A Dream Called Home

By: Reyna Grande

Narrated by: Yareli Arizmendi

Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's Summary

“Here is a life story so unbelievable, it could only be true.” (Sandra Cisneros, best-selling author of The House on Mango Street) 

From best-selling 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. 

©2018 Reyna Grande (P)2018 Simon & Schuster

Beautiful

I just finished listening and really loved the story. It drew me in and I looked forward to resuming it each morning on my daily commute. Also, the reader did a wonderful job.

great story!!

Ms. Grande, great story! In addition, I'm so happy you have Ms. Arzmendi as your reader a great compliment to your story.

Great read

I have the privilege of being friends with the author. It’s always interesting when you’re reading a memoir about someone you know. However, I feel that Reyna’s book Is an intimate portrait of the immigrant experience and you really get to see it through her eyes. It’s a very timely and important book in a recommend it highly. It is definitely one of those books that keeps you reading and or listening to and you’re sad when it’s over.

Interansente...of been immigrant Latino

Love from the beginning of how the reread, flow the story. I read & listening to books at work, and I always look for something from my own culture of been a Latino. I noticed this book on my audio application Amazon app, and wanted to have the chance of read or listened, finally after a month of waiting.... I love it can wait to listen some more at work thanks for writing this Book, I will recommend to my Daughters and friends.

Authentic Mexican story

As a Mexican American I was able to relate and I felt this book was authentic with genuine stories. Can’t wait to listen to the other books. Very happy I found this book.

Beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring

Beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring. Explores not only the immigrant story but themes of abuse, love, forgiveness, and education.

fantastic read!

I was vividly living Reyna's experiences, she allowed me to positively relive my memories! outstanding, easy ready and the narrator was awesome.

Great book.

Really enjoyed this book, I could relate on several chapters as an immigrant Latina with all the dysfunction and successes. Reynas perseverance to want better in life.

A must read for immigrant kids

A touching story for immigrant kids who are struggling to find peace, forgiveness and looking for others who’ve done the same.

So touching

I loved listening to this book. Once I started it, I couldn’t stop. Reyna’s story felt so warm and loving. Her story took me to places in myself that I had forgotten were there. I connected to myself and my immigrant parents in a more accepting and loving way.

Great story

I have read "The distance between us" first and was disappointed that many details from it were repeated in this book.
However, this book is about the authors experience once being in the US, whereas the first book talked more about the time spent in her home town and the border crossing.

I found the story a good read, interesting and inspiring. The inclusion of Spanish expressions made it tangible and enjoyable for me also.