A House of My Own

By: Sandra Cisneros

Narrated by: Sandra Cisneros

Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's Summary

From the author of The House on Mango Street, a compilation of true stories and nonfiction pieces that, taken together, form a jigsaw autobiography - an intimate album of a beloved literary legend.

From the Chicago neighborhoods where she grew up and set her groundbreaking The House on Mango Street to her abode in Mexico in a region where "my ancestors lived for centuries", the places Sandra Cisneros has lived have provided inspiration for her now-classic works of fiction and poetry. But a house of her own, where she could truly take root, has eluded her. With this collection - spanning three decades and including never-before-published work - Cisneros has come home at last.

Ranging from the private (her parents' loving and tempestuous marriage) to the political (a rallying cry for one woman's liberty in Sarajevo) to the literary (a tribute to Marguerite Duras), and written with her trademark lyricism, these signature pieces recall transformative memories as well as reveal her defining artistic and intellectual influences. Poignant, honest, and deeply moving, this is an exuberant celebration of a life in writing lived to the fullest.

©2015 Sandra Cisneros (P)2015 Random House Audio

Critic Reviews

"The author of The House on Mango Street has written what may well be the best memoir of the year thus far. She seamlessly weaves 'memories' from her life from 1984-2014 (some written for specific audiences and expanded in this volume). As in her fiction and poetry, Cisneros blends family stories from Chicago and Mexico with lively storytelling, rich details, and good humor. The result is a fierce portrait of an artist and her quest, and the roads taken and not taken to find a home of her own. All readers who are interested in creative writing, memoir, American literature, and Chicana literature will appreciate this memoir, [which] deserves to find the broad and wide readership of her earlier books." (Pam Kinsburgy, Library Journal)

"An extraordinary and magical journey. Sandra Cisneros makes me so happy that I am a reader, so joyful that she is a writer, and even more exhilarated that she is part of our world. Read this book and laugh, cry and rejoice!" (Edwidge Danticat)

"Charming, tender: a warm, gently told memoir, assembled from essays, talks, tributes to artists and writers, and poems.... Cisneros chronicles the creation of [ The House on Mango Street], begun in graduate school at the University of Iowa when she was 22, and completed on the Greek island of Hydra in a whitewashed house with 'thick walls and rounded corners, as if carved from feta cheese.' Homes feature in many pieces: the apartments her family moved into, always looking for cheaper rent; the house they finally bought, where the author had a closet-sized bedroom; her house in San Antonio that she painted purple, raising objections from the city's Historic Commission. Besides reflecting on her writing, Cisneros discloses a period of severe depression when she was 33; a tantalizing family secret; and eulogies for her parents. The making of a Latina writer." ( Kirkus)

I'm a Cisneros Fan!

Any additional comments?

Sandra Cisneros is one of my favorite authors, and A House of My Own is one of her best books. It’s a collection of essays that she wrote over many years, all with the theme of owning a house. Cisneros’ life has been as interesting as her books. This memoir, of sorts, chronicled her unique journey through relationships, houses and writing. (I think that she probably would have reversed the order of importance on that list.) I listened to the Audible version, which was read by Cisneros. This is one case where I would recommend listening to the audio version. Cisneros brings all of the Spanish names and quotes to life in a way that can’t be duplicated by reading alone. I’m sure it would be a good read, but it’s a great listen!

Loved the story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes and no. The story or memoir is very interesting and I enjoyed it. But I was surprised by Sandra's voice. It sounds like a whiny child. It was almost painful to listen to it for so long. Surely she doesn't really talk like that?

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sandra is interesting and has led an interesting life.

Would you be willing to try another one of Sandra Cisneros’s performances?

No. I just can't stand to listen to her read.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My only extreme reaction was to the author's voice. But it isn't the sort of book that would make someone cry or laugh, really. It's fascinating overall.

Rich stories, wonderful narration.

This was like a hug for my feminist heart. Cisneros is raw, tender, open, fierce. It was great to get a view over time of her experiences. Really enjoyed how she incorporated Spanish and did not feel the need to translate every word. Hearing her read this was a real treat! If you are a Cisneros fan, a feminist, or are interested in Latina writers, this book is for you.

wonderful memoir

I really loved this book! having the author read this made it so much more meaningful!

This speaks to my Mexican American soul

I loved everything about this book except the fact that it had an end. when I finally finished it I just thought to myself what am I going to do now? the answer is listen again

Afternoon with a friend

House on Mango sits on my shelf and the sweet voice of Sandra Cisneros keeps me company like an old friend.

A Full Life

Would you consider the audio edition of A House of My Own to be better than the print version?

More sound effects

What was one of the most memorable moments of A House of My Own?

Her travels in Greece, Bosnia and Mexico.

Which scene was your favorite?

Greek island adventures!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Her own life was the best story she ever wrote...

Any additional comments?

She alternates from being very wise and deep to being shrill and childish.
It wasn't always pleasant but it's honest.

A lovely book that will touch your heart.

A magnificent book with lovely stories that can help heal nostalgic souls through imagination
Gracias!

Lovely Memoir-ish

What made the experience of listening to A House of My Own the most enjoyable?

Sandra Cisneros is a lovely and relatable voice. The book is a collection of introductions, commissioned pieces, and essays written by Sandra Cisneros over the years. There are a few introductions to various editions of House on Mango Street, introductions to other authors' work (so be prepared to read some other books as a result of this one like Time of the Doves and Open Veins of Latin America), essays about art that is difficult to find on the internet, and music. My favorite thing about this book is the vulnerable honesty that Sandra Cisneros shares. She admits to feeling not entitled to be a writer and artist. She admits to relationship trouble. She admits to writer's block and the difficulty of art and inspiration. She admits to financial trouble. I think most people can relate to her struggles - especially people suffering from impostor syndrome. The book is read by the author, which I usually enjoy, but it does take some getting used to. Her voice is a little bit high, so listen to the sample to see if you will like it.

Sandra Cisneros gives us a glimpse into her life

What made the experience of listening to A House of My Own the most enjoyable?

I love Sandra Cisneros, and though this book is not a work of fiction, Sandra narrates the story of her life, and brings us up from her childhood through her education as a young poet and write, into her current life. Insightful, and engaging.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A House of My Own?

I love hearing about her childhood

Which character – as performed by Sandra Cisneros – was your favorite?

No characters, just her

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

A must read for those who are students of Ethnic Studies, or Women's Studies