Reviews

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

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shelovedtoread's review against another edition

3.0

I actually liked the author’s writing, however the book overall just didn’t do it for me. I don’t have first-hand knowledge of the plight of people trying to flee their country and/or enter the US. That being said, things seemed to work out too well for the main characters. I recognize they had the advantage of money but it seemed too easy. I do appreciate the author showing difficulties in other characters but it wasn’t enough.
This type of story ordinarily would bring tears to my eyes, especially thinking about my own children. It just wasn’t compelling enough to make that happen.

spartanjess's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this audiobook. While reading ‘American Dirt’ I also learned of the controversy surrounding the book and am currently learning more about that - including watching Oprah’s book club show on AppleTV+. Controversy can be an opportunity for discussion to learn and grow.

I read this book knowing it is a work of fiction rooted in reality. I appreciated the story of Lydia and Luca and their journey from their home in Mexico to the United State - a journey they felt necessary to escape danger. We live in a society where it’s easy to demonize migrants and not try to understand the causes of why people may need or want to uproot to live in another country legally or illegally. They are not all evil, criminal people and I thought this book was a good illustration of that.

‘American Dirt’ is a good conversation starter - for me it’s driving me to dig deeper and gain a greater understanding of this complicated subject.

k37713_t's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

cat_capaldi's review against another edition

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emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

peteroneilljr's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

A thrilling adventure following a mother and and child as they escape a perilous city in search of a better life.

They meet many characters along the way each with their own heart wrenching challenges in their journey northward.

each characters story is much just so captivating by the authors way to blend metaphors and storyline to make you feel every detail of the activity.