American Dirt
Jeanine Cummins's American Dirt, the #1 New York Times bestseller and Oprah Book Club pick that has sold over three million copies, is finally available in paperback.
Lydia lives in Acapulco. She has a son, Luca, the love of her life, and a wonderful husband who is a journalist. And while cracks are beginning to show in Acapulco because of the cartels, Lydia's life is, by and large, fairly comfortable. But after her husband's tell-all profile of the newest drug lord is published, none of their lives will ever be the same. Forced to flee, Lydia and Luca find themselves joining the countless people trying to reach the United States. Lydia soon sees that everyone is running from something. But what exactly are they running to?BUY THE BOOK
These clubs recently read this book...
Community Reviews
I guess I am in the minority among my Goodreads friends as I was not drawn into this novel. I was hoping to feel transported to Mexico and to get a sense of what the journey to the US might be like. I didnât get a strong sense of place and I wonder if the author has actually been there. My favorite character was Luca by far. Some of the other characters who were traveling with them seemed flat. I plan to read Devilâs Highway to compare and contrast.
This is a book that has had a lot of controversy surrounding it. Personally, I think itâs ok the author wrote about this experience even though sheâs never personally experienced it. She did her research, much like Jodi Picoult when she writes her novels, and looked for people to back up her sources. It wasnât done light-heartedly. Also, it presents facts throughout about the immigration process and the crime rates in certain cities, and the influence the cartel may have. Granted, itâs still a work of fiction and should be treated as such.
Either way, whether the reader agrees or disagrees with the status on immigration, the book is a conversation starter.
Either way, whether the reader agrees or disagrees with the status on immigration, the book is a conversation starter.
Book #46: COVID Hit, Christine's selection, which took place via Zoom. Christine arranged for the author to attend the meeting - incredible!
Despite the controversy surrounding this book, I found it to be a humanizing, eye-opening piece on a modern issue in today's society. I think it's an important story to be shared, regardless of who writes it, and the author openly acknowledged she may not be the best person to write this, but the more this issue is addressed/discussed, the better.
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.