‘American Dirt’s’ Jeanine Cummins Gets Best Revenge Possible

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What a difference five years makes.

2020 found me basking in the limelight as my novel “American Dirt” was about to hit the shelves. Oprah Winfrey and Stephen King couldn’t stop raving about it, and with a multi-million dollar publishing deal, I felt my stardom securely cemented.

American Dirt is an exceptional book, skillfully balancing fear and love throughout its pages. I challenge anyone to read just the first seven pages and not be compelled to finish it. The writing is flawless, and the narrative never slows down…. On a personal level, in terms of the story itself, it’s an extraordinary novel about a good woman and her child fleeing for their lives. It’s truly remarkable.

Then all woke hell broke loose.

Previously, that situation occurred. However, now, Cummins is gearing up to publish her subsequent book. The only thing seemingly absent is potential threats towards her, her publishing house, or any party willing to provide her a platform.

She’s just an author with a book to promote, another sign of Cancel Culture’s decline.

Starting May 13, immerse yourself in ‘Speak to Me of Home,’ my personal account that weaves a multigenerational narrative. It’s about a Puerto Rican woman who ties the knot with an American, migrates to St. Louis, and gives birth to a daughter who, to fit in, suppresses her mother’s heritage. This tale unfolds across three generations of women, each making their unique choices over time.

In stark contrast to the events of 2020, the response to this book has been quite different. “American Dirt” tells a story about a Mexican woman and her son who embark on a long, difficult journey towards America after a devastating incident involving their own family.

The book’s pace reached its peak until one critical comment shattered the author’s literary aspirations. The review sparked a viral reaction. Angry messages poured in after that. Critics accused her of Cultural Appropriation, claiming that as a non-Mexican, she wasn’t qualified to tell this story.

Balderdash.

That thought process overlooked the manner in which countless creators transcend their personal experiences to weave captivating stories that surpass their individual perspectives. Consider the timeless literature that wouldn’t have seen the light of day if authors adhered to that restrictive mentality.

For both writers and creators, it’s important to remember that constructive feedback is a common aspect of their professions. Negative criticisms or unfavorable reviews are simply a part of this ongoing process.

In a striking departure from the norm, this felt harsh, unattractive, and intimidating, bordering on suppressive. The term “Latinx,” which saw less usage by 2025, took on significant responsibilities.

The New York Post’s Karol Markowicz captured the frenzy at the time.

Due to threats of violence towards author Jeanine Cummins and the venues hosting her events, the publishing company had to cancel the scheduled book tour. Some of these events are now being transformed into “community discussions” or “town halls” to address the controversy surrounding her book.

The main issue at hand is that Cummins, being a white woman, penned down narratives not derived from her personal experiences. What used to be referred to as “fiction” no longer seems acceptable in today’s context.

Markowicz pointed out that Cummins consistently emphasized her progressive beliefs, both in her work and during interviews.

It wasn’t enough. It never is. You can’t be woke enough.

Oprah, having included the book in her renowned “book club,” found herself needing to reconsider her stance. Instead of taking a strong position in defense of the author during a discussion, she chose to facilitate a dialogue about the controversy.

In a 2023 interview, Cummins shared that she had overcome the painful assaults she experienced, becoming even stronger as a result.

We’re living in a culturally challenging period, where there’s excessive self-suppression in the arts, particularly among fiction writers. I sometimes fear I might censor myself, but in some ways, I believe I’m one of the most liberated writers in the U.S., as they’ve tried to suppress me, yet I remain active.

She currently has a brand-new book on sale this month, and it’s quite likely that several of her critics don’t have one out themselves at the moment.

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2025-05-07 04:03