The Devil's Highway

In May 2001, 26 Mexican men died in a section of the Arizona desert dubbed the Devil's Highway. Urrea, employing some journalistic license, paints a grim picture of the deadly struggle of those trying to enter the United States illegally and those working equally hard to secure the borders. This cat-and-mouse game between smugglers ("coyotes") and the U.S. Border Patrol ("La Migra") requires intelligence, creativity, endurance, experience, and luck. As the borders in urban areas became harder to cross, those sneaking illegals into "El Norte" have gone farther into the remote desert. The research here is excellent, and Urrea's narration is impressive. The story unfolds in a way that is fascinating to the listener—you can almost feel the heat and smell the desperation. A complex issue is covered with style, making this a recommended title for true crime collections and those interested in immigration. [The Little, Brown hc was a national best seller.—Ed.]—Scott R. DiMarco, Mansfield Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib.