American Dirt in Busy as a Bee Books

Jan 22, 2020 Bookish Trina rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction-favs

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummings is an emotionally electrifying, and heart-pounding read. From the first page to the last, I experienced many emotions. I wanted to put the book down because I thought my heart would explode at the macabre events. However, I couldn’t put it down because I had to know what would happen next in the revelation of this very important plot and much-needed exploration.

An eye-opening read that heartbreakingly illuminates many issues and challenges. American Dirt explor ...more

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Sep 14, 2020 Lisa Hickman rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own, literary-fiction

A heartstopping page-turner that lands an emotional wallop to the gut. At times terrifying and violent, then hopeful and resilient, this story had me walking a tightrope fearful for a mother and son taking one misstep.

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Sep 11, 2020 Loretta rated it it was ok

Shelves: booktopia-2019-purchases, 2020

Meh. I could write a long review about everything wrong with this book, but many others have done the job before me. Moreover, though I’m first generation American, my parents’ immigration stories were so different and I have no personal or community history to draw on with my critique.

I will note, very briefly, some of the issues: (1) thin characterization, (2) over-reliance on stereotypes, (3) the marketing as THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOK when it’s really just a middling thriller; (4) the author’s ...more

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Jun 23, 2021 Kathy rated it it was amazing

This book grabbed me from the first sentence and didn’t let go! I couldn’t put it down.

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May 04, 2020 Jen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Um wow. This book hit me in my gut in a way that hasn’t happened in quite a while. I am very much aware of the migrant plight from Mexico and Central America. I grew up in rural farming communities that function off migrant labor. I get it.

I mean I don’t. While I can imagine Lydias and Lucas journey and the desperation and devastation it takes to leave with your young child and start walking I honestly don’t know if I could do it.

Luca is the star of this book. He has guts and integrity and ret ...more

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Feb 07, 2020 Abby Morris rated it it was amazing

I’ve struggled with how to review this book because of the criticism. As much as I’ve enjoyed it, I wondered if my own lack of perspective has contributed to that enjoyment. Although this is not a typical migrant story, I think it is certainly still a story that deserved to be told. The writing was flawless- full of balance between tension and grace. I could not put it down, and now I can’t get it out of my head.

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Aug 16, 2020 Polly Bullard rated it it was amazing

I loved this book! It was so emotional and, at times, stressful to read but so worth it.

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Jul 05, 2020 Chang Garcia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was a great read about determination and survival. This is a work of fiction....not sure why people were upset/offended by this book. It seems to give a detailed life of how hard it is to come over the border...

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Jul 05, 2020 Chang Garcia rated it really liked it

This was such a great about determination and survival. I loved Lydia and Luca. This is a work of FICTION.....a gritty account about getting over the border from Mexico to the U.S. I do not comprehend why so many people were ofgended by this book. The controversy made me want to read this book even more.

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