[.ca] Lalo of Chemuyil: The Most Beautiful Beach in the World (ISBN 1598582070)

Well Written - Easy Enjoyable Reading:
I read this book while visiting friends in the area in January 2007. In fact it was a signed copy from Barbara, given to "Vicky", who I would call Lalo's "main" wife, now ex-wife (as I understand it). I have known "Vicky" by way of my friends for three years. I have spent many afternoons visiting with Vicky, sipping coffee (Vicky rarely drinks alcohol; on this last visit of a month I never saw her drink anything but Diet Coke, coffee, or tea.) and hearing stories about life that I, as a "normal" American, rarely encounter except in books or on TV. From my view, having a bit of inside information, and discussing the book with Vicki, with rare exception, events and "characters" are pretty well described with few inaccuracies. Some "players" are more than likely "combined" and most, if not all, names are changed, except for Lalo, of course. I might add I have also spent some time visiting or being around several of Lalo's children. To me it doesn't seems that there are many exaggerations in her descriptions of their personalities. As extraordinary as the stories might seem, I have no doubt that Barbara's depiction of people and events are mighty close to the "truth". Barbara and Eddy were staying at Lalo's "new" place while I was visiting my friends. We spent a lovely evening together but didn't discuss the book very much as no one had read it yet. I do wish I had read the book before spending the evening with Barbara and Eddy because I would have asked them, "Why are you staying at Lalo's place now? With all the information you have written about, some not very flattering to Lalo (and others), aren't you concerned for your safety?" Lalo's place, in the book, called Chemuyil back then, no longer exist. The current Chemuyil is a small town built for "workers", many employed by the large Hotels/Resorts springing up in that area. At this writing Lalo had opened another restaurant at Solomon Bay. Food, drinks, hospitality all most excellent. But another "closure" is happening right now. At this very moment, the whole area surrounding Lalo's restaurant is being readied for development by people who own the land. When I came back to the states, a week ago, word was that the restaurant would soon be closed and another chapter in Lalo's incredible life story would be coming to an end. I know that many people are very disappointed in this and that Lalo may, yet again, open another "Lalo's Place". Only time will tell if this is to be. Well done Barbara. There are many more chapters waiting to be told. Sure wish you would consider another book or two or three or four or five.

Daughter of Don Lalo:
I am Don Lalo's third chld born from his first wife. I am named after my father's mother. I love the book especially about the shooting that took place of us four girls. You should hear my mother's side of the story, when the Mexico City Newspaper, wrote an article, "How two New York Gangsters come with Wife to assassinate Don Lalo and get her four daughters back to the United States." His picture on the front page newspaper holding us four girls with tears in his eyes. Barbara Khidirian you have done an outstanding job on the Biography of Don Lalo. We need the next book and chapter to be written. Hilda Romano CA USA