On Demand
Coming-of-Age in Mexico City
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Liza Monroy’s debut novel, Mexican High, is the coming-of-age story of the daughter of an American diplomat living in Mexico City. It’s also a revealing look at elite Mexican society.
Event: Liza Monroy will be speaking and signing books
Tuesday, July 1 at 7 pm
Barnes & Noble Upper West Side
2289 Broadway (at 82nd Street)
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Dear Leonard,
I listen to your show with regularity, nearly on a daily basis, and have often heard you speaking with either people I have worked with, or those who have shared experiences/events. Today is the first time that I have hoped that much of what your guest said was as much fiction as her novel must be.
I was fortunate enough to "come of age" while attending the American School in Mexico D.F., albeit in the late 60's-70's, a time, school, and friendships I treasure and nurture to this day.
In fact, there are many ASF alumni in the NYC area, some older, some younger. Most of us are still very much in contact with and in support of the School spiritually, socially, and economically. Though it was, for many of us, the only way to meet contemporaries both x-pats and international and as such a jumping off point for social activities and often a host of those activities.
In the 60's and 70's indeed the world was in turmoil, not much unlike today. But I can assure you that not then and nor since has the "student government" of the school been allowed or invited to serve alcohol at any student function.
It was this inferrence by your guest today which made me turn on the CD player in my car. I wanted to call and ask her on the air.... REALLY ???? I wanted you to not believe her quite to intentedly, or at least question the statement more.
Some of my alumni friends are still living in Lomas, and Pedregal, Mexico D.F. and they too have never heard of such behavior as an organized student activity.... Not on ASF School Grounds.
Mexico City is not the same socially as it was 20-30-40 years ago, not safe for children (even teenagers - particularly young women) to travel un-accompanied by adults or guards/drivers.
In closing, I found the romanic side of her comments novel, but the truth in her comments shallow.
I wish you well, and will remain a listener.
Actually, Monroy never said the functions with alcohol were on school grounds. They took place at rented venues. Judging by the quality of her novel and the inconsistency and lack of coherence in your statements would lead one to believe you two attended very different schools.
PS: Why don't you tell me the difference between New York in the 1960s versus the 90s or today...her novel is set three decades after you lived in Mexico City. Things change.
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