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How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water  By  cover art

How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water

By: Angie Cruz
Narrated by: Kimberly M. Wetherell, Rossmery Almonte
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Publisher's summary

This program features original sound design.

"Together, [narrators] Almonte and Wetherell are the key to this exceptional novel. A brilliantly narrated immigrant story, spiked with heart and flair, that will have patrons rooting for Cara’s success." —Library Journal

"Rossmery Almonte's pitch-perfect narration of Angie Cruz's inventive new novel transports listeners into the tumultuous, funny, heartrending world of Cara Romero...With her sibilant Spanish accent and musical intonations, Almonte's Cara is unforgettable as she launches her fierce, strong, and witty self straight into our hearts." —AudioFile Magazine

"Audiobook newbie Rossmery Almonte impressively commands most of the recording as fiercely tenacious yet surprisingly charming Cara. That Almonte shares Dominican roots with both her character and author Cruz...undoubtedly enhances the expert production." —Booklist

“One of my favorite books I have read in years.” —Quiara Alegria Hudes, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and screenwriter of In the Heights

From the beloved author of Dominicana, a GMA Book Club Pick and Women’s Prize Finalist, an electrifying and indelible new audiobook novel about a woman who has lost everything but the chance to finally tell her story.

Write this down: Cara Romero wants to work.

Cara Romero thought she would work at the factory of little lamps for the rest of her life. But when, in her mid-50s, she loses her job in the Great Recession, she is forced back into the job market for the first time in decades. Set up with a job counselor, Cara instead begins to narrate the story of her life. Over the course of twelve sessions, Cara recounts her tempestuous love affairs, her alternately biting and loving relationships with her neighbor Lulu and her sister Angela, her struggles with debt, gentrification and loss, and, eventually, what really happened between her and her estranged son, Fernando. As Cara confronts her darkest secrets and regrets, we see a woman buffeted by life but still full of fight.

Structurally inventive and emotionally kaleidoscopic, How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water is Angie Cruz’s most ambitious and moving novel yet, and Cara is a heroine for the ages.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books.

©2022 Angie Cruz (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Featured Article: The Best Latino Audiobooks to Celebrate Latino & Hispanic Heritage Month


Celebrate Latino & Hispanic Heritage Month with our list of incredible audiobooks from Latino authors. These bestsellers, hidden gems, and stand-out stories celebrate the many voices, places and traditions that make Latino and Hispanic culture. From Miami to Cuba, New York City to Mexico, these varied stories paint a beautiful picture of what it means to be Hispanic - no matter where you live.

What listeners say about How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Narrator award!

You just fall in love with Cara Romaro! Wonderful narration, you are pulled into Caras life as an immigrant that loses her job in the recession. She is such a complex character and I enjoyed listening to her life and perspective on life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Best Audiobook I ever heard!

I easily listened all the way through! The story, the narrator, and the touch of authenticity made be laugh, grin, and cry.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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  • DR
  • 10-11-23

Loved it

Such a great read/listen. It was beautiful to see Cara’s growth by the end of the book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The Narration

The narrator did so amazing. I felt the hurt, confusion, love, and strength in her voice. Reading this on my own would’ve cheated me out of this experience. Her performance added dimensionality to an already beautiful novel.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautiful story

I recommend this audiobook, cara romeros story is beautiful and the storytelling was captivating, highly recommend

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Unique perspective and portrayal

Enjoyed the orientation of this immigrant somewhat self absorbed mother told through a bureaucratic lense.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Loved the story and the audio production

Great story. I thought about many people in my life that could be Cara Romero.
I know many said they didn't like the performance but I actually thought it was authentic and endearing. Felt connected to the character. I loved the switching between the "official" voice and the character's and the NYC sound effects.
I'd recommend this book for anyone who is trying to understand a piece of the immigrant experience and also the motherhood experience. I loved the part about Cara coming to terms with her upbringing and how it comes out in her life with her own son and nephews.
Educators would also benefit from reading this book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Narrator added so much richness

The narrator for the book added so much richness. It was a great listen and an interesting story format.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Background soundscape

Background sounds, and Narrator brought story to life! Excellent storyteller and narrator! “ write that down, Cara Romero is excellent storyteller “!! Enjoyed getting to know full story of one character.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great easy to hear audiobook. Love the accent!

Liked- mostly everything, including the reader’s voice.
Unliked- Has the potential to have been a bit deeper.

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