Odishelidze, a longtime resident of the island as well as someone, has actively lobbied Congress for Puerto Rico’s decolonization, and demonstrates a keen eye for the economic gains that could result from a change in Puerto Rico’s status, specifically citing the example of Hawaii as a case for the benefits of statehood. He includes relevant data to bolster his points and draws on historical documents and memos as well. Some readers may find sections including excerpts from the Congressional Record and photos of the author with political figures distracting, but despite a surfeit of previously published material Odishelidze convincingly maintains his core geopolitical contention that Puerto Rico is strategically valuable to the United States.

Odishelidze acknowledges that his time spent lobbying Congress may have made him cynical about what it takes to get legislation passed, but he never loses focus of the benefits the United States and Puerto Rico might accrue if the island at long last was granted the sovereignty of statehood, including the opportunity to develop economic drivers. He’s realistic about issues of ideology and politics and addresses in depth the practical implications of the choice that the U.S. faces. Whatever the future of the island may be, Odishelidze makes it very clear that stasis is not a winning option for anyone.

Takeaway: An enlightening, persuasive case for changing the status of Puerto Rico.

Great for fans of: Ed Morales's Fantasy Island, Nelson Denis's War Against All Puerto Ricans.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: C
Illustrations: A-
Editing: B
Marketing copy: B