The Motorcycle Diaries (Movie Tie-in Edition) : Notes on a Latin American Journey (Che Guevara Publishing Project)

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Summary: A Sweeping Portrait of South American Life in the 1950s
Review: The hooks are obvious: charismatic revolutionary Che Guevara on a continent spanning motorcycle trip of South America. However, this book is by Ernesto Guevera, a 23 year old middle-class medical student looking for a break from his studies, and the motorcycle doesn't last through two countries. It is a rare glimpse into the young mind of a major cultural revolutionary. The book is also a unique look into the everyday life of South America in the middle of the 20th century. The point of view is of sons of privilege wandering the countryside and living off the land. Sometimes they are encountering the workers and experiencing their simple hospitality and honest struggles. At other times, they rely on their social class and education to open doors to more polite society. What I found compelling about this book is that in such a brief work the author was able to present a sweeping portrait of South American life. it was, for me, a wonderfully human introduction to the people and lands of this vast continent.

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Summary: Terrorists are not cool even if they ride motorcycles
Review: The Motorcycle Diaries is yet another attempt to re-write history and repackage a terrorist. Che was a mentally inbalanced man who by the time he arrived in Cuba, was full of hate and directly ordered the death of hundreds.

His policies caused the collapse of the Cuban economy, the persecution of thousands and the painful separation and exile of over a million people. Ruthless, cold blooded and calculating he was Fidel Castro's main henchman, who early in the Revolution killed and eliminated everyone who could challenge his Marxist Leninist ideas. Fidel and all leftist socialists love and adore him beause he was the most visible anti-American terrorist to come out of the Cuban Revolution.

The main goal of Che Guevara was not peace and love, but hate and destruction. Anyone who lived through his terror can clearly explain the truth. His hate of US Democracy, and the free market system was his driving force. Those who follow him today use his image to gain inspiration and continue with the same goals! Those who are not aware of his past, need to know the truth by reading more than just this one sided book.

This book is not a romantic account of a young idealist, but a propaganda tool.

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Summary: che as a human
Review: this is one of the best things i have ever read. it's che guevara as a human being, a young man, before he became a political figure and a romaticised icon. no, it's not a marxist book per se, it's not even very political. but it's not supposed to be 'das kapital' -- it's che's journals, his thoughts, feelings, observations on his journey through south america at 23 and the adventures, people, and day-to-day hardships he and his friend alberto faced. though it does show how his political views were developed, i don't even think that's the most important thing. the really great thing about this book is that it lets the reader into che's mind -- and heart -- not only as a revolutionary but as a human being. ten million stars.

Rating:
Summary: Very Entertaining
Review: This was my first exposure to Che. I only read the book becuase I wanted to see the movie. I found the book to be an excellent read; it was very entertaining. This book also provides interesting insight into why he became a revolutionary. Because it was written by Che, I do wonder what his motivation was in writting it. Overall, it is quick, entertaining, and informative.