Book description
"Ruben Reyes Jr. is a wonder." -- Héctor Tobar"These are stories to treasure and ponder, long after the last page has been turned." --Xochitl GonzalezAn electrifying debut story collection about Central American identity that spans past, present, and future worlds to reveal what happens when your life is no longer your own.An ordinary man wakes one morning to discover he's a famous reggaetón star. An aging abuela slowly morphs into a marionette puppet. A struggling academic discovers the horrifying cost of becoming a Self-Made Man.In There Is a Rio Grande in Heaven, Ruben Reyes Jr. conjures strange dreamlike worlds to explore what we would do if we woke up one morning and our lives were unrecognizable. Boundaries between the past, present, and future are blurred. Menacing technology and unchecked bureaucracy cut through everyday life with uncanny dread. The characters, from mango farmers to popstars to ex-guerilla fighters to cyborgs, are forced to make uncomfortable choices--choices that not only mean life or death, but might also allow them to be heard in a world set on silencing the voices of Central Americans.Blazing with heart, humor, and inimitable style, There Is a Rio Grande in Heaven subverts everything we think we know about migration and its consequences, capturing what it means to take up a new life--whether willfully or forced--with piercing and brilliant clarity. A gifted new storyteller and trailblazing stylist, Reyes not only transports to other worlds but alerts us to the heartache and injustice of our own.
About the Author
Ruben Reyes Jr. is the son of two Salvadoran immigrants and the author of There Is a Rio Grande in Heaven. A graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop and Harvard College, his writing has appeared in The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, Lightspeed Magazine, and other publications. Originally from Southern California, he now lives in Brooklyn.
Bowler
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a triumph.
Roller Turtle
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience – it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style. 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.
Sandbox
I can't stop raving about this app – it's like having a personal library in my pocket. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. 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!
Frosty
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app! The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Swampmasher
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. 🎶📚 Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling – audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. 🎧🏠 Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. 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!
Crash Enforcer
I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. 🎶 Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators – audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. 🎵📚
Scooby Did
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. 📱🔊 The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Easy Mac
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser – a time-saver! ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. 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.
Tse Tse Guy
🚶♀️🎧 Walking has never been this productive – exploring new worlds while I exercise! 🏞️💫 Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. 📱🔊 ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences.
Alley Cat
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable.
Moon Peaches
This app has turned my daily routine into a source of excitement and joy. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's pure bliss. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends.
Dropkick
ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal – unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
EchoEmissary
Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Ship Whip
ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights – it's a true audio marvel. With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic!
Disco Thunder
Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true winner. 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!
Mad Rascal
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. 🚗📖 Road trips have never been this entertaining – this app keeps me engaged on the highway! 🚙🎉 Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. 🎉🎧
Light Lion
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 📱🔊 A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Flame OUT
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience – a fantastic feature. With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful!
Killer Grenade
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. 🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon – this app is my relaxation buddy! 🏖️🎧 Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's design is a reader's dream. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Roadblock
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
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