American Dirt

There is a lot to discuss and ponder with Jeanne Cummins's new book American Dirt. She delivers an emotional read about a young mother and her son as they flee Mexico fearing retaliation from the Mexican Drug Cartel. As Lydia and her eight-year-old son seek freedom in The United States, the author brings you on a suspenseful, heartbreaking, and sometimes violent journey as they seek safety in the United States. I couldn't help but become invested in the characters as I learned the desperate struggles and sacrifices they must endure to find safety.

Before reading the book, I had limited knowledge of the migrant experience. So as a fictional story, I found this to be a fascinating read as Cummins describes this harrowing journey to reach the United States border. However, there is much controversy surrounding this book and its depiction of the migrant community.

There's also the question of who should write about this topic? Nevertheless, this book will make an excellent book club selection because it will provide a lively discussion and an opportunity to learn about a humanitarian crisis. It was an Oprah's Book Club pick, and she has a two-part author interview on Apple TV which is very enlightening and offers much insight into the story and the author's perspective.