Gaithersburg Reads: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

We are so excited to invite YOU – and the WHOLE community – to join us in something we’ve never tried before: a community-wide *READ.* In fact, we’re calling it Gaithersburg Reads!

Here’s how it will work: We’re all going to read a book, starting in January, when it comes out. And then, in late March (save the date for the evening of 3/31), we will bring in the author for a big, giant discussion and signing at the Gaithersburg High School Performing Arts Center.

It’s not just any book

It’s one of the most highly-anticipated titles of 2020, “American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins.

If you haven’t heard the buzz on this one yet, take a look at the write-up on Goodreads, where today it has more than 800 ratings… and it doesn’t even come out for another month! Some are calling the book “a Grapes of Wrath for our times” and “a new American classic.” 

Take a look at these testimonials

“I defy anyone to read the first seven pages of this book and not finish it.” – Stephen King

“American Dirt is both a moral compass and a riveting read. I couldn’t put it down. I’ll never stop thinking about it.”
– Ann Patchett

“I strive to write page-turners because I love to read them, and it’s been a long time since I turned pages as fast as I did with American Dirt.”
— John Grisham

Take a look at this book trailer and watch with the sound ON.
(produced for a British audience… the American book trailer hasn’t been released yet.)

The book industry is abuzz about “American Dirt.” It was the belle of the ball at last year’s BookExpo America, the industry’s largest trade show.

It’s not just any story

“American Dirt” is an immigrant tale. While fictional, it is a heavily researched depiction of a migrant’s journey. 

We feel there’s a particular resonance for this story here in Gaithersburg, Montgomery County, Maryland, one of the most diverse areas in the United States. In fact, it is estimated that about 1/3 of those who live in the City of Gaithersburg were born in a country other than the United States; many of whom have immigrant stories of their own to tell.

And it’s not just any author

Jeanine Cummins is no stranger to Gaithersburg. She grew up here. She is a graduate of Gaithersburg High School (so our special event will also be a homecoming of sorts). And she is part of the GBF author family, having participated in our Festival a few years ago for her novel, “The Crooked Branch.” 

After college, Jeanine moved to New York to work in the publishing industry and one day become a famous author. That ‘one day’ is here. “American Dirt” is about to make her a household name.

So join us! 

Let’s all read this great page-turner of a book, share this important story together, and celebrate and support Gaithersburg’s own Jeanine Cummins as she hits the big time. 

Gaithersburg Reads!

• The book comes out January 21st. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and our e-newsletter for updates. If you are able, purchasing a book helps us continue to bring great authors like Jeanine to our community. Preorder “American Dirt” at Politics & Prose, or anywhere you buy your books.
• Our big, giant book discussion event with Jeanine Cummins will be on March 31st, 7pm, at Gaithersburg High School Performing Arts Center.