This Is Cuba: An American Journalist Under Castro's Shadow

This Is Cuba by David Ariosto offers an in-depth analysis of Cuba from investigative journalistic point of view. Cuba like North Korea has been an object of fascination with it's Soviet Era style administration and life. While North Korea is way more restrictive, Cuba is relatively less restrictive offering anyone with no intentions to interfere in governmental administration a fair chance to visit and experience the "time capsule". While written from personal experience of the author while his stay in Cuba as a journalist for CNN, he goes way beyond the nitty gritty of daily living and delves into the socioeconomic, political and ideological differences that separates it from other nations. Past administrations, the last one being Obama administration has taken first step towards befriending the nation so that both the nations can mutually benefit but the current administration seem to have taken steps back to place both the nation where it was. Who knew Cuba offered medical services to nations suffering from natural disasters or loaned spies to other nations in exchange for money. Who knew that Cuban scientist's are making breakthroughs in biotechnology that US could benefit from. Cuba just 90 miles from the US border is an untapped market for business and cultural exchange and in my opinion steps should be taken to let go of the Cold War era differences. Overall, this book is well-written, is interesting and definitely will add to your fascination for Cuba.