American Dirt in Around the World in 80 Books

May 02, 2020 Stacey rated it it was amazing

Very heartbreaking account of a mother and son fleeing Acapulco. So often the immigrant’s journey is unspoken, clearly this is why.

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Dec 28, 2023 AmyAmy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, finished-reading

I don't give 5-stars often. Also, I don't read reviews before I read a book. I go by friends' suggestions. Or, I look at overall ratings (4.3, for example). I don't read the comments and sentences within a review until after I finish the book. I'm less swayed that way.

I was aware that there was controversy with this book, but only vaguely. I didn't want to know details until after I finished the book. When I saw something stated or written about this, I tuned it out, again, so I wouldn't be sway I don't give 5-stars often. Also, I don't read reviews before I read a book. I go by friends' suggestions. Or, I look at overall ratings (4.3, for example). I don't read the comments and sentences within a review until after I finish the book. I'm less swayed that way.

I was aware that there was controversy with this book, but only vaguely. I didn't want to know details until after I finished the book. When I saw something stated or written about this, I tuned it out, again, so I wouldn't be swayed or have a bias.

I finished the book and absolutely loved it!

I was on the edge of my seat. I couldn't wait to see how it ended.

Some say the characters were flat. I disagree. I had a feel for Lydia, and did not find her stereo-typed. The little boy (Luca) was gifted. The sisters... the conflicted coyote... the characters will stay with me. I think some say the characters are flat (and that it's written poorly, full of cliches, yada yada yada) because they'll do anything to discredit this book. How DARE a white person write about a Hispanic person! (as if it's never been done before... hahahahahahaha!)

Throughout the history of writing, authors have dreamed outside their box. Non-veterans write about war. Baum wrote about witches and a beloved scarecrow, though I doubt he could relate. Anita Diamant wrote about biblical times in "The Red Tent", though I doubt she was there. Men write from a woman's perspective; women write from a man's perspective. I am writing a novel now that takes place in the year 2088, though honest to god, I've not lived in that time. Damn me. So what is with these handcuffs? This ban? I'm not allowed to write about a Roman gladiator? My friend can't write about a Russian spy? C'mon! And the white-bashing is getting tiring. ALL racism in ALL directions are harmful.

Enough said.

I did have one complaint about this book (but the other parts of this book were so strong, so I thus gave this book a 5-star rating). I didn't like the constant POV (point of view) switching. Is that now a "thing"? I don't mind one chapter being told through "John's" voice, and the next chapter, through "Sue's". But switching in mid-paragraph? Ahh... no. This book was like this: "Lydia looked across the horizon and wondered if their shoes were strong enough to travel to the first mountain. She should have bought shoes at the village. Luca's worried about the blister in his foot." I *hate* when authors do that. But oh well. C'est la vie. Así es la vida.

I like to learn. I got some idea now what migrants may be going through. People in Mexico say it's a slanted view. This author truly tried her best, and her intentions were gold. She simply wanted people to not view a race of people as a sterotype. Cummins wanted her readers to see people as PEOPLE.

Poor Beto. I wanted to adopt him. ...more

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