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American Dirt (Oprah's Book Club): A Novel

American Dirt (Oprah's Book Club): A Novel

by Jeanine Cummins (Author)

#1 New York Times Bestseller
OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK

Extraordinary.”
Stephen King

“This book is not simply the great American novel; it’s the great novel of las Americas. It’s the great world novel! This is the international story of our times. Masterful.”
—Sandra Cisneros

También de este lado hay sueños. On this side, too, there are dreams.

Lydia Quixano Pérez lives in the Mexican city of Acapulco. She runs a bookstore. She has a son, Luca, the love of her life, and a wonderful husband who is a journalist. And while there are cracks beginning to show in Acapulco because of the drug cartels, her life is, by and large, fairly comfortable.

Even though she knows they’ll never sell, Lydia stocks some of her all-time favorite books in her store. And then one day a man enters the shop to browse and comes up to the register with a few books he would like to buy—two of them her favorites. Javier is erudite. He is charming. And, unbeknownst to Lydia, he is the jefe of the newest drug cartel that has gruesomely taken over the city. When Lydia’s husband’s tell-all profile of Javier is published, none of their lives will ever be the same.

Forced to flee, Lydia and eight-year-old Luca soon find themselves riding la bestia—trains that make their way north toward the United States, which is the only place Javier’s reach doesn’t extend. As they join the countless people trying to reach el norte, Lydia soon sees that everyone is running from something. But what exactly are they running to?

American Dirt will leave readers utterly changed. It is a literary achievement filled with poignancy, drama, and humanity on every page. It is one of the most important books for our times.

Already being hailed as "a Grapes of Wrath for our times" and "a new American classic," Jeanine Cummins's American Dirt is a rare exploration into the inner hearts of people willing to sacrifice everything for a glimmer of hope.

Embark on a Harrowing Journey with "American Dirt" by Jeanine Cummins

In the heart-wrenching novel "American Dirt" by Jeanine Cummins, readers are thrust into the harrowing journey of a Mexican mother and her young son as they flee their home in Acapulco, forced to confront the brutal realities of life and the desperation that drives people to risk everything for a chance at a better future.

When Lydia Quixano PĂ©rez's journalist husband is murdered by the local drug cartel, she knows that she and her eight-year-old son, Luca, are in danger. With no time to mourn, they embark on a perilous journey to the United States, joining a caravan of migrants seeking refuge.

As they navigate the treacherous terrain and face unimaginable hardships, Lydia and Luca encounter a diverse cast of characters who offer both kindness and cruelty along the way. From compassionate strangers to ruthless coyotes, "American Dirt" paints a vivid picture of the sacrifices and struggles that migrants endure in pursuit of a safe haven.

Cummins's novel delves into the complexities of immigration, exploring the human toll of violence, poverty, and displacement. "American Dirt" is a powerful indictment of the policies and attitudes that perpetuate cycles of suffering and injustice, urging readers to confront the harsh realities faced by those seeking a better life.

With its gripping narrative, thought-provoking themes, and unforgettable characters, "American Dirt" has received widespread critical acclaim and recognition. It was selected as Oprah Winfrey's Book Club pick and longlisted for the National Book Award, among other accolades.

If you seek a novel that will challenge your assumptions, ignite your empathy, and leave a lasting impact, "American Dirt" by Jeanine Cummins is a must-read. Immerse yourself in this powerful story and gain a deeper understanding of the profound human drama unfolding at our borders.

Rating:

Pages:
391 pages
Language:
English