~Month of Memoirs~
Cantú, a Mexican-American, became a border patrol agent after college graduation. He was inspired by his mother’s career as a ranger in West Texas and his love for the area and concern for humane treatment in border relations. This memoir is told in three parts. First, Cantú recounts his early days as an agent, full of energy and optimism, which gives way to personal turmoil. Watching cruel treatment by fellow agents each day and the desperation of people making their way across the border, he becomes desensitized and unable to sleep. The second section discusses his days as an intelligence agent, moving to a desk job to avoid the stress of the daily patrol. However, the reflection that this post allowed gave way to more distress. Finally, after Cantú leaves the service, he befriends a man at a local coffee shop who finds himself embroiled in immigration issues when he returns to Mexico to visit his dying mother and is detained upon his return. The subject matter alone is well worth the read, but Cantú’s honest and lyrical writing make this a resounding pick.
Well-Read Neck 