Book Recommendations
American Dirt
By Jeanine Cummins
Fiction, Women, Family Life, General | 481 pages
3 recommendations
Lydia Quixano Pérez 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 a few 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? (goodreads.com).
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Veronica Allan
"Mexico is a popular spot for North Americans, particularly Canadians, to escape to during the winter months. It’s also newsworthy for the numbers of migrants who attempt to cross into the US on a daily basis, usually illegally. Who hasn’t heard of Trump’s failed promise to build a wall? While vacationing in Mexico few tourists consider what it is, other than poverty, that compels Mexicans to flee. The Mexican government largely shields foreigners from news of the gruesome reality of life dictated by drug cartels. Mexico is generally a safe travel destination.
American Dirt will open your eyes to the brutal reality of having your family targeted and fleeing for your life. The protagonist is a middle class woman whose husband was a journalist who dared to expose a new cartel in their home town of Acapulco. She finds herself in a situation she never dreamed of, forced to leave everything behind but her young son and join the motley hoard heading north to freedom. The journey is harrowing. Danger lurks everywhere, but so do surprising acts of compassion from ordinary people along the way. For me it was learning that some of these unfortunate migrants have lived in the US for years, held jobs, paid taxes, raised children and then returned home for a family funeral, for example, and are denied re-entry that shocked me the most. Some migrants go through this hell to get back home to their families and jobs.
Much of this book will shock you, but don’t let it put you off - Mexico is a wonderful country to visit, and American Dirt will give you a new perspective on its people. In case you have heard some backlash against Jeanine Cummins for writing this book when she is not Mexican herself - she has lived in Mexico, her husband is Mexican, she did extensive research to be certain of the authenticity of her story. If some Mexican authors feel slighted, then how come they didn’t write a novel about Mexican migrants themselves?"
American Dirt will open your eyes to the brutal reality of having your family targeted and fleeing for your life. The protagonist is a middle class woman whose husband was a journalist who dared to expose a new cartel in their home town of Acapulco. She finds herself in a situation she never dreamed of, forced to leave everything behind but her young son and join the motley hoard heading north to freedom. The journey is harrowing. Danger lurks everywhere, but so do surprising acts of compassion from ordinary people along the way. For me it was learning that some of these unfortunate migrants have lived in the US for years, held jobs, paid taxes, raised children and then returned home for a family funeral, for example, and are denied re-entry that shocked me the most. Some migrants go through this hell to get back home to their families and jobs.
Much of this book will shock you, but don’t let it put you off - Mexico is a wonderful country to visit, and American Dirt will give you a new perspective on its people. In case you have heard some backlash against Jeanine Cummins for writing this book when she is not Mexican herself - she has lived in Mexico, her husband is Mexican, she did extensive research to be certain of the authenticity of her story. If some Mexican authors feel slighted, then how come they didn’t write a novel about Mexican migrants themselves?"
Angela Wright
"Whilst primarily set in Mexico, this book explores the gang cultures of a few Central American countries and the problems of the official way to enter the USA. Gritty, it pulls no punches, but also includes some touching involvements of strangers, reaffirming humanity is still out there. Highly recommended!"
Laura Dewar
"This one isn't so much an inspiring travel read, but a completely gripping and action-packed thriller that you won't be able to put down. About a mother and her young son on the run from the Mexican drug cartel. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and is completely non-put-down-able. I recommend this book to everyone!"
