Book description
A haunting and beautiful memoir from a Cambodian refugee who lost her country and her family during Pol Pot's genocide in the 1970s but who finds hope by reclaiming the recipes she tasted in her mother's kitchen. RECIPE: HOW TO CHANGE CLOTH INTO DIAMOND Take a well-fed nine-year-old with a big family and a fancy education. Fold in 2 revolutions, 2 civil wars, and 1 wholesale extermination. Subtract a reliable source of food, life savings, and family members, until all are gone. Shave down childhood dreams for approximately two decades, until only subsistence remains. In Slow Noodles, Chantha Nguon recounts her life as a Cambodian refugee who loses everything and everyone--her home, her family, her country--all but the remembered tastes and aromas of her mother's kitchen. She summons the quiet rhythms of 1960s Battambang, her provincial hometown, before the dictator Pol Pot tore her country apart and killed more than a million Cambodians, many of them ethnic Vietnamese like Nguon and her family. Then, as an immigrant in Saigon, Nguon loses her mother, brothers, and sister and eventually flees to a refugee camp in Thailand. For two decades in exile, she survives by cooking in a brothel, serving drinks in a nightclub, making and selling street food, becoming a suture nurse, and weaving silk. Nguon's irrepressible spirit and determination come through in this lyrical memoir that includes more than twenty family recipes such as sour chicken-lime soup, green papaya pickles, and pâté de foie, as well as Khmer curries, stir-fries, and handmade bánh canh noodles. Through it all, re-creating the dishes from her childhood becomes an act of resistance, of reclaiming her place in the world, of upholding the values the Khmer Rouge sought to destroy, and of honoring the memory of her beloved mother, whose "slow noodles" approach to healing and cooking prioritized time and care over expediency. Slow Noodles is an inspiring testament to the power of food to keep alive a refugee's connection to her past and spark hope for a beautiful life.
About the Author
Chantha Nguon was born in Cambodia and spent two decades as a refugee, until she was finally able to return to her homeland. She is the co-founder, of the Stung Treng Women's Development Center, a social enterprise that offers a living wage, education, and social services to women and their families in rural northeastern Cambodia. A frequent public speaker, she has appeared at universities and on radio and TV news programs, including NPR's Morning Edition. She cooks often for friends, family, and for private events. An excerpt from Slow Noodles in Hippocampus was named a Longreads Best Personal Essay in 2021. Kim Green is an award-winning writer and public radio producer and contributor based in Nashville. Her work has appeared in Fast Company, the New York Times, and on NPR's Weekend Edition, Marketplace, and The New Yorker Radio Hour. A licensed pilot, she was formerly a flight instructor.
Palomino
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket – truly amazing! ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. Audiobooks made simple – this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air.
Gumby Train
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. I can't stop raving about this app – it's like having a personal library in my pocket. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom!
Po1son
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read – this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚 ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures.
Mother Hen
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in – all thanks to this app. I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information.
Y0dler
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience – a fantastic feature. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning.
Mother Hen
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. 🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼 ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities.
ZenaCake
Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. 🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚 ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Woo Woo
Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent.
Twinkle Cutlass
Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is commendable. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library.
Killah Goose
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful!
QuantumQuill
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
ChatterChampion
This app has completely transformed my commute – I look forward to it now! ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Star Scratch
The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
Lope Lope
This audiobook app is a true gem – it brings stories to life with every click. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking.
Raid Bucker
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's a convenient habit. 💼 Making work hours fly by with captivating stories – a true work-life balance! 💻📖 Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have!
Whipsaw
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers.
Miss Fix It
Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
Skull Crusher
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. Audiobook pleasure without the fuss – this app's functionality is top-notch.
Woo Woo
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged.
Chicago Blackout
This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
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