American Dirt: Chapter Sampler

by Jeanine Cummins

Download a free excerpt from Jeanine Cummins's American Dirt!

También de este lado hay sueños. On this side too, there are dreams.

Already being hailed as "a Grapes of Wrath for our times" and "a new American classic", American Dirt is a rare exploration into the inner hearts of people willing to sacrifice everything for a glimmer of hope.

If it’s only a better life you seek, seek it elsewhere...This path is only for people who have no choice, no other option, only violence and misery behind you. And your journey will grow even more treacherous from here. Everything is working against you. —American Dirt

Lydia Quixano Perez lives in the Mexican city of Acapulco. She runs a bookstore. She has a son, Luca, the love of her life, and a wonderful husband who is a journalist. And while there are cracks beginning to show in Acapulco because of the drug cartels, her life is, by and large, fairly comfortable.

Even though she knows they’ll never sell, Lydia stocks some of her all-time favorite books in her store. And then one day a man enters the shop to browse and comes up to the register with four books he would like to buy—two of them her favorites. Javier is erudite. He is charming. And, unbeknownst to Lydia, he is the jefe of the newest drug cartel that has gruesomely taken over the city. When Lydia’s husband’s tell-all profile of Javier is published, none of their lives will ever be the same.

Forced to flee, Lydia and eight-year-old Luca soon find themselves miles and worlds away from their comfortable middle-class existence. Instantly transformed into migrants, Lydia and Luca ride la bestia—trains that make their way north toward the United States, which is the only place Javier’s reach doesn’t extend. As they join the countless people trying to reach el norte, Lydia soon sees that everyone is running from something. But what exactly are they running to?

American Dirt will leave readers utterly changed when they finish reading it. It is a page-turner, it is a literary achievement, it is filled with poignancy, drama, and humanity on every page. It is one of the most important books for our times.

Genres: Book Club, Fiction, Audiobook

35 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2019

About the author

Jeanine Cummins is the author of four books: the bestselling memoir A Rip in Heaven, and the novels The Outside Boy, The Crooked Branch, and American Dirt. She lives in New York with her husband and two children.

Reviews

[Chantal Whiteford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is brilliant. I could not put it down. Despite some reviewers stating it is “racist” and a white Woman should not be writing from a Mexican woman’s point of view, they only racist thing about it is their reviews. The author, married to an undocumented immigrant, is well versed and clearly researched the issues around illegal immigration into America. She highlights issues I’d never thought deeply about and if her aim was to get this story told, this story of hundreds, thousands of displaced people running not only for a new life, but away from loss of life, then she’s done a great job. Her characters believable, this mothers torment so tangible. I loved every page of this book. It’s terrifying, extremely sad, violent and most importantly makes the reader think, what if this was me? Running with my child?

[Aliciánova Pascualovich · Rating 1 out of 5]

Written by someone who didn't identified as Latinx nor brown a couple of years ago, before receiving a millionaire contract to write the experience of other Latinx immigrant brown people. Her research about my culture was clearly done online and uses pure sterotypes that she clearly does not understand. Sadly, this is getting way too much attention and publicity since someone big realky wants it to succeed. This is concerning since this can mark the new way white Americans view at the Latinx community. This is concerning, disheartening and so freaking sad, especially in a time where we are being targeted to disappear, now our voices are being erased and our stories distorted to fit a white narrative. It is really really sad.

[Bala Mudaly · Rating 3 out of 5]

American Dirt
By Jeanine Cummins
I could not quite work out which screamed the loudest, the media-hyped adverse commentary on American Dirt or the superlative promotional accolades plastered in the front and back of the book.
The opening chapter immediately drew me in with it subtle and deliberate unfolding of the story. My appetite was whetted. This was just the kind of stuff I liked – original story told in the tradition of great creative non-fiction.
But my disappointment emerged within the next few chapters. American Dirt turned out to be no more than a great yarn, a fast-paced, page turning thriller. A collection of horrendous true events faced by Mexican and other Latin-American refugees on their perilous journey, escaping crime and poverty and seeking asylum in USA as so-called illegals. Cummins has cleverly strung together these events into nail-biting escapes and high emotional drama. Many would find it a great read with more than enough tension and threat. Indeed, a commercial best seller. But no way great literature.
I concede, however, that there are patch of writing across the 462 pages that appealed to me either because of their lyrical quality or as evidence of the Cummins’s insight into what it means to be a refugee on the run across dangerous terrain.
The sky is scrubbed fresh and stark blue by the gone rain, but every trace of that water has evaporated from the earth around them. It feels like a dream, all that rainfall. This is a cycle, she thinks. Every day a fresh horror, and when it’s over, this feeling of surreal detachment. A disbelief, almost, in what they just endured. The mind is magical. Human beings are magical.
Lydia thinks about how adaptable migrants must be. They must change their minds every day, every hour. They must be stubborn about one thing only: survival.

