Book description
REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK - New York Times bestselling author Xochitl Gonzalez delivers a mesmerizing novel about a first-generation Ivy League student who uncovers the genius work of a female artist decades after her suspicious death A Most Anticipated Book of 2024: TIME, The Washington Post, Refinery 29, Barnes & Noble, Marie Clare, Real Simple, Entertainment Weekly, LA Daily News, LitHub, The Millions, TODAY.com, HipLatina, Book Riot, Kirkus, and more!"Anita de Monte Laughs Last is a cry for justice. Writing with urgency and rage, Gonzalez speaks up for those who have been othered and deemed unworthy, robbed of their legacy." ―The Washington Post "Anita De Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez asks some big questions, like who in art or history is remembered, who is left behind or erased and WHY. I have goosebumps just talking about this story." ―Reese Witherspoon 1985. Anita de Monte, a rising star in the art world, is found dead in New York City; her tragic death is the talk of the town. Until it isn't. By 1998 Anita's name has been all but forgotten--certainly by the time Raquel, a third-year art history student is preparing her final thesis. On College Hill, surrounded by privileged students whose futures are already paved out for them, Raquel feels like an outsider. Students of color, like her, are the minority there, and the pressure to work twice as hard for the same opportunities is no secret. But when Raquel becomes romantically involved with a well-connected older art student, she finds herself unexpectedly rising up the social ranks. As she attempts to straddle both worlds, she stumbles upon Anita's story, raising questions about the dynamics of her own relationship, which eerily mirrors that of the forgotten artist. Moving back and forth through time and told from the perspectives of both women, Anita de Monte Laughs Last is a propulsive, witty examination of power, love, and art, daring to ask who gets to be remembered and who is left behind in the rarefied world of the elite.
About the Author
Xochitl Gonzalez is the New York Times bestselling author of Olga Dies Dreaming. Named a Best Book of 2022 by The New York Times, TIME, Kirkus, Washington Post, and NPR, Olga Dies Dreaming was the winner of the Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize in Fiction and the New York City Book Award. Gonzalez is a 2021 MFA graduate from the Iowa Writers' Workshop. Her nonfiction work has been published in Elle Decor, Allure, Vogue, Real Simple, and The Cut. She is a staff writer for The Atlantic, where her work has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. A native Brooklynite and proud public school graduate, Gonzalez holds a BA from Brown University and lives in her hometown of Brooklyn with her dog, Hectah Lavoe.
Congo Wire
This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate.
Demolition Queen
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant companion for literary adventures.
Sherwood Gladiator
ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions.
Knuckles
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. No more worries about compatibility – ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly.
Red Heroine
Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener.
Shimmy Shammy
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. 📚 Embracing reading in the digital age – this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. 📱🎉 User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
Dora the Destroyer
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Eye Candy Kitten
Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read – this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is a triumph. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature.
Rando Tank
ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Firecracker
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. 🌌 Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking – this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! 🍲📖 Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it!
Toy Town
🏝️ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures – this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. ☀️📖 ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Sugar Apple
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. 💃 Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores – a dance of productivity! 🎶📖 With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. 📚🎧
Lilac Lizard
Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Sun Washer
This app has completely transformed my commute – I look forward to it now! No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears! 🚶♀️🌌 This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure – I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. 🏞️📖 Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Slacker Cat
Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories – this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. 📱🎧 The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Innocent Ghost
This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment.
Microwave Chardonnay
No more worries about compatibility – ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal – unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Burst Nibbler
The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app.
Danqqqqq
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. 🎉 This app has turned my errands into exciting quests – I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! 🛒📖 ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
ByteBard
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience