As with any anthology of poetry, the content largely depends on the editor. However, from the wonderful introduction Jorie Graham provided, I expected an equally wonderful collection in a call of arms for poets to help poets realize what they do is equally valid as anything else a writer may write, be it fiction or non-fiction. Unfortunately, I had trouble finding even one poem that was more that just okay. Perhaps it should just be called American poetry of 1990. I would recommend the 1999 edition of this series over the 1990 edition.

The book tries to approach too much, and does it badly. The author clearly shows his many interests (and, indeed, some degree of knowledge) on a multimplicity of topics within the economics, politics, and religion of Latin America. But it forcibly tries to link issues, to make links and relations appear where they simply do not exist. Religion comes up here and there as part of the equation, but the author seems to be the only one to see such a relation, which he is simply unable to substantiate. Research is poor, much overwhelmed by the author's own personal views. This is not a good academic book. It is also badly written, and makes no enjoyable reading.