Book description
"Astonishingly beautiful . . . It's a revelation."--Jenny Offill, New York Times bestselling author of Weather From the National Book Award-winning translator, an atmospheric and wise debut novel of a young Brazilian woman's first year in America, a continent away from her lonely mother, and the relationship they build over Skype calls across borders In a small dorm room at a liberal arts college in Vermont, a young woman settles into the warm blue light of her desk lamp before calling the mother she left behind in northeastern Brazil. Four thousand miles apart and bound by the angular confines of a Skype window, they ask each other a simple question: what's the news? Offscreen, little about their lives seems newsworthy. The daughter writes her papers in the library at midnight, eats in the dining hall with the other international students, and raises her hand in class to speak in a language the mother cannot understand. The mother meanwhile preoccupies herself with natural disasters, her increasingly poor health, and the heartbreaking possibility that her daughter might not return to the apartment where they have always lived together. Yet in the blue glow of their computers, the two women develop new rituals of intimacy and caretaking, from drinking whiskey together in the middle of the night to keeping watch as one slides into sleep. As the warm colors of New England autumn fade into an endless winter snow, each realizes that the promise of spring might mean difficult endings rather than hopeful beginnings. Expanded from a story originally published in The New Yorker, and in elegant prose that recalls the work of Sigrid Nunez, Katie Kitamura, and Rachel Khong, Bruna Dantas Lobato paints a powerful portrait of a mother and a daughter coming of age together and apart and explores the profound sacrifices and freedoms that come with leaving a home to make a new one somewhere else.ReviewAn Indie Next Pick Named a Best Book of the Year by Bookshop Named a Best Debut of the Year by Debutiful Named One of Electric Literature’s “75 Books by Women of Color to Read in 2024” “By many measures, Bruna Dantas Lobato is quite the literary star. At 33, the Brazilian American has published a cascade of translations, both fiction and nonfiction, from Portuguese to English, and last year won the National Book Award for translated literature. But one story, she said, was missing from her bibliography: her own. With her debut novel, Blue Light Hours, centered on a Brazilian student who sees her close relationship with her mother reduced to a computer screen when she moves to New England for college, she is finally closing that gap.”—Celia McGee, New York Times “This is a slim work with a narrow focus that belies the depth of its own emotion, the profundity of Dantas Lobato’s observations . . . There’s a quiet lyricism to Dantas Lobato’s prose, an elegance both to her sentences and to the shape of the book as a whole. It’s a work you could read in an afternoon or linger over for an entire winter, finding something new to savor on each page . . . In her first novel, she shows that her talent as a writer is at least as tremendous as her talent as a translator.”—Kirkus Reviews “This debut novel is sheer magic, a perfect read. It exudes a palpable warmth, and there’s no waste in verbiage or plot.”—Library JournalAbout the AuthorBruna Dantas Lobato is a writer and translator. Her fiction has appeared in The New Yorker, Guernica, A Public Space, and The Common. She was awarded the 2023 National Book Award in Translated Literature for The Words That Remain by Stênio Gardel. Dantas Lobato was born and raised in Natal, Brazil, and teaches at Grinnell College. Blue Light Hours is her debut novel.
Third Moon
This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. 📱 Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go – this app is like a portable library in my pocket. 📚👜 Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic.
Intimidating Presence
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. I'm hooked on this app – it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is commendable. Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive.
Easy Mac
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity.
CosPlatoon
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
MuseMaster
ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives.
Whistler
ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a winner. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options.
Kawaii Red
The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! I'm amazed by the variety of genres available – there's something for everyone. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Treasure Devil
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures.
Spellbinder
This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
PixelPioneer
🎧 Navigating through narratives has never been simpler – this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. 📚💫 ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature!
Bug Fire
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. 🌟 Adding excitement to everyday tasks – this app is my partner in productivity! 📚🚀 Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source.
3D Waffle
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is fantastic. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist.
High-Fructose
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Sassy Muffin
👀📚 Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed – bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! 😴🎧 The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes. The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Breezy Mustang
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Frosty Sunshine
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Cricket
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail.
SWAT Honey
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators – they add a unique charm to each book. I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Roadspike
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is a true delight.
Heaven Sent
This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. 🚶♀️📱 I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. 🏞️📚 Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
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