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After watching Motorcycles Diaries, I have become more interested in learning more are Che. Of course, I know the basics, but I'd like to earn more. Any advice on some good books out there? Specifically a book that talks about how he went from a peaceful activist to a revolutionary?

Thanks!

There is always Cuba For Beginners which is sort of in comicbook layout. A page plate is illustrated here. However, please do not romanticize those that kill, no matter which side they are on. For another side to Che, you might want to read this.

I would suggest taking a stab at The Motorcycle Diaries and Traveling with Che Guevara: The Making of a Revolutionary by Alberto Granado as they provide a bit more incite into the thoughts of Ernesto Guevara than the movie gives. Also, check out Guevara, Also Known as Che by Paco Ignacio Taibo.

while living in Antigua i used to frequent the wonderful Maya Moon to help satisfy my off-center film needs. i remember especially a good documentary on Che that i saw named:
Ernesto Che Guevara: The Bolivian Diary
you should check that out.

peace.
jesse carl

"Que' importa la vida de un hombre cuando esta' en peligro el futuro de la humanidad...!"

Dr. Ernesto de la Serna "Che" Guevara

Thanks for the advice. I certainly was not looking to romanticize his acts, but I do believe that Motorcycle Diaries did exactly that. That is why I was looking for some additional info on how he became a revolutionary.

Thanks again!

Its difficult with a character like Che to place a label of what type of person he was. Hitler no doubt, was a baddy.
Mother Teresa a virtual saint.

However with Che theres the humanist Che who is moved by the underdog, the abused and less fortunate.
The trip up South America helping lepers using his mediacal knowledge and seeing the plight of the Indians sees his caring qualities.
As a revolutionary you hear stories of executions.
I guess what we learn from the media helps shape our views on the guy.
He is interesting, as is for whole Cuban revolution for me.

But he's such a big seller with youth apparel in South America!

And North America too. Although it's more pop-culture than appreciation of political philosphy. A once asked a kid who it was on his shirt and he said "Che" in a real arrogant tone. But then I pressed him as to why the kid would want to wear him on a t-shirt, and he had no idea who Che was other than that he was, his words not mine, "the greatest revolutionary ever." The kid went on to describe his own personal philosophy of "taking it to the man."

I guess that why I'm interested in reading more. I grew up with basic knowledge about Che - the standard textbook, for the people turned revolutionary. But, I guess I would like to learn more about the complexities of his life. I know that its never clear... good intentions led astray.... yadda yadda yadda, but that's why I'm interested.

I still pat you on the back for taking an interest in the man, not the just icon.

Actually, there's a movie that just getting into productions now about this very topic. It's called 'Che', and Benicio Del Toro plays Che, and it's being directed by Steven Soderbergh. I'm incredibly excited, as I loved Motorcycle Diaries, and was also wondering what his life was like from there. And those names almost guarentee a great, and hopefully realistic, movie.