Compelling details about the ordeals of migrants as they seek better lives.
I highly recommend you read American Dirt: A Novel by Jeanine Cummins.
With a title like that, you can expect a gritty, grueling saga of people escaping terrible harm as they make the long trek from Central America to the promised land of the north, to the USA. But, to make the reading palatable, Cummins contrasts the terrors with the warmth of friendships and kindnesses.
The story follows a mother with her precocious eight-year-old son and two teenage girls who live in constant fear as they make their way alone and together with other migrants. Details upon details deliver you into their exhaustion as they encounter more frightening situations. I defy any reader not to develop empathy for this mother hoping to save her son from certain death if they remain in Mexico.
I urge you to read this book. I did not want to read it. I was vaguely aware of the controversy surrounding its publication, and I am wary of publishers surrendering to pressures to publish multicultural books that perhaps do not deserve it.
I am also wary of the “Oprah’s Book Club” designation that often signals a book I do not wish to read. So, when my book club selected the book, I knew I had to put my biases aside.
After reading the novel, I reviewed stories covering the novel’s publication controversy. Latino voices raged that no white writer could or should attempt to write about their experiences. Their several complaints include that Cummins uses stereotypes that unfairly depict Mexico. I regret that this incident of cancel culture appears to have caused the media to stop promoting the book.
I found little to nitpick in the novel, but the time or two I felt a nudge to suspend my disbelief, I forgave the author and rushed on to continue the compelling story.
I read many books, and, IMO, Jeanine Cummins has produced a rare masterpiece. I urge you to read it to begin understanding some issues it raises. Bravo, Jeanine, and bravo, Oprah!
For more information about migrant issues, please read “An Exploration of the Root Causes of Forced Migration to the Southern Border” online at
References for this story:
Review: American Dirt — Jeanine Cummins (https_thelitedit.com)
American Dirt Book Review (https_arlenesbookclub.com)
Oprah Winfrey breaks silence on ‘American Dirt’ controversy (usatoday.com)
As ‘American Dirt’ Racks Up Sales, Its Author Becomes the Story — The New York Times (nytimes.com)
