Comments on: Sunshine and Backlash

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 01:29:21 +0000

In reply to Rachel (chaosisafriendofmine).

Thanks Rachel for weighing in on American Dirt. I can see your point. There’s many Latino authors to read about immigration issues. I’ve added a couple to my TBR list. Apparently Kristen Arnett is a big Florida kind of writer … so it’s nice she has a flamingo on the cover, though most of the birds in the story are being stuffed via the taxidermy trade … so beware if you can handle that.

By: Rachel (chaosisafriendofmine)

Rachel (chaosisafriendofmine) — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 05:49:44 +0000

I’ve decided not to read American Dirt. After reading so many articles written by Latinx people who are critical of it, I can’t read it. It’s not like I have a shortage of books to read; although I may read one of the books on the lists I have seen going around of Latinx authors to read instead. I basically feel like the commenter Susie up above about the situation.

I might read Mostly Dead Things just because it has a flamingo on the cover and I love flamingos! 🙂

By: Susan

Susan — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 22:01:03 +0000

In reply to Naomi MacKinnon.

Thanks Naomi. Yes I look forward to reading Crummey’s novels Galore and River Thieves and wonder what he’ll write next. He says he often snoops for his story ideas in the Archives. As for the American Dirt author …. the controversy has become quite unfortunate … and out of control.

By: Naomi MacKinnon

Naomi MacKinnon — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 16:04:47 +0000

I’m not following the controversy close enough to know what to think of it. Like you, I can see both sides. I do wonder how the author is feeling about it? This is probably not the way she wanted to get attention for her book.

I’m so glad you liked The Innocents. And Michael Crummey. He’s definitely one of my favourite authors, too. Have fun reading the rest of his novels – I wish I still had one to read for the first time!

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 21:06:31 +0000

In reply to Deb Nance at Readerbuzz. Hi Deb, Yeah I know what you mean. It just feels like blah now about American Dirt. A lot of bad buzz for sure; I can't seem to get back my enthusiasm. Have fun in Paris!

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 21:04:33 +0000

In reply to Ti.

Hi Ti, 70 degree temps sound good to me though I’m sure it’s cool in the mornings. Did that Kobe crash happen anywhere near your area? It was just awful & crazy that they flew in the fog. Terrible that kids were in there. Ugh.
I know what you mean about being less enthused about American Dirt now … it feels sullied.

By: Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 20:24:23 +0000

I’m so sad about the controversy about American Dirt. All I heard a few months ago was good buzz and now all I am hearing is bad buzz. It is very disappointing.

I hope you have a lovely week!

By: Ti

Ti — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 16:07:46 +0000

It’s funny because there was nothing but love for American Dirt until Oprah picked it for her club. Then, all of a sudden the other opinions started flooding in. I get it. I do. I was looking forward to finally getting a copy but honestly, not so excited about it now. I will still read it though.

I am glad your weather warmed up a little. This week we have near 70 degree temps but still cool in the early morning hours. I cannot get warm this winter. I am beginning to think there is something wrong with me. It’s not that cold.

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 22:10:22 +0000

In reply to Laurel-Rain Snow. Thanks Laurel for your input. Yeah I agree a bit ... if it's publicizing what's going on then I sort of want to know. I feel it should be heard along with other books about it too. If it's a stereotype then we will see.

By: Laurel-Rain Snow

Laurel-Rain Snow — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 14:06:07 +0000

Since I already have American Dirt, I will read it, keeping in mind the issues that developed into a controversy. I am drawn to anything that will publicize the horrors at the Southern border.

Enjoy your week and your books.