American Dirt

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• American Dirt has been alternately praised for its engaging plot and treatment of underrepresented characters and labeled as stereotypical and opportunistic. What was your initial impression of the book, upon first reading it? Do you agree with either of these positions, or do you take another stance altogether?
• Both Lydia’s and Javier’s actions throughout the story stem from a place of deep parental love. While Javier is clearly the antagonist, were there any instances in the novel that evoked your sympathy for the character?
• The language in American Dirt is vividly detailed and immersive in its descriptions. What are some sections of the narrative that spoke to you? Simultaneously, what are some sections that felt uncomfortable or disturbing?  

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• How do you understand the term “cultural appropriation”? Do you think people should be allowed to tell stories that are not their own, personally or culturally? How does one draw the line between imaginative freedom and poetic license on the one hand and cultural appropriation on the other? What aspects of the story do you believe would have been represented differently if the novel had been penned by someone with stronger ties to the Mexican migrant experience? 
• Reflect on a time in your life when an act of kindness made a substantial difference to how events unfolded.