Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
El Paso has long existed at the intersection of conflict, migration, and racism, a history that stretches back centuries. Situated along the Rio Grande, the city and its sister community across the river, Ciudad Juárez, were once a single entity at what is now the westernmost edge of Texas. As a frontier city, El Paso was marked by violent encounters and lawlessness, later serving as a critical border crossing during the Mexican–American War. In more recent history, however, the city entered the national consciousness as the site of one of the deadliest attacks on Latinos in the United States, an event that underscored how deeply its past and present remain intertwined.
In her debut book El Paso, New York Times reporter Jazmine Ulloa turns her journalistic lens toward her hometown, blending personal history with reported analysis. Ulloa is known for her ethical, nuanced coverage of presidential campaigns and immigration policy, and that same rigor is evident here. Drawing on family ties that span both sides of the Rio Grande in Paso del Norte, she provides an intimate perspective often absent from mainstream narratives. The book examines not only the current political climate that has fueled xenophobia and racial hostility, but also the historical forces that shaped El Paso into a city that operates with the closeness of a small town despite its size.
I give El Paso 4 out of 5 stars. Ulloa effectively connects historical context to contemporary events, illustrating how past decisions continue to reverberate through the present. Her firsthand reflections, paired with her reporting on the aftermath of the 2019 Walmart mass shooting, are among the book’s strongest elements. At times, the narrative becomes difficult to follow, particularly as the stories of the five families she profiles overlap and mirror one another. Still, Ulloa’s descriptive precision creates a vivid sense of place, grounding readers in both geography and atmosphere. The work encourages reflection on immigration policy and systemic racism, inviting readers across the political spectrum to consider their broader human impact.
This book is well suited for readers interested in border history, particularly at the El Paso crossing, as well as those seeking insight into the lived consequences of immigration policy. Followers of Ulloa’s journalism in the Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, or New York Times will recognize the clarity and discipline of her voice throughout. Due to its engagement with violence and mass tragedy, the book may not be suitable for all audiences.
El Paso will release on March 3rd. Preorder yours today on our Bookshop.org page!
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