American Dirt provides an indepth look at immigration
“American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins is a gripping and harrowing novel that tells the story of Lydia Quixano Pérez, a bookstore owner in Acapulco, Mexico. Her life is turned upside down when a drug cartel targets her family, forcing her and her son, Luca, to flee for their lives.
The novel follows their perilous journey north to the United States, highlighting the dangers and hardships migrants face. They travel on “La Bestia,” or the train that crosses through Mexico, towards the United States. As they embark on their journey to freedom they encounter a myriad of people, all traveling away from their pasts and towards the safety of the US.
Cummins’ writing is powerful and evocative, vividly describing the experiences of migrants, while also portraying a mothers love and a child’s ability to persist in the face of grief. The characters are well-developed and their emotional depth feels realistic while also being heartwarming.
Amanda Lubbos ‘25 said, “I really enjoyed this book, it was the best thing I have read in a while and would highly recommend.”
Cummins also brings attention to the broader issues of immigration, the human cost of the drug war and the complexities of the migrant experience. However, the book has sparked significant debate. Critics argue that Cummins, who is not Mexican, may not have the cultural authenticity to tell this story, and some feel that the novel relies on stereotypes. Despite this, “American Dirt” has been a bestseller and a book club favorite, praised for its ability to humanize a highly politicized issue and for its unflinching portrayal of survival and resilience.
Bailey Burman ‘25 said, “I am reading the book in Mr. Locher’s class right now, I am not done yet, but so far it is really engaging and interesting.”
The themes of grief and a mother’s love drive the book and their story forward. Lydia and Luca have encountered the worst that humanity has to offer, but they continue to persist forward in the face of trauma and violence. Cummins opens the door to the reader to step into a world of adrenaline and harsh reality as she refuses to shy away from difficult topics and conversations that take place from beginning to end. I would highly recommend American Dirt to any high school student looking to expand their horizons with a compelling and emotional book.
