Greathouse, an author and former member of the Mariachi Azteca, has assembled this colorful illustrated guide to mariachi music for students and general readers who want to know more about associated culture, history, food and lifestyle. The author combines interviews, historical biographies, favorite song lyrics and food recipes that illustrate the mariachi culture, and she even includes a CD with some of her favorite musical selections that define the genre. Greathouse also comments on the growing popularity of mariachi and demonstrates how this traditional genre has become a mainstream musical force in recent years. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)