American Dirt in Around the World in 80 Books

May 01, 2020 Linda Martin rated it really liked it

Shelves: families, geo-mexico, 2020, horror, adventure, fiction, crime, gaaaaaah, child-welfare

I felt this was way over-the-top dramatic and have reservations about the current controversy over whether a guero (white person) should be allowed to profit from writing a book about Mexican culture issues. On the surface, I think that's utterly ridiculous. People frequently write about fictional characters of different cultures, worlds, time periods, and philosophies. I do think it would be great for the publishing industry to feature and promote more Latin American authors. I wonder whether t I felt this was way over-the-top dramatic and have reservations about the current controversy over whether a guero (white person) should be allowed to profit from writing a book about Mexican culture issues. On the surface, I think that's utterly ridiculous. People frequently write about fictional characters of different cultures, worlds, time periods, and philosophies. I do think it would be great for the publishing industry to feature and promote more Latin American authors. I wonder whether this controversy was actually started by the publishers to promote the book... as in, a publicity stunt to bring in people like me who might not otherwise have given it a second glance.

Why is this novel "edge-of-your-seat" dramatic about a Mexican bent on illegal immigration into the USA? It involves cartel violence. She's traumatized and desperate. I can take that as a premise for a great novel, but to the extent this is politicized, or written for political reasons, I'm not happy about having read it. I don't for a minute believe that every Mexican immigrant is a desperate victim of extreme violence, but I also know the cartels are a huge destructive issue in Mexico these days, and that they are an important reason why many would uproot their lives to travel to the USA.

I can't discuss all the issues because I don't want to provide spoilers here. My heart goes out to anyone suffering from violence in their home territories and agree that's a great reason for seeking asylum in the USA. I don't agree with illegal immigration or "undocumented" as many prefer to say. It is still "illegal" so I'll keep calling it that. I do hope that those with good reasons for seeking asylum for safety are quickly and easily able to do so legally, and welcome them as new neighbors in the USA. I hope the laws and system are improved to make this possible.

The novel goes through almost all the negative, frightening issues that can occur to a traveling immigrant. Again, my heart goes out to those dealing with these issues. It all grieves my heart. To this extent, the novel was a stressful, unhappy read for me. That's why I'm calling it overly dramatic. The author did a good job of that, however; I can't fault her writing abilities.

I read this for the 2020 PopSugar Reading Challenge prompt #1 - "A book that's published in 2020." Next time, look before you leap. It was a stressful page-turner that brought up a lot of bad memories for me. That's the best that I can say. ...more

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Sep 06, 2021 Nancy H rated it it was amazing

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. It is SO important for people to read this book and understand what our neighbors to the south are experiencing. In some ways, this book was very hard for me to read, because I have worked with immigrants teaching them English, and my heart breaks for them, as well as for those still stuck in horrifying situations with no means of escape. In other ways, it was hopeful to see the goodness in people that still rises to the top, as they are determined to ...more

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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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