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.
Danger Menace
I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Lime
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
SprkR
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
MindfulMingle
Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
Purity
The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
Winter Bite
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Jelly Camber
Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Ex0tic
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences.
Station WMD
This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
DreamDasher
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Fuzzy Logic Hottie
Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant companion for literary adventures. 📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a true gem.
Dr. Cocktail
💼 Balancing responsibilities with relaxation – audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. 💻📖 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters has never been smoother – the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. 🏃♂️🎧
Mad Irishman
🎧 This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work – genius! 📚💼 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Doughboy, Esq
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits – so cool!
Plum Moon
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier – this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. 📱🎧 The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds.
Call Back Queen
🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀 🧘♀️☕ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook – relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. 🍵📖 Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze – this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. 📱📖 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Silent
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app – so handy! 🌌 Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner – this app adds flavor to every meal! 🍲📖 Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. 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!
RawSkills
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. 💼 Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! 💻📖 🌟 Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories – thank you, this app! 👚📖 ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
SpellTansy
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design – it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. Savoring audiobooks without fuss – this app's design is impressive. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. I’d listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Wild Kitten
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is truly commendable.
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