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63 pages 2 hours read

Jeanine Cummins

American Dirt

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins follows Lydia Quixano Pérez and her son Luca as they flee from a violent cartel after their family is massacred in Acapulco, encountering various migrants and dangers on their journey to the United States. The book includes graphic depictions of violence and sexual assault.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Reviews of American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins reveal a polarized response. Positives include its gripping narrative and spotlight on migrant struggles, evoking empathy. Criticisms focus on stereotypical portrayals and questions of cultural appropriation. While some appreciate its intent, others challenge its authenticity and representation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read American Dirt?

A reader who would enjoy Jeanine Cummins' American Dirt is someone captivated by gripping page-turners and harrowing migration stories. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath will find this book equally compelling due to its exploration of human resilience and sociopolitical struggles.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years