In the Author’s Notes, Cummins shares with her readers her noble intentions in writing this novel, the time and effort she invested in researching the subject of migration, and her worries about falling short in one way or another and upsetting people. It seems to me Cummins attempted to reconcile three disparate imperatives: to produce a piece of fiction of high literary merit, to ensure the book she wrote was an outstanding commercial success – making heaps of money for herself, her agent and publishers, and, more importantly, she hoped for her book to remain true to her primary stated goal, namely, to highlight the ghastly plight of Latin American refugees seeking sanctuary in the USA and the systematic violation of their human rights. My assessment is that the commercial imperative won hands down.

[Linda Brownlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When critics write that the author does not have street cred to write a migra book, they are somewhat misinformed. Her grandmother, her husband, and her research are permission enough to write a good book about the middle class mother, Lydia, who fights for the life of her son. Good and merciful Mexicans along the way feed and shelter the migrant groups. Empathy and action for the migras is what I hope the reader takes to heart.

[Rosa Alba · Rating 1 out of 5]

https://tropicsofmeta.com/2019/12/12/...

[Paula Kercher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me realize exactly what the author says in the Author’s note. Migrants are individuals and not a mass. I fell in love with all of the characters and cheered them on. Thanks for opening my eyes and heart.

[Christine Walmsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is heart wrenching but a necessary read. I wish every US citizen would read this book to better understand their privilege.

[Wendy Brunner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t a book I would normally pick up, but my aunt liked it and gave me her copy to read. It was slow for me at first, and I almost stopped reading it a few times, but I kept with it. I’m so glad I did. The author’s writing is beautiful. And I learned so much from this book. I was willfully ignorant about migrants and the reasons they come to the US, and I’m ashamed of that ignorance. I will forever see this topic much differently now.

[Emily Feely · Rating 5 out of 5]

“On this side, too, there are dreams.”
I loved this book. I loved that it personalizes a group of people we have dehumanized. The publicity surrounding it should only encourage more people to read it- it should be required reading for all people I think as it speaks not only for immigrants to the US but for immigrants around the world.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much I loved this book. I found the story compelling. Thought it was well written. Found the characters well formed. Liked getting their back stories. Am still thinking about the characters and themes and want to know more about how their lives unfold. This last comment happens to me rarely.

[Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the best book I have read in quite some time. It’s heartbreaking, tragic, inspirational, and something that will stay with me for a very long time. I think everyone should read this book. You can’t help but think about you being in this situation and how you would react. How would others treat you? Excellent storytelling.

[Karen Kaupp Betancourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish Trump could read so he could read this book and develop some empathy. As the author states, humans are human. As disturbing as parts of the book were, they ring true.

[Neal Glassman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very straightforward book. Lydia and her son, Luca, have to escape from Acapulco because the local druglord wants to kill them. They decide go north to America. From there it's one damn thing after another--they go through about every difficulty that's possible. The book gives the reader a good idea of how hard it is for South American migrants to get here. Maybe we ought to treat them a little better.

[Marybeth Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will think of migrants much differently now that I’ve read this book! The comforts I take for granted: food, shelter, safety, and so much more will all be appreciated in a profoundly different way now!

[Eve Griliches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read in years. An amazing story.

[Marlene Mohler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really made me think about things and the risks people take for survival and a better life. A good read for sure.

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook #56. Second Time
She Reads Rockport January Pick

[Akshi Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second read of this book so I can discuss with my book club and it was just as good as the first time. Highly recommend!

[Jordan Biggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 🧢

One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. This books was poetic and gut wrenching with its tragedies and the resiliency of its characters. Absolutely beautiful, inspiring, and one whose words will be cemented with me for years to come.

[tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

[Oussama]

nice

[Elen]

Okay. I read this. Why? Because I was told not to. Review a book honestly and I'll use that information to decide whether or not it's for me. But please don't try to shame me into not reading it.

That having been said, I'd like to say that I loved the book just to spite the book burners. I can't. It lacks authenticity. The setting descriptions are stilted and the characters lack depth. Some call this cultural appropriation. I just call it a failure to write what you know. To be completely fair, I waited to write this review until I had finished Urrea's Into the Beautiful North just so I'd have a basis for comparison fresh in my mind. Some consider this to be one of his lesser books, but compare his characters and settings to those in American Dirt and you'll see what I mean about authenticity.

And for whoever likened this book to The Grapes of Wrath, please...the comparison is a travesty.

Some who really enjoyed this book describe it as a thriller and a page turner. I suggest you read their reviews and decide for yourself if this is a book you might enjoy. I prefer something different when I need a gripping book--Michael Connelly or John Grisham come to mind. But if this book is to your taste, don't be deterred. Read it. The test of time and the judgment of a reading public will decide whether this book has lasting success or fades into oblivion, not the tantrums of an outraged few.

If you want to explore the controversy around this book, a simple Google search will turn up more than enough information, including some suggestions for other books that you might add to your to-read list, if you find them interesting.

[Mary Cooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbinding. I finished in two days. An unlikely friendship between the seemingly mild mannered bookish Jefe of a brutal mexican drug cartel and a woman who owns a bookshop. Carnage ensues and she has to flee for her life. An educated woman becomes one of the migrants who come looking for a better life in El Norte.

I know that there has been controversy about a white woman who dares to write about Latino community. I could care less what background she comes from. Her writing shines forth with truth and hummanity and shows the underbelly of the drug trade and it's impact on everyday people.

[Alison Ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought the story was interesting and engaging. However, knowing what I know now about this author not being Mexican or Chicana, if I could go back, I would not purchase or read this book again.

This author’s poor iteration of aspects of Mexican culture and language combined with her appropriation of the stories of genuine Mexican authors makes this book unworthy of your time.

There are a lot of other books about the plight of Mexican immigrants, written by Mexicans who understand the culture and language, and who share more authentic stories. Those are the books we should be reading if we want to try to understand the Mexican immigrant experience.

[Amy Willoughby-Burle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know there's a lot of back lash about this book, but we just read it for our book club and it was incredibly moving. Don't let the back lash stop you from reading. Then once your heart is broken for the plight of migrants coming into America, read other books on the subject as well. There's room and need for many books on this issue. Let this be one of them too.

[Ardette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am anxiously awaiting this book’s release date. I loved the sample.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bala Mudaley writes in Good Reads:American Dirt
By Jeanine Cummins
I could not quite work out which screamed the loudest, the media-hyped adverse commentary on American Dirt or the superlative promotional accolades plastered in the front and back of the book.
The opening chapter immediately drew me in with it subtle and deliberate unfolding of the story. My appetite was whetted. This was just the kind of stuff I liked – original story told in the tradition of great creative non-fiction.
But my disappointment emerged within the next few chapters. American Dirt turned out to be no more than a great yarn, a fast-paced, page turning thriller. A collection of horrendous true events faced by Mexican and other Latin-American refugees on their perilous journey, escaping crime and poverty and seeking asylum in USA as so-called illegals. Cummins has cleverly strung together these events into nail-biting escapes and high emotional drama. Many would find it a great read with more than enough tension and threat. Indeed, a commercial best seller. But no way great literature.
I concede, however, that there are patch of writing across the 462 pages that appealed to me either because of their lyrical quality or as evidence of the Cummins’s insight into what it means to be a refugee on the run across dangerous terrain.
The sky is scrubbed fresh and stark blue by the gone rain, but every trace of that water has evaporated from the earth around them. It feels like a dream, all that rainfall. This is a cycle, she thinks. Every day a fresh horror, and when it’s over, this feeling of surreal detachment. A disbelief, almost, in what they just endured. The mind is magical. Human beings are magical.
Lydia thinks about how adaptable migrants must be. They must change their minds every day, every hour. They must be stubborn about one thing only: survival.

In the Author’s Notes, Cummins shares with her readers her noble intentions in writing this novel, the time and effort she invested in researching the subject of migration, and her worries about falling short in one way or another and upsetting people. It seems to me Cummins attempted to reconcile three disparate imperatives: to produce a piece of fiction of high literary merit, to ensure the book she wrote was an outstanding commercial success – making heaps of money for herself, her agent and publishers, and, more importantly, she hoped for her book to remain true to her primary stated goal, namely, to highlight the ghastly plight of Latin American refugees seeking sanctuary in the USA and the systematic violation of their human rights. My assessment is that the commercial imperative won hands down. (less)
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[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read American Dirt in October (and wrote a review) but my book club is only discussing it tonight (almost 3 months later!) and so I wanted a review! I loved re-reading the whole book...
Cummins writes beautifully and for non-Mexicans, gives a flavor of the complexity of this country and Central America with the peppering of Spanish. Her deft touches such as Luca wearing his father's hat "so currents of his scent puff out" then realizing he might use up this possibility... so he stops touching the hat, evoke the deep father/son bond, to layer the fresh terror and grief, the leitmotifs of this story.
"How to wear mannerisms in a necklace" is another such portrait detail which advances the story.
Stephen King sums up the complex scenario in his blurb: "A perfect balancing act with terror on one side and love on the other. I defy anyone to read the first seven pages of this book and not finish it. The prose is immaculate and the story never lets up."
We can read news articles about immigrants, "la Bestia", the wall and have opinions about cartels, but this novel, in the tradition of great novels, will stay with your heart. As John Grisham remarks about page-turners, which this is, "its plot is tight, smart, unpredictable. Its message important and timely, but not political. Its characters are violent, compassionate, sadistic, fragile and heroic and rich in authenticity. Its journey is a testament to the power of fear and hope."
I love that a love story starts in a book store, that the first alias Lydia uses is Fermina Daza, the widowed heroine in "Love in the Time of Cholera" and that the attraction of shared "irregular sorrow", this condition of "wanting to jump off high things", imagine living in a different life, (Javier's desire for Lydia be his wife; Sebastian's description of him in a different life as a Bill Gates, not a narco.) and that tug of war of wanting to remember, yet needing to forget. How ironic as the plot unfolds, that an English-language copy of of the Marquez is delivered, from Javier, after the murder of her husband and family has a passage underlined, "I have waited for this opportunity for more than half a century to repay to you once again my vow of eternal fidelity and everlasting love".
That the last sentences of the book, in their new home, mention her rereading "Amor en los Tiempos del cólera" first in Spanish, then in English. "No one can take this from her. This book is hers alone."
The story telling is filled with pulled threads, perhaps at first seeming to go in different directions, but together it makes an incredible tapestry of an unforgettable tale.

[Beverley Roblin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I read this book I had heard rave reviews. I did read one that didn’t rate it called it “ Trauma porn” and unauthentic in every detail. Interesting! I have to say from the moment I started “ American Dirt” I found it riveting. I particularly enjoyed the first part which was well paced, engaging and just gripping. It is an easy and exciting read and I did enjoy it very much. However, I felt as the book progressed it became “ sensational”, trite and a little bit predictable. You could make an educated guess who was not going to make it. Also the relationship between Javier & Lydia which is at the heart of the novel just literally evaporates!! I know none of us can anticipate what we would do in such extreme circumstance but somehow Lydia’s transformation from middle-class bookseller to a migrant jumping on trains and trekking through the desert in a mere 15 days( not forgetting the numerous dangerous encounters she has along the way) Did somewhat stretch the imagination! Having said all that it did throw a light the horrendous circumstances Migrants encounter although I doubt the reality is as “ rosy” as Lydia’s journey. Would I recommend it? Definitely, it’s a “ good read” but perhaps one needs to read some real life stories to taste the horrors of migrants and their plight

[Betsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where the heck is the actual book listed? I read the blasted thing, twice, and it was pretty long and now there are over 200 entries under "American Dirt" here on Goodreads and I don't feel like trawling through the whole lot of them. What is the matter with the search feature here?

The book was an adventure from start to finish, but I also read lots of commentary, objections, and issues related to the book and the author's attitude toward it. It was an adventure that appealed to its intended US audience, but the main character Lydia was flawed, her innocent relationship with Javier was so unlikely, and her failure to prepare adequately for the repercussions of her husband's journalism was ridiculous if she was really "the smartest woman" her husband knew. IDK, there were many characters whose stories deserve telling more: the girls traveling from Honduras, the young boy who was born in the dump and fought asthma all his life... I'm glad I read the book, but wish it could have seen less cinematic and more authentic.