Book description
Finalista del National Book Award 2022 (Premio Nacional de Literatura 2022), organizado por la Fundación Nacional del Libro de Estados Unidos. La autora de La fruta del borrachero nos entrega una deslumbrante historia caleidoscópica que recupera el legado místico de su familia. A Ingrid Rojas Contreras la magia le corre por las venas. No era una niña fácil de sorprender: creció en medio de la violencia política de los años ochenta y noventa en Colombia, en una casa siempre atestada de gente que venía a que su madre le leyera el futuro. Su abuelo materno, Nono, era un curandero de renombre, dotado de lo que la familia llamaba "los secretos" el poder de hablar con los muertos, predecir el futuro, tratar a los enfermos y mover las nubes. La madre de Ingrid, la primera mujer en heredar los secretos, era igualmente poderosa. Mami disfrutaba su habilidad de aparecer en dos lugares a la vez, y era capaz de expulsar al más terco de los espíritus usando apenas un vaso de agua. Rojas Contreras solía creer que este legado pertenecía solo a su madre y a su abuelo, hasta que un día, en sus veinte y viviendo en Estados Unidos, sufrió una herida en la cabeza que le provocó amnesia. Mientras recuperaba la memoria, su familia le contó que esto había sucedido antes: décadas atrás Mami había tenido una caída que también le había provocado amnesia; y cuando se recuperó, descubrió que tenía acceso a los secretos. En 2012, urgida por un sueño compartido con Mami y sus hermanas, y por la necesidad imperiosa de volver a aprender la historia familiar tras su pérdida de la memoria, Rojas Contreras decidió acompañar a su madre en un viaje a Colombia para exhumar los restos de Nono. Con la guía impredecible, testaruda y casi siempre divertida de Mami, rastrea sus orígenes indígenas y españoles, revelando la violenta historia colonial que, con el paso del tiempo, separaría a su familia mestiza en dos grupos: los que piensan que los secretos son un don y los que creen que son una maldición. ENGLISH DESCRIPTION NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST - A TIME BEST BOOK OF THE SUMMER - From the bestselling author of Fruit of the Drunken Tree, comes a dazzling, kaleidoscopic memoir reclaiming her family's otherworldly legacy. "Rojas Contreras reacquaints herself with her family's past, weaving their stories with personal narrative, unraveling legacies of violence, machismo and colonialism... In the process, she has written a spellbinding and genre-defying ancestral history."--New York Times Book Review For Ingrid Rojas Contreras, magic runs in the family. Growing up in the Colombia of the 1980's and 1990's in a house where "what did you dream?"was asked in place of "how are you?" her world was laced with prophecy andviolence. Her maternal grandfather, Nono, was a renowned curandero, acommunity healer gifted with the ability to talk to the dead, tell the future, curethe sick, and move the clouds. As a young girl, Rojas Contreras eavesdroppedon her mother's fortune-telling business from the stairs and waited eagerly forthe moments when Mami appeared in two places at once. She was accustomedto "letting the ghosts in." So when Ingrid, now living in the U.S., suffered a head injury in her 20's thatleft her with amnesia --an accident eerily similar to a fall that had put hermother in a coma at the age of 8, from which she woke with not just amnesia, but the ability to see ghosts-- the family assumes "the secrets" have finally beenpassed down to the next generation. But as Ingrid recovers her memories, theydon't come with supernatural abilities. Rather, she is consumed by a powerfulurge to learn even more about her heritage than she knew before the accident. Spurred by a shared dream among Mami and her sisters, wherein Nonocommunicates that he is unable to rest peacefully in the afterlife, Ingrid joinsher mother on a journey home to Colombia to disinter her grandfather'sremains. With her mother as her unpredictable, stubborn and often hilariousguide, Ingrid traces her lineage back to her indigenous roots, uncovering theviolent and rigid colonial narrative that would eventually break her family intotwo camps: those who believe "the secrets" are a gift, and those who areconvinced they are a curse. Interweaving family stories more enchanting than any novel, resurrected Colombian history, and her own deeply personal reckonings with the bounds ofreality, Rojas Contreras writes her way through the incomprehensible and intoher inheritance. The result is a luminous testament to the power of storytellingas a healing art and an invitation to embrace the extraordinary.
About the Author
INGRID ROJAS CONTRERAS nació y pasó su infancia y parte de su adolescencia en Bogotá, Colombia. Su primera novela, La fruta del borrachero, obtuvo la medalla de plata en la categoría de ópera prima en los Book Awards de California, y fue reconocida dentro del listado de libros recomendados del New York Times. Sus cuentos y ensayos han aparecido en la revista del New York Times, en The Believer y Zyzzyva, entre otras publicaciones. Reside en California.
Red Delicious
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. 💡 The future of audiobook listening is here – this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. 🎧🔮
xSTORMx
🎶📚 Setting the mood with stories instead of songs – this app is my go-to playlist! 🎧🌟 The interface is so clean and clutter-free. It’s a pleasure to use.
PixelPioneer
Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly.
Find It Girl
ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. Audiobooks on demand – this app's functionality is a true technological gem. Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset.
New York Winder
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's design is user-centric. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Lounge Master
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. 💼 Juggling tasks while exploring narratives – this app is my multitasking hero! 💻📖 ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic.
Mr. Fabulous
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze.
True Sweetness
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout. ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features.
Mr. Spy
ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive – smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
Pepper Legs
ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer!
ThoughtTrail
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. 🚶♀️📖 Walking my way through exciting narratives – this app makes exercise more fun! 🏞️🎧 Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked!
Sokol
📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱 Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. 🎉📚 The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Hightower
ListenBook has given me the gift of time – turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
CirrusFlash
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. 🎶📚 Replacing melodies with literary symphonies – my ears are in love! 🎵📚 📱 Carrying stories wherever I go – this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. 📚🛍️ Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Firecracker
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Marine Dre
ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature.
FearLeSS
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it! 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! An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume.
Dora the Destroyer
The app's design is sleek and modern – it's a pleasure to navigate. Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play – it's genius! 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗
Armed Hawk
This app is a book lover's dream come true – a vast library right at your fingertips. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is a triumph. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! 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!
Easy Sweep
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. 🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream – simple and efficient. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback.
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