, as experienced by a former Border Patrol agent. The author recounts his personal journey, from his initial idealistic desire to understand border issues to the moral conflicts he faces witnessing the suffering of migrants. Through vivid narratives that blend his own experiences with those of the people he encounters—migrants striving for a better life, and fellow agents caught in the system—the book offers a poignant exploration of the physical and psychological borders that define both the landscape and the human lives involved.

This gripping novel concludes a powerful trilogy that delves into the complex and brutal world of drug cartels and the war on drugs. It follows the story of Art Keller, a determined DEA agent who has spent decades in the relentless battle against the Mexican drug cartels. As Keller ascends to the top of the DEA, he faces not only the ruthless kingpins of the drug trade but also corruption within his own ranks and the moral ambiguities of his war. Set against the backdrop of contemporary political and social issues, the narrative weaves together a tapestry of characters and stories, from the cartel bosses to the addicts, the politicians to the hitmen, exploring the far-reaching impact of the drug war on both sides of the border.

"Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club" is a collection of seven short stories, all of which are connected by the Kentucky Club, a bar in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. The stories explore various themes such as love, loss, addiction, and identity, and feature a range of characters, from a young man coming to terms with his sexuality to an older man reflecting on his past relationships. The author uses the backdrop of the U.S.-Mexico border to highlight the complexities and struggles of the characters' lives.

The book explores the concept of the frontier throughout American history, arguing that it has been a central myth that has shaped the nation's ideologies and policies, from its inception to the present day. The author traces this myth from the country's founding, through westward expansion, to the current political climate and the contentious issue of the border wall. The book suggests that the frontier has served as a symbol of freedom and opportunity, but also of conflict and exclusion, reflecting the country's struggle with its own identity and values.

The novel centers around an archaeologist who possesses the unique ability to see into the past, specifically the lives of the Mayan civilization. During an excavation in Mexico, she encounters the ghost of a Mayan priestess, which leads her on a journey that blurs the lines between the past and the present. As she delves deeper into the mysteries of the ancient culture, her estranged daughter joins her, prompting a reconciliation and exploration of their complex relationship. The story weaves together themes of history, spirituality, and the bonds between mothers and daughters, all set against the backdrop of the rich tapestry of Mayan heritage.

"The War with Mexico" is a comprehensive historical analysis of the Mexican-American War from 1846-1848. The book delves into the political, social, and military aspects of the war, providing an in-depth account of the events leading up to the war, the battles fought, and the aftermath. The author critically examines the motivations and actions of both sides, offering a detailed and balanced perspective on this significant period in American history.