Book description
An unflinching memoir and "invaluable resource" (Kirkus) about navigating social mobility as a first gen Latina--offering both a riveting personal story and an examination of the unacknowledged emotional tolls of being a trailblazer. Alejandra Campoverdi has been a child on welfare, a White House aide to President Obama, a Harvard graduate, a gang member's girlfriend, and a candidate for U.S. Congress. She's ridden on Air Force One and in G-rides. She's been featured in Maxim magazine and had a double mastectomy. Living a life of contradictory extremes often comes with the territory when you're a "First and Only." It also comes at a price. With candor and heart, Alejandra retraces her trajectory as a Mexican American woman raised by an immigrant single mother in Los Angeles. Foregoing the tidy bullet points of her resume and instead shining a light on the spaces between them, what emerges is a powerful testimony that shatters the one-dimensional glossy narrative we are often sold of what it takes to achieve the American Dream. In this timely and revealing reflection, Alejandra draws from her own experiences to name and frame the challenges First and Onlys often face, illuminating a road to truth, healing, and change in the process. Part memoir, part manifesto, FIRST GEN is a story of generational inheritance, aspiration, and the true meaning of belonging--a gripping journey to "reclaim the parts of ourselves we sacrificed in order to survive." A NATIONAL BESTSELLER Winner of the Martin Cruz Smith Award (CALIBA) 2024 Council for Opportunity in Education National Book Club Selection Longlisted for the Outstanding Works of Literature (OWL) Award for First Year Experience
About the Author
Alejandra Campoverdi is a nationally recognized women's health advocate, founder, producer, and former White House aide to President Obama. She produced and appeared in the celebrated PBS documentary Inheritance, founded the Latinos & BRCA awareness initiative in partnership with Penn Medicine's Basser Center, and served as the first White House deputy director of Hispanic media. Alejandra is currently on the boards of Harvard's Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy, the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, and the California Community Foundation. She holds a master in public policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and graduated cum laude from the University of Southern California.
ManMaker
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine.
Intimidation Station
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Dahlia
With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. π Making every moment count β this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! ππ« π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ
BuzzMouse
The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Dark Horse
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me.
PixelPathfinder
Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime.
Tweety Bun Bun
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. π±π ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineβgood narration, decent storyβbut it didnβt leave a lasting impression. If youβre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Firefly Caramel
ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience.
Truth
I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Accidental Genius
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Washer
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ππ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
LuminaLore
This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
GiddeeUP
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly β it's a game-changer. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app! Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app!
Dallas Foxface
No more straining my eyes to read β now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly.
BuzzMouse
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
CosPlatoon
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine.
Spoiler
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Cereal Killer
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise.
DreamWeaver
πͺ Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls β I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. πΌπ Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app! Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Silver Cup
ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
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