Ted Conover writes differently than most nonfiction authors. Most observe, research, and then report back what they have found. Conover just becomes the subject and writes from the inside out. In Coyotes, about the world of illegal immigrants, he becomes one. He lives and works with them and even crosses the border illegally.
Even though this book was published over twenty years ago it is still relevant to the current debate on illegal immigration. While a lot has changed since this book was written, particularly after 9/11, it still gives an unabashed look at the personal side of these immigrants. You learn about the working conditions and home lives of these people, from someone who was there beside them. No matter which side of the debate you stand on you will come away from this book with a new understanding.
If you like this, try Conover's Rolling Nowhere, which is the story if his time riding the rails as a hobo. His latest book, Newjack, is about life as a prison guard, again, from the inside. He worked for a year as a prison guard at Sing Sing in New York state. It won the Pulitzer prize and I can see why.
If you've read them, let me know what you think below.
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