ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Left Bank Books is explaining why it canceled a weekend appearance by Jeanine Cummins, the author of "American Dirt." The novel about a Mexican mother and her son coming to the United States was to be discussed at the Central West End book store by the Ethical Society of St. Louis, but the event was abruptly cancelled.
Bookstore owner Kris Kleindienst says it was about safety when she started to read the social comments about the event.
"The conversation on social media quickly degraded to some vicious attacks and language," Kleindienst says. "And we didn't have the systems in place to facilitate a conversation that might get disruptive."
Critics of the book allege it gives an inaccurate depiction of the Latino community by an author who is white. It tells the story of a Mexican bookstore owner who is trying to escape to the U.S. border with her son after her journalist husband and other family members are killed by a drug cartel.
The book was released Tuesday inspired memes and a social media campaign "#DignidadLiteraria," which is Spanish for "literary dignity," and it is calling for Latinos to raise awareness about a publishing industry that is 80% white.
The book was also listed on Oprah’s Book Club pick and was endorsed by writers such as Stephen King and Don Winslow.
Kleindienst says about 200 people had signed up to attend the event and they will all be getting a refund.
Cummins' events to promote the book were also canceled in California and Texas, but many other events around the country are still listed on her website.