Working Hard, Drinking Hard: On Violence and Survival in Honduras

I enjoyed reading Working Hard, Drinking Hard immensely. I had very little knowledge of Honduras before reading it, but Pine's background information was more than sufficient for my understanding. It is an incredibly accessible ethnography that kept me enthralled like a novel, which I value as essential for public anthropology. Pine's book includes theory but isn't overburdened by it. It includes her personal perspective and experiences but simultaneously greatly values the perspectives of her Honduran collaborators. A fascinating read!

Working Hard and Drinking Hard is required reading for people who are concerned about the real-life consequences of globalization and misguided US policy in Latin America. It connects imperical (often times gut wrenching) evidence of the affect of gang violence, and substance abuse in Honduras, without being maudlin. The book is a a triumph and a challenge to those "whose compassion may wither" if not put into action. Readers of Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein will enjoy Working Hard and the real life details Pine weaves through the book.

Pine's "Working Hard, Drinking Hard" left me feeling impressed with her grasp and relay of the often confusing social and economic landscape in Honduran life. Her willingness to grapple with modern issues of inequality, globalization, and violence were an eye-opening and shocking view into modern Honduras. Similarly, the sensitivity and commitment to both macro and micro level issues was refreshing and thought provoking. Pine has a real knack for making often overwhelming issues very digestible to academicians and non-academicians alike. This is a satisfying read that imparts important and valuable knowledge. It deserves a place on the shelves of all persons concerned about and interested in social, political, and economic change.