On Mexican Time

A New Life in San Miguel

By: Tony Cohan

Narrated by: Tony Cohan

Length: 5 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

When Los Angeles novelist Tony Cohan and his artist wife Masako visited central Mexico one winter, they fell under the spell of a place where the pace of life is leisurely, the cobblestone streets and sun-splashed plazas are enchanting, and the sights and sounds of daily fiestas fill the air. Awakened to needs they didn't know they had, they returned to California, sold their house, and cast off for a new life in San Miguel de Allende. On Mexican Time is Cohan's passionate, evocatively written memoir of how he and his wife found a new home - and a new lease on life - in this charming 16th century hill town.

In an alternately humorous and poignant narrative, Cohan recounts how they absorb the town's sensual ambience, eventually find and refurbish a crumbling 250-year-old house, and become entwined in the endless drama of Mexican life. From peso devaluations and water shortages to the local legend of a man who was "killed twice" and the romantic entanglements of their handyman, On Mexican Time captures the indelible characters, little tragedies, and curious incidents of life in a distinctive Mexican town. At the same time it enfolds listeners into the delights of one of the world's most desirable travel destinations.

Brimming with mystery, joy, and hilarity, On Mexican Time is a stirring, seductive celebration of another way of life - a tale of Americans who, finding a home in Mexico, find themselves anew.

©2000 Tony Cohan (P)2000 Random House, Inc.

Unexpectedly poignant.

Having slow traveled for years at a time and wondering where next, I bought this to explore the region and frame my expectations should I choose Mexico. It certainly did that and more. It’s not the traditional “same same only different” travel book. This is artfully written. Lots of poetic prose and description. I became immersed in the story,

Enjoyed it

we are moving to Mexico and hearing his journey from following the American dream to falling in love with the amazing culture of Mexico almost mirrors our journey

okay for what it is

If you come to this book for useful information on Mexico or moving there, you'll be disappointed. Instead, this is an extended love poem to San Miguel de Allende. The story itself is pretty simple: Cohen and his wife visit the town, fall in love, move there, they love it they love it they love it they love it, they buy a house and renovate but the workers are slow and things don't get done the way they do in the States, but nonetheless they love it they love it they love it.

The picture they paint of SMdA is pretty but seems a bit one-sided, and I never got a feeling for what daily life is like there, for either American expats or for the Mexicans.

Cohen's voice is, as mentioned above, rather flat, but it's not hard to get used to. I just wish the book had more oomph to it.

Escape to Mexico

A perfect book if you want to escape to Mexico for a few hours to join a couple in love with the country, the culture, and each other. On Mexican Time is a journal of their journey from their first visit, to the commitment of buying a home, to becoming part of the lore of San Miguel de Allende. The author so detailed in his descriptions that he puts you in the colorful produce market and you can picture the relic of a house the first time they tour it.
This is not a guide book, but a romance novel that relates the author's growing affection for his new home. Like any romance, there are issues, but none that override his love for this special place and time.

Loved it bought the Tape, Hard and Soft Cover,,

This book changed my life and opened me up to a Mexico I never knew existed. Once I got used to Tony's voice I really got into it. I have turned all of my friends onto this book and I've seen it alter their POV like it altered mine.
Well worth the effort og getting used to Tony's voice...Give us MORE TONY!

Enjoyable story of San Miguel

This book was an enjoyable account of two Americans deciding to make a new life in a charming town.

Ma?ana

An unhurried story with an unengaging message. I love visiting Mexico but never really felt drawn to experience life there for myself as a result of listening to the author's experiences. Moving there can wait for tomorrow or later.

Pretty dull

I had high hopes for this book. I downloaded it so I could listen to it on my way to Mexico for vacation. I thought it would be perfect on the plane and for hanging out at the beach. Unfortunately the story itself as well as the narration by the author are unexciting and monotone. Also, the author's superiority about his new life in Mexico and disdain for the lifestyle he left behind was quite annoying. I got to the point where I dreaded listening to it, so I finally just gave up and never finished it.