I enjoyed the read and her use of words. Her diction is most impressive. I enjoyed her being upfront or blunt about how she felt. Gurba’s take on American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins is fitting. Cummins doesn’t come from that background so she can’t really write a book on it. It’s also kind of insane how much money she made from writing said book and others. Cummins even said “I don’t want to write about race” but did it anyway and received a seven-figure sum for it. Like Gurba, I’m astonished and somewhat irate at this.  I do not know much about Mexican culture but learning about other cultures is always mentally stimulating. I like learning about new cultures and to know that death is so interwoven in Mexican culture fascinates me. However, writing a book on something I don’t come from is on a different level of ridiculous. I also feel for Gurba when she writes about her memoir, Mean and her channeling Sophia Castro Torres’ ghost. My heart goes out to Sophia Castro Torres as well. The USA is not perfect. Cummins was wrong to paint it as such. I love my country but we are far from perfect.
About
Professor: Jessica Penner
Email: creative.writing.citytech2@gmail.com
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM. I’ll be available through Zoom and will send an invitation via email that you should keep all semester. Try to join my meeting at the start of the hour, not at the end—since I may be talking to other students or have another appointment after the hour is up. If those times don’t work with your schedule, we can schedule a different time. This means you’ll have to schedule an appointment in advance. I suggest you have multiple times in mind, since your schedule may not mesh with mine!
I agree with Jason’s thoughts because he showed what he enjoyed and what stood out to him. I agree that Gurba’s diction was impressive and also interesting as well.
I love how you accept the flaws of the country at the end of your critique, it gives off the idea that you learned something from the work. I also can agree that her calling out cummings is a very important part of her writing. It is somewhat thrilling because in reality it is true and makes you think that she is calling Cummins “American dirt”.
I agree with Jason because Gurba’s work is one of the most blunt articles that I read recently.