A Dream Called Home: A Memoir
Written by Reyna Grande
Narrated by Yareli Arizmendi
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
From bestselling author of the remarkable memoir The Distance Between Us comes an inspiring account of one woman’s quest to find her place in America as a first-generation Latina university student and aspiring writer determined to build a new life for her family one fearless word at a time.
As an immigrant in an unfamiliar country, with an indifferent mother and abusive father, Reyna had few resources at her disposal. Taking refuge in words, Reyna’s love of reading and writing propels her to rise above until she achieves the impossible and is accepted to the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Although her acceptance is a triumph, the actual experience of American college life is intimidating and unfamiliar for someone like Reyna, who is now estranged from her family and support system. Again, she finds solace in words, holding fast to her vision of becoming a writer, only to discover she knows nothing about what it takes to make a career out of a dream.
Through it all, Reyna is determined to make the impossible possible, going from undocumented immigrant of little means to “a fierce, smart, shimmering light of a writer” (Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild); a National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist whose “power is growing with every book” (Luis Alberto Urrea, Pultizer Prize finalist); and a proud mother of two beautiful children who will never have to know the pain of poverty and neglect.
Told in Reyna’s exquisite, heartfelt prose, A Dream Called Home demonstrates how, by daring to pursue her dreams, Reyna was able to build the one thing she had always longed for: a home that would endure.
Reyna Grande
Born in Mexico, Reyna Grande is the author of the bestselling memoirs The Distance Between Us and its sequel, A Dream Called Home, as well as the novels Across a Hundred Mountains, Dancing with Butterflies, and A Ballad of Love and Glory. Reyna has received an American Book Award, the El Premio Aztlán Literary Award, and a Latino Spirit Award. The young reader’s version of The Distance Between Us received an International Literacy Association Children’s Book Award. Her work has appeared in the New York Times and the Washington Post’s The Lily, on CNN, and more. She has appeared on Oprah's Book Club and has taught at the Macondo Writers Workshop, VONA, Bread Loaf, and other conferences for writers.
More audiobooks from Reyna Grande
The Distance Between Us: Young Readers Edition Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Across a Hundred Mountains: A Novel Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Distance Between Us: A Memoir Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
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Reviews for A Dream Called Home
50 ratings3 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Reyna Grande is GRANDE. I don't get enough of her Life stories happy ending stories through out a painfully journey!!! Remarkable !!
Thank you Reyna GRANDE. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A very timely read. In the states one would have to living under a rock to not realize how the immigration is dividing our country. I'm not going to offer my opinion on this issue, just state my thoughts on this memoir. Her father came first, than her mother, finally when she was nine her father came back for the three children. All illegal, they were caught twice by patrols and sent back to Tijuana, the third time they made it. They settled in California, but by now her family was fractured, her father a difficult, hard drinking man. Reyna vowed she would make something of herself, work hard, go to college and make the most of her opportunities here in America.She does, and in a honest, no holds barred voice, she tells us of her journey, book mentally and physically. Never feeling like she fit anywhere, her difficulties in defining herself, her heritage, culture. The fear of being illegal, though that has been remedied, of getting caught, sent back. Her fear of not making it, not being strong enough, smart enough. Working hard,while in school, taking other jobs,smsll shared apartments, having to watch how every penny was spent. Her struggle with her family, trying to make them proud of her but never succeeding no matter how much she thrived. She does learn more about their own upbringing later, that helps her understand their actions. Her fisits back to the poor village she was from to see her grandmother, other family that still lived there. Realizing she now didn't fully fit in either place.Such an interesting and heartfelt story, putting a face to those who come here to escape poverty, for opportunities. I admire her moxie, and if you read this I think you will too.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This is a life story that touches on so many topics that we all can fine one or more of the topics covered that we will relate to. The author is an extremely capable writer, conveying her emotions and hopes throughout her long journey. First, from just having a dream, through the many steps and hurdles to reach it and the unexpected turns that she must navigate. Along the way, the reader experiences herfear, determination, and joy at each step she completes. Like life, she makes a few steps that are out of place but she recovers and we can relate to that also.For people who have met those who either came from Mexico, or whose parents came from Mexico you will recognize how accurate the culture is portrayed, and how great the change will be for those making the shift to American life.I had met many migrants decades ago when I was deer hunting with my dad near the border. I found all of them to be very honest and motivated, even while enduring the hardship of travelling on foot through heat, cold and thornbrush, I found these people very noble and motivated to become a positive part of our country. This is not how the news media was portraying then or now. But I saw it myself so I know that this writer's story rings true for those people I encountered, and there were no exceptions.I look forward to reading the author's other works.The book will captivate anyone who has had dreams that are difficult and slow to obtain.