I read this back in 2005. Here are my brief notes from my journal: >>I found it to be a well balanced survey of the religion written in an interesting and engaging style. The book not only discusses the religion and its concepts but also history, background, and context. It clarifies differences between Santeria and Voodoo for instance, and it also discusses how the religion continues to grow and evolve. De La Torre grew up in the religion, raised by santeros, but does not practice actively now. The insights from his experience are a strength of the book as well, from being able to look at it as an insider to childhood memories. Overall, an excellent effort at creating a good resource on a religion with close to 1 million followers in the U.S.
