A la Caza del Leon = In Hunt of the Lion

The popular Univision anchorman's fourth book features chats with the winners and runners-up in both the Mexican and U.S. presidential elections of 2000, as well as an exclusive interview that same year with former Mexican president Carlos Salinas. Also here is a talk with Vieques activist Rub n Barrios and an edgy encounter with Venezuelan president Hugo Ch vez. Ramos prides himself on asking powerful people discomfiting questions, though the answers he elicits are seldom surprising. A selection of 10 short essays on topics such as e-books, cell phones, and globalization rounds out the volume with genial truisms. The veteran journalist, born in Mexico, schooled in the United States, and steeped in the distinctive international politics of Miami, understands his audience well and presents a broadly appealing, inoffensive print persona that clicks with a broad mainstream. Ramos picks his few targets of criticism prudently and unfailingly favors feel-good platitudes over complex analyses: ""If we've learned anything from all this,"" he concludes in his discussion of the Florida balloting debacle, ""it's that every vote, truly, is important."" The writing style and diction are amiably relaxed and inclusive. Due to Ramos's immense popularity, this book is recommended for all bookstores and public libraries. Bruce Jensen, Silver Falls Lib./ Oregon State Lib., Salem, CA