I bought this book and I am about 40% of the way through it. Very will written (expect for a few typos, "loosing" when it should be "losing"--ugh), and a very informative and concise history of Latin America.
His theory about why Latin America has not built the same types of economic and social institutions as northern nations -- Latin America did not have an industrial revolution -- was very interesting.
His discussion about some of the cultural mores -- those who make it to the middle class can't quit honking their car horns -- was both somewhat funny and illuminating. And his discussion about their driving patterns -- yikes.
Looking forward to the part where he gets to the chicas.
Overall, a strong recommend so far.
Cheers,
TD