This Is Mexico

This Is Mexico is a collection of essays on the often magical and mysterious-and sometimes heartrending-workings of everyday life in Mexico, written from the perspective of an American expatriate. By turns humorous and poignant, Merchasin provides an informed look at Mexican culture and history, exploring everything from healthcare, Mexican-style, to religious rituals; from the educational role of the telenovela to the cultural subtleties of the Spanish language. Written with a clear eye for details, a warm heart for Mexico, and a lively sense of humor, This Is Mexico is an insider's look at the joys, sorrows, and challenges of life in this complex country.

Carol M. Merchasin is a lawyer, a former partner at a large law firm, and an author involved in a longtime love affair with Mexico. She fell in love with the country's language, people, and culture during her first trip south in 1983, and she moved to San Miguel de Allende in 2005. She is a keen observer, an experienced researcher, and an enthusiastic student of Mexican culture.