The Tomato King

After reading chapter two "The Tomato King" in Sam Quinones's book I was left amazed. I was amazed at how someone like Andres Bermudez could win a local political office such as Mayor of Jerez. If it wasn't for Ricardo Monreal saying "Run. I'll support you," history would not have been made with the Tomato King. With Quinones description of Bermudez dressed from head to toe in black we can picture his oversized belly protruding over his black pants only to be kept in tact by a belt that must have looked like it was about to burst. Bermudez was indeed a simple man in California who had found his niche at growing tomatoes and had made it for himself. Yet for him to think that he could be mayor, a man of social and political importance was a great over shot. Although Bermudez might not have been the right man for the job, I think that what the people of Jerez wanted, someone who knew what it was like to have to leave Jerez and go to the U.S. and send money back that was achieved. That was a great victory for the people.

I did however find it a great item to add of the character Piporro into the story. I'm surprised Quinones waited till about mid chapter to bring him up. It would have made for a great anecdotal beginning telling of the story of Piporro and then comparing him to Bermudez. All in all the writing style of Quinones is refreshing. He brings the stories of immigrants to life with colorful words kept simple that makes the reading enjoyable.