#AmericanDirt

American Dirt is a powerful eye opening novel that will leave you feeling hopeful, anguished, and many other feelings all at once. I found myself whipping through the pages with a need to find out if Lydia and her son survived their epic journey. I couldn’t write the review for several days because I was trying to find the words to describe the experience of reading this book - I know I still won’t do it justice. I laughed, I cried, I felt so connected to the characters, even though I haven’t experienced anything like their plight. American Dirt opened my eyes to things going on practically outside my window that I’ve heard about, but now know I didn’t fully understand. Read it. Please. Read. This. Book.

America Dirt begins with a tragedy, and then backtracks to explain how the characters arrived at that point. So many seemingly innocent and not so innocent actions got them to a point of no return. After this, Lydia fears that she and her son need to escape from the Mexico and the brutal cartel that is ruling in her city. America Dirt tells the tale of their attempt to flee Mexico for the United Stated, the people they meet along the way, and presents why Lydia feels she can’t do this legally in spite of her desire to do so. The fear she feels from Mexican authorities and when she imagines living in the United States is presented in such a way, you can feel it yourself. Will Lydia and Luca survive their treacherous journey into the United States? Will they be able to receive asylum in the States and start new lives legally?

American Dirt opened my eyes anew to current tragedies going on so close to home, and forced me to think about current issues and policies in our country and at our borders, while getting me emotionally invested in the beautiful and tragic story of Lydia and Luca.

Thank you so much to Flatiron Books for the advance reader copy!! American Dirt comes out on Tuesday, January 21!!

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins