“[R]evealing and compelling journalism. . . . Read it, then, for its often delicately penned portraits of an interesting, if unrepresentative, group of Cubans living in a period that now seems to be passing.” — Steve Ludlam, Bulletin of Latin American Research
“[T]his is an excellent—albeit impressionistic—introduction to Cuban reality.” — John M. Kirk, The Americas
“For those who have visited Cuba during the last decade, this volume will confirm their views. For those who have not gone to the island, this book will provide interesting human insights about a nation lost in a time warp.” — Thomas M. Leonard, The Historian
“Readers of Capitalism, God, and a Good Cigar come away with a sense of this island as complex and ever-changing, and an appreciation for the process through which Cuba enters the twenty-first century. Highly recommended for anyone who has spent time in Cuba, and essential for anyone who has not—particularly readers who have been relying on U.S. media accounts to shape their impressions of life on the island.” — Ann Marie Stock, k New West Indian Guide
“Uniformly well-written and even handed, these essays are highly recommended for undergraduates as well as scholars.” — Jane M. Rausch, Journal of Third World Studies
"[A] sense of immediacy, of whispered truths, of possible spies permeate this round-up of voices. . . . Lydia Chavez's reporters and assistants have amassed plenty of evidence, in vivid journalese, that lets the reader work out what will happen when Castro lets go of the tight reins." — Jason Wilson, Times Literary Supplement
"[A]ccented by beautifully evocative photographs by Mimi Chakarova of this most photogenic of lands, the book is a collection of first-person investigations into a terrifically wide array of social strata on the island and in its diaspora. The earnest essays included . . . all share the virtue of putting individual Cubans at the center of the story, in letting the voices, stories and lives of their subjects determine their content and conclusions. . . . [O]ne of the most useful and nuanced portraits of contemporary life on the island in years." — Joshua Jelly-Schapiro, San Francisco Chronicle,
"[Chavez] skillfully weaves a lively and detailed tapestry of narrative and journalistic essays by a dozen different contributors. Enriched by marvelous documentary photographs that capture the mood and ambiance of daily experience, each essay provides a keen insight into a particular aspect of Cuban society. . . . Anyone interested in penetrating the fog of what Cuba is all about today-professionals, college students, general readers-will find this book a rich source of delightful vignettes and a refreshing close-up of the country." — Primo Vannicelli, Perspectives on Political Science,
"[For] people who want to see today's Cuba, vicariously and legally. . . . One cannot help but be inspired." — Jerry V. Haines, The Washington Post
"Without question, this is the most revealing book available on Cuba today. . . . Covering every aspect of Cuban life, from capitalism to literature to contemporary hip-hop culture, these vivid essays bring Cuban society into focus. . . . Highly recommended for academic and larger public libraries." — Library Journal,
“Capitalism, God, and a Good Cigar addresses in an original and insightful way the question so many have asked themselves for so long: how is it that Fidel Castro and his regime are approaching half a century in power under extremely adverse conditions, many of them of their own making? This book may not provide the answer, but it offers many answers, all of them intelligent and imaginative.” — Jorge Castañeda, Global Distinguished Professor of Politics and Latin American and Caribbean Studies at New York University and former foreign minister of Mexico
“Capitalism, God, and a Good Cigar is engagingly written, nuanced, sensitive in political perspective, and innovative and broad-ranging in its choice of subject matter. This freewheeling and intimate account of life in Cuba today gives a close-up view of the rapid-fire changes overtaking the island, from the new economy to Internet access to issues of freedom of speech to Cuban ballet. It provides a welcome, fresh perspective that goes far beyond what American audiences tend to hear about Cuba.” — Aviva Chomsky, Professor of History and Coordinator of Latin American Studies at Salem State College and coeditor of The Cuba Reader: History, Culture, Politics