September 17, 2020
Host: JJ
Attendees: Janna, Michelle, Myra, Ruth, Pam M, appearances by Julie and Pam T
American Dirt
by
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.
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 miles and worlds away from their comfortable middle-class existence. Instantly transformed into migrants, Lydia and Luca ride 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?
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Hope you all enjoyed our last book, American Dirt. We had a great discussion at our combo in-person and Zoom meeting. Thank you JJ for hosting us on your beautiful back porch!
We gave the book a high rating, although I can’t quite remember exactly what is was 😂- I think someone between a 4 and 4.5.
We decided on another Lisa Jewell suspense book for October - The Family Upstairs.
It’s a quick read - Janna and I both read it in a few days.
We also discussed choosing a biography and a classic novel for our next few months, so looking for suggestions from everyone.
Janna has offered to host our next gathering on October 8th. I will send out another message a few days before to see who will be planning to come in person (so she can plan snacks and beverages based on our confirmed numbers) and who would like to join via Zoom option.
Look forward to seeing everyone on the 8th.
Michelle
