Stuck inside? Here are some great books to read
American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins
When I wrote last week’s column about the cancellation of several major concerts and festivals, there was no way of knowing how prescient it would be. I certainly didn’t realize how quickly – and severely – the entire world, and life as we know it, would be upended.
After a week of covering this rapidly-developing situation and nonstop breaking news, I’d like to take this opportunity to write about anything other than this ongoing pandemic.
Before this global health crisis befell us, the literary world was in a tizzy over Jeanine Cummins’ fourth novel, “American Dirt.” At the heart of the criticism was the idea that it was a bit disingenuous for a non-Mexican author to write a book about the experience of Mexican migrants.
Before the incredible backlash, the book – released Jan. 21 – was hailed the biggest release of the season. The first print run was 500,000 copies, while most other books are doing well to see an initial printing of 20,000 copies. Oprah Winfrey chose it as an Oprah’s Book Club selection – a choice she later had to qualify, adding that it would be an opportunity to discuss “both sides” of the issue.
Constance Grady, writing for Vox.com, succinctly summarized the hoopla:
“Cummins had written a story that was not hers — and, according to many readers of color, she didn’t do a very good job of it,” Grady wrote. “In fact, she seemed to fetishize the pain of her characters at the expense of treating them as real human beings.”
After the controversy erupted, I ordered a copy of the book – because I want to read it and make that determination for myself. I haven’t yet had a chance to do that, but it is next on my reading list.
Several have put together lists of books they feel better capture the migrant experience. I thought, since you might find yourself with a little more time on your hands to stay at home and do some reading, I’d share some of my suggestions this week.
“Borderlands/La Frontera,” by Gloria Anzaldúa.
“The Devil’s Highway” and “The House of Broken Angels,” by Luis Alberto Urrea.
“So Far from God,” by Ana Castillo.
“I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” by Erika L. Sánchez.
“The Buddha in the Attic,” by Julie Otsuka.
“…y no se lo tragó la tierra / …And the Earth Did Not Devour Him,” by Tomás Rivera.
“Lost Children Archive,” by Valeria Luiselli.
“Children of the Land,” by Marcelo Hernandez Castillo.
“Everyone Knows You Go Home,” by Natalia Sylvester.
“Citizen Illegal,” by José Olivarez.
Whether you choose to read “American Dirt” or not, I’d definitely recommend you pick up one of these great books if, for some reason, you find yourself with a little extra reading time on your hands in the coming weeks – or months.
I’ll be doing the same.
Damien Willis is a columnist for Pulse, writing primarily about entertainment and pop culture. He may be reached at dwillis@lcsun-news.com or @DamienWillis on Twitter.
— Originally Published in the Las Cruces Sun-News, 03/19/20
