California, what makes this state so wonderful? Well, if you asked anyone out east, they'd say it's a party state full of surfers and celebrities; where no one is poor and everyone drinks wine. However, if you picked up Mark Arax's book West of the West, you would find otherwise. Arax goes beyond the clichés that California is famous for and shows you, well, what's beyond just the West. Showing the true nature of California and its people, if you think California is a happy go lucky state, then this would be the book to read to see the real California. In the book Arax explores the diversity of the people and the agriculture of the central valley, for example in the chapter "The Last Valley" Arax relies on the Lam family with whom he befriends and develops a close relationship with Tai Lam who is not at the lived up to his family's expectations. He then dedicated himself to writing and following the agricultural sector throughout the central valley. Following the theme of agriculture we meet Hilario, an immigrant worker in the grape fields, and his family, in the chapter “The Summer of Hilario Guzman's Death”. This chapter talks about the conditions and pay of an immigrant field worker, how many have died and suffered just trying to support their families, and what they go through to give them a better life in America. Arax's next adventure is in Northern California, here he explores marijuana production that supplies most of California for both medical and recreational purposes; and supports Humboldt County economically. Compare the differences between the modern industrial pot grower looking to make millions and the post-80s hippies who see marijuana as a sacred element of nature. Another chapter focused on p...... middle of paper ...... making easy the simple beauty it states. One way Arax makes a person realize that California isn't all sunshine and smiles is the way it makes you feel. When he describes the immigrant workers in “The Summer of the Death of Hilario Guzman,” Arax makes you feel sorry for them. Letting yourself enter their reality and understand what it takes to survive makes you realize that hard work sometimes doesn't pay off. He states: “They came from the camps with every reason to keep their heads down. The distance from family, the travel debt, the shame of the salary, the smell of work... every reason to be defeated except one. They would return the next day to do it all over again… they walked like conquerors of the field.” A quick clear view of their lives and how their pride is shattered, and even though it's still not enough they will continue because it's better than nothing